Powers of Attorney
Protect Your Wishes with Our Estate Planning Lawyers in Washington, D.C.
By establishing powers of attorney, you can protect your interests should a severe accident or medical emergency occur. If you are mentally or physically incapacitated, these legal documents guarantee that a trusted person of your choosing has the authority to make medical and financial decisions on your behalf.
The primary purpose of your estate plan is to help you and your loved ones prepare for the future. Your powers of attorney documents guarantee that your personal wishes will be respected regardless of your medical circumstances. Plus, it takes away any questions your family may have when it comes to determining your personal preferences. At DiPietro Law Group, PLLC, our Washington, D.C. estate planning lawyers can help you choose which powers of attorney may best serve your unique needs.
Learn more about powers of attorney by calling our estate planning lawyers in Washinton, D.C. at (202) 902-9587.
Understanding the Different Powers of Attorney
An estate plan serves an important dual purpose. It doesn’t just make legal preparations for your passing, it also dictates which legal representatives, or “agents,” are responsible for your care if you are ill or incapacitated. This is why it’s essential to have powers of attorney documents included in your estate plan.
Washington, D.C. recognizes the following powers of attorney:
- General Power of Attorney: This legal document grants an agent the authority to handle a principal’s assets and financial affairs upon incapacitation.
- Durable Power of Attorney: This legal document is effective once it has been signed by the necessary parties. It appoints a trusted person to make healthcare and end-of-life decisions on the principal’s behalf. It is revocable at any time.
- Healthcare Power of Attorney: This legal document grants an agent the authority to make medical decisions on behalf of the incapacitated principal. This is typically included with your Advanced Healthcare Directive.
- Special Power of Attorney: This legal document gives an agent the power to handle a specific need or issue on behalf of the principal.
Giving an agent power of attorney does not prevent the you, the principal, from making financial or medical decisions for yourself.
Retain Legal Representation & Explore Your Options
It’s important to review every aspect of your estate plan with an attorney before making any critical decisions. After all, these documents can have a significant impact on your future. At DiPietro Law Group, PLLC, our estate planning lawyers in Washington, D.C. can help you draft or modify your powers of attorney documents.
We can help you make informed decisions about your future. Contact DiPietro Law Group, PLLC at (202) 902-9587 to schedule a consultation.