Power of Attorney in Springfield, Massachusetts

Find the right Power of Attorney attorney in Springfield, MA

Power of attorney in Springfield, Massachusetts grants one person to make specific decisions for another, under specific conditions. There are different reasons why one might grant power of attorney. However, most of them revolve around the possible incapacitation of the person authorizing 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 authorized, and it's simply not feasible to totally eliminate this possibility. It can be minimized, however, by giving the attorney the bare minimum amount of power 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 authorizing 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 instance, if you have very particular 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 ready 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 Springfield, Massachusetts, 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 Springfield, Massachusetts

Power of attorney in Springfield, Massachusetts takes 3 main forms. Which one is appropriate for you depends on your distinct case. They are:

1. Limited power of attorney - this is probably the most limited form 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 power to act on your behalf in this one transaction. This authority automatically expires once the deal is finished.

2. Durable power of attorney - this lets an attorney-in-fact make decisions in a certain, defined area of the principal's affairs. Durable power of attorney doesn't automatically disappear, and can last indefinitely, or until the principal revokes it. This can be very useful, because it permits the attorney-in-fact to make essential decisions for the principal, but allows the principal to revoke the power if they regain the capacity to make their own decisions.

3. Springing power of attorney - this is close 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 determine the issue.

Can a Springfield, Massachusetts Lawyer Help?

Because there are sometimes confusing issues involved in setting up power of attorney in Springfield, Massachusetts, you should consult with a lawyer beforehand. You can tell the lawyer all of the relevant details about your specific situation, and your goals, and he or she will be able to advise you on the best course of action.

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

Life in Springfield

Springfield, MA is the largest city on the Connecticut River, and the seat of Hampden County. It has a population of around 153,000 people.

Like many cities in New England, Springfield, MA has a long and rich history, much of it associated with Colonial times and the American Revolutionary War. Shortly after the Revolutionary War ended, Springfield became the site of the first populist uprising in the United States. Known as Shays' Rebellion, this revolt resulted in a fundamental change in the U.S. government, leading to the abandonment of the Articles of Confederation in favor of the Constitution which we use today. Obviously, many of the drafters of the Constitution were lawyers, and this tradition of excellence in the legal profession continues in Springfield, MA today.

Springfield, MA is commonly referred to as the "City of Progress" - and it has been home to many individuals and movements that have advanced society for the better. For example, many inventions that made the industrial revolution possible were invented in Springfield. Also, prior to and during the Civil War, Springfield, MA was one of the major centers for the abolitionist movement, with many of Springfield, MA's lawyers defending slaves who had escaped the South.

Of course, there are still many skilled and dedicated lawyers practicing law in Springfield, MA. And if you are facing a legal problem, a Springfield, MA lawyer can almost certainly help.

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