Power of attorney in St. Clair, Michigan allows one person to make certain decisions for another, under certain 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.

The principal can state in advance the scope and nature of the attorney-in-fact's authority. The agreement should be very clear on this matter, so you give the attorney-in-fact enough authority to carry out your instructions, but not more than they need in order to accomplish your objectives. Furthermore, the attorney-in-fact should be someone you trust, such as a family member or life partner. You also need to be aware of the fact that your unique situation, as well as the actions you want the attorney to be able to take on your behalf, will help determine the most effective arrangement.

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 acting 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 certain 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 St. Clair, Michigan, you can sometimes find pre-printed forms that let you easily draft a power-of-attorney agreement. However, if your situation is particularly complex, you should probably have a lawyer draft it for you, to ensure that the agreement is enforceable, or that there are no surprises.

Types of Power of Attorney Arrangements in St. Clair, Michigan

In St. Clair, Michigan, there are 3 forms of power of attorney. They are:

1. Limited power of attorney - this lets the attorney-in-fact exercise limited authority in a single transaction. It is useful, for example, if someone is buying property in another state, and the deal is nearly complete, but a few documents need to be signed. The buyer could give a resident of that state power of attorney, allowing him or her to complete the transaction on the buyer's behalf. Conveniently, the power automatically terminates when the transaction is complete.

2. Durable power of attorney - unlike limited power of attorney, discussed above, this does not automatically expire, though the principal can end it at any time. It is usually not limited to a single transaction, either. Rather, it covers a broader subject matter, though it still has limits. For example, you could give someone durable power of attorney to make medical decisions for you, but they would only be allowed to act in that context.

3. Springing power of attorney - under this arrangement, the attorney-in-fact does not get power of attorney until the happening of some specified event. The specified event is usually the incapacity or disability of the principal, though it can be virtually any event you wish. You should be aware, however, that it is not always clear when the principal has become sufficiently "disabled" for the power of attorney to take effect. This question sometimes has to be determined by a court, which can be costly and time-consuming.

Can a St. Clair, Michigan Lawyer Help?

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