Power of Attorney in Columbia, Tennessee

Find the right Power of Attorney attorney in Columbia, TN

Power of attorney in Columbia, Tennessee is a legal setup in which one person (the principal) grants another (the attorney-in-fact) the authority to make legally binding decisions on his or her behalf. This is done for a variety of reasons, both personal and business-related, but it is frequently done to permit the attorney-in-fact to make critical decisions for the principal in the event that the principal becomes incapacitated or disabled, and thereby unable to make his or her own decisions.

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 instance, some people have specific wishes, whether based on religion or personal preference, about how they should be cared for at the end of their life. Oftentimes, people who are at the end of their lives become unable to express their wishes. Consequently, it becomes necessary to have somebody else who knows what they would want, and has the legal authority to give effect to those wishes.

Usually, you can find forms in Columbia, Tennessee that let you easily draft a power of attorney document. However, if a considerable amount of money is at stake, or you wish to grant very specific and limited powers, you should probably consult with a lawyer beforehand.

Types of Power of Attorney Arrangements in Columbia, Tennessee

In Columbia, Tennessee, power of attorney can take three general forms. They are as follows:

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 commonly 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 authority 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 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 - 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 Columbia, Tennessee Lawyer Help?

While setting up power of attorney in Columbia, Tennessee 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 Columbia

Columbia, Tennessee is home to just under 40,000 residents, and located just 45 miles south of the state's capital Nashville. Columbia was also the birthplace of the nation's 11th president, James K. Polk and boasts a variety of athletic, cultural, and other activities for its residents and visitors to enjoy on their visit to Columbia. There are also lots of historical plantation homes in the city of Columbia that draw many visitors.

Columbia, Tennessee is located in Maury County, abutting the beautiful Duck River. Columbia is famous for Mule Day-- a week long celebration every April dedicated to all things Mule which the city of Columbia attributes to having a very formative role in the colonization of the city. Every year, Mule day attracts over 1,000 spectators from all over the United States.

Not just known for mules, Columbia, Tennessee also has quality legal services to offer with great lawyers eager to serve their clients. The nearest law school to Columbia is Vanderbilt, located in Nashville. There are many other local law schools, producing quality lawyers every year. Columbia is home to many talented lawyers that specialize in a range of legal practices. Columbia lawyers are available to help with any legal problem you may encounter!

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