Incapacity Planning Topics

"Amanda was a pleasure to work with and made easy work of an unpleasant-to-contemplate task. She made thoughtful suggestions for our estate planning that helped us formulate end-of-life plans we were comfortable with. We most appreciated her scheduling multiple consultations so we did not feel rushed to make such important decisions.” J.M. & D.M.

What is a Power of Attorney?


An estate plan helps make a plan for your property after you die, but a Power of Attorney allows you to appoint another person to act on your behalf, if you are incapacitated. It is not unusual to have a period of incapacity during one’s life, especially in the event of an extended illness. Without incapacity planning, like a Power of Attorney, your family may need to ask the court for a conservatorship to have the legal authority to act of your behalf to manage your financial affairs. Having a valid Power of Attorney can eliminate the need for a costly conservatorship in the event of your incapacity. When you appoint another person to act on your behalf with a Power of Attorney, that person is called your “attorney in fact.” Appointing another individual as your attorney in fact has important legal implications. Your attorney can help advise you as to the benefits and risks of a Power of Attorney and on how to select an appropriate attorney in fact.