Power of Attorney in Fitchburg, Massachusetts

Find the right Power of Attorney attorney in Fitchburg, MA

Power of attorney in Fitchburg, Massachusetts 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.

Any power-of-attorney arrangement creates the possibility that the attorney-in-fact will abuse the power he or she has been granted, and it's simply not feasible to completely eliminate this possibility. It can be minimized, however, by giving the attorney the bare minimum amount of authority needed to carry out your wishes, and making your wishes known in writing (with copies held by at least one other person) well in advance. When granting power of attorney, you can usually grant as much authority as you want, so you need to be very careful, and only give this legal authority to somebody you know and trust. Also, you should consider your circumstances and objectives when determining what type of power to grant.

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 Fitchburg, Massachusetts, you can probably find pre-printed forms at office supply stores available for purchase. They already have the basic terms of a power-of-attorney agreement written, and just require the parties to fill in the blanks with names, dates, and a few other details.

Types of Power of Attorney Arrangements in Fitchburg, Massachusetts

There are 3 general arrangements that power of attorney can involve in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. They are:

1. Limited power of attorney - this is the most limited form of power of attorney. It lets the attorney-in-fact exercise his or her power once, and in only one instance (laid out by the principal, of course). This is typically used in business deals, if it is not convenient for the actual party to a deal to be physically present for the signing of some documents, it can be done through an attorney-in-fact. You simply need to give them the power to sign the paperwork on your behalf, and it will be just as binding as if you had signed the documents yourself.

2. Durable power of attorney - this gives the attorney-in-fact much more power than limited power of attorney. It can, in theory, give them unlimited power in a particular area of the principal's affairs. The document should lay out precisely what power the attorney-in-fact will wield. This arrangement, when used carefully, can be very useful, authorizing the attorney-in-fact to make important decisions for the principal as long as is necessary, because it does not automatically disappear after a single transaction. Additionally, the principal can revoke the power of attorney at any time.

3. Springing power of attorney - springing power of attorney is much like durable power of attorney, with one key difference: the power only takes effect upon the happening of a specific event. The principal is free to set whatever conditions they like in this arrangement, no matter how outlandish. Of course, in most cases, the setup is much more practical. A typical arrangement grants a close friend or family member to make certain decisions for someone else, but only if that person becomes unable to make them himself.

Can a Fitchburg, Massachusetts Lawyer Help?

While setting up power of attorney in Fitchburg, Massachusetts can be simple, there are some cases in which it will inevitably be complicated. In such cases, the process will be much easier if you have a knowledgeable attorney to help you along the way.

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

Life in Fitchburg

Fitchburg is the third largest city in Worcester County, Massachusetts. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 40,318 people. Fitchburg is a city big on education, being home to Fitchburg State University, and also seventeen public and private elementary and high schools.

Some fun sites to check out are Fitchburg Historical Society, the Fitchburg Art Museum, Coggshall Park, the Wallace Civic Center, and Cornerstone Performing Arts Center.

Notable residents of Fitchburg include Michael Beasley, George Crowther, Ryan Gomes, Art Longsjo, Pat Moran, and Marion Rice.

Many attorneys have established law offices in Fitchburg to take care of the legal needs of residents. These attorneys are very capable and focus on providing excellent legal services.

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