Powers of Attorney in Michigan

Comprehensive estate planning is about more than making sure your wishes for your assets are clearly laid out. In the event that you are incapacitated or otherwise unable to make decisions about your health and/or finances, it is important to have a plan in place to ensure someone you trust has the power to make those decisions.

Powers of attorney are quickly becoming a must-have document in any estate plan. But, as with any estate planning document, a poorly drafted power of attorney has little value. At Willis Law, you can rely on our experienced Kalamazoo power of attorney lawyers to make sure your power of attorney documents are tailored to your unique circumstances and goals.

Call Willis Law at 888-461-7744 or contact us online today to learn more about powers of attorney in Michigan or to schedule a free consultation. 

What Is A Power of Attorney?

A power of attorney is a legal document that grants someone else the authority to act on behalf of another person in certain matters. The person granting the power of attorney is referred to as the "principal," while the person receiving the authority is called the "agent" or "attorney-in-fact."
The power of attorney can be broad or limited, depending on the specific powers granted. It can cover financial transactions, property management, healthcare decisions, or other legal matters. The principal has the ability to define the scope and duration of the power of attorney.
It is important to note that a power of attorney only remains valid while the principal is mentally competent. If the principal becomes incapacitated, the power of attorney may be revoked or transferred to a different agent through a court process. 
 

Responsibilities That Come Along With A Power of Attorney 

Here are some common powers and responsibilities that a power of attorney may grant to the agent:

• Financial Matters: The agent can manage the principal's finances, including banking transactions, paying bills, managing investments, and handling tax-related matters.
• Property Transactions: The agent can buy, sell, or manage the principal's real estate, vehicles, and other assets.
• Legal Matters: The agent may have the authority to engage in legal proceedings, sign legal documents, and represent the principal in legal matters.
• Healthcare Decisions: A healthcare power of attorney grants the agent the authority to make medical decisions on the principal's behalf if they become incapacitated or unable to make their own healthcare choices.

It's important to note that a power of attorney can be general or specific. A general power of attorney grants broad powers to the agent to act on the principal's behalf in various matters, while a specific or limited power of attorney grants authority only for specific transactions or areas of responsibility.

The power of attorney document is typically created while the principal is still competent and can specify when it becomes effective. It can also include instructions on how the agent should handle specific situations or limitations on their authority.

Creating a power of attorney can provide peace of mind and ensure that someone trusted is appointed to make important decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so yourself. It is advisable to consult with an experienced Kalamazoo power of attorney lawyer to understand the specific requirements and implications of a power of attorney in your jurisdiction.

Why Powers of Attorney?

Not only do powers of attorney create a plan for allowing someone to act on your behalf when incapacitated, they also help individuals and families avoid probate court and the appointment of a guardian or conservator, which can be a very complex process.

Health Care Power of Attorney in MI

Health care powers of attorney allow you to designate an individual you trust to make decisions about your health care, including your preferences on how to handle end-of-life issues. If you already have a living will in order to make your wishes clear, it is important to still have a health care power of attorney in place to make sure someone you trust has the authority to carry out your wishes and make those treatment decisions on your behalf.

Michigan Durable Power of Attorney

This document will allow you to designate someone as your financial power of attorney. This will facilitate the management of your financial affairs by someone you trust while you are incapacitated.

Choosing the Right Power of Attorney Lawyers in Michigan

Contact us online or call (888) 461-7744 today to schedule a free initial consultation with a Michigan power of attorney lawyer. We have office locations in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids and Paw Paw for your convenience.