Power of Attorney in Topeka, Kansas

Find the right Power of Attorney attorney in Topeka, KS

Power of attorney in Topeka, Kansas grants one person to make specific decisions for another, under specific conditions. There are several reasons why one might grant power of attorney. However, most of them revolve around the possible incapacitation of the person granting the power - so that their wishes can be carried out even if they become unable to express them.

If you are giving someone power of attorney, it's up to you to decide precisely what kind of decisions they will be able to make, and when they'll be able to make them. In any case, however, it's very important that you completely trust the person to whom you're granting this authority, since any power of attorney, even if it's very limited in scope, can be abused. Obviously, whatever type and amount of power you wish to give will depend on your intentions, as well as many external factors.

For example, if you have very specific wishes concerning end-of-life care, you should, of course, make them clear to the person who will be operating on your behalf, and make sure they are prepared to carry them out. You should then grant them power of attorney, with the scope limited to specific healthcare and financial decisions. That way, if you become incapacitated, your loved one will be able to carry out your wishes, even if you are unable to express them.

In Topeka, Kansas, you can find pre-printed power-of-attorney forms in many office supply stores. If the agreement you want to create isn't very complex, these could be a viable and very affordable option. Of course, it never hurts to have a lawyer help.

Types of Power of Attorney Arrangements in Topeka, Kansas

Power of attorney in Topeka, Kansas takes 3 main forms. Which one is appropriate for you depends on your distinct situation. They are:

1. Limited power of attorney - this is probably the most limited type of power of attorney. It lets someone act on your behalf in a single instance. It is used most frequently in large sales transactions involving a written contract. If the closing of the deal is set to take place far away from where one of the parties is located, they can give limited power of attorney to someone who is closer. All you have to do is give that person the authority to act on your behalf in this one transaction. This authority automatically expires once the deal is finished.

2. Durable power of attorney - this gives the attorney in fact the power to make decisions on a general area of the principal's affairs (for example, the power to access the principal's assets to pay the principal's debts, or the power to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the principal). Unlike limited power of attorney, durable power of attorney does not expire unless the principal revokes it. This is useful, because it permits the attorney-in-fact to make important decisions for the principal if the principal becomes incapacitated.

3. Springing power of attorney - this is similar to durable power of attorney, but the power is conditional. That is, it does not take effect unless some particular event takes place. This event can be anything. Most frequently, however, the agreement permits the attorney-in-fact to make important medical and financial decisions for the principal, only in the event that the principal becomes incapacitated. However, there are sometimes disagreements over whether or not a person is truly "incapacitated" to the point that the power of attorney has been triggered. This can lead to a court of law having to decide the issue.

Can a Topeka, Kansas Lawyer Help?

Setting up a power of attorney arrangement in Topeka, Kansas can be easy, but it can also be very intricate. It just depends on what you're trying to do. However, if you are at all unsure about how to proceed, it would probably be a good idea to have an attorney draft the agreement for you.

Talk to a Wills, Trusts & Estates Law Attorney now!

Life in Topeka

Topeka is the capital of Kansas, located along the Kansas River in Shawnee County. According to a 2010 census, the population is around 127,473 people. Three United States Navy ships have been named after Topeka, with the name USS Topeka.

What the city is most famous for is the landmark United States Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka. This case overturned Plessy v. Ferguson and declared that segregation based on race in public schools was unconstitutional.

The city itself is the largest employer, with around 8,400 people working for the city government. The school districts and health care system also employ a significant number of the residents. Many "big name" manufacturers are located in Topeka, such as Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Payless Shoe Source, and Frito-Lay.

Some popular attractions include the Kansas Museum of History, Combat Air Museum, the Kansas State Capitol, the Brown v Board of Education National Historic Site, Westboro Neighborhood, and Topeka Zoo.

Kansas is filled with many attorneys practicing is decent sized law firms, catering to inquiries in all practice areas. Overall, Topeka is a great, well-rounded place with just a little bit of everything to enjoy.

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