Power of Attorney

General Power of Attorney

A general power of attorney grants the agent, referred to as an attorney-in-fact, authority over financial matters. A general poa, also called a financial power of attorney, gives the agent power over financial matters such as banking, investments, real estate, insurance and taxes.

A durable power of attorney continues in effect or takes effect when the principal is incapacitated or disabled.  Your power of attorney will be durable and can be customized to take effect immediately or when the principal becomes incapacitated (springing poa). Expand or limit the scope of your power of attorney.

A power of attorney appoints an attorney-in-fact who has a fiduciary responsibility to the principal and must act with the highest degree of good faith in the principal's behalf.  In addition, the attorney-in-fact is not permitted to transfer or gift any of the principal's property to himself/herself unless the power of attorney specifically authorizes him/her to do so. The power of attorney authorizing the powers will be provided to individuals or entities with which the attorney-in-fact conducts the principal's affairs.

Executing a power of attorney does not mean you cannot make decisions or act on your own behalf; it only means that another person can also act for you. You essentially share your power to make decisions with someone else. In addition, you may revoke the powers granted the attorney-in-fact at any time.


Last Modified: August 2010