The good news is we are all living longer. But that comes with additional challenges. Studies show that on average we will suffer from at least three years of incapacity towards the end of our life. During this time, it is critical that someone be able to manage our legal and financial affairs. You have the opportunity to designate an agent to act for you during periods of incapacity through a Durable Power of Attorney. This Durable Power of Attorney gives your agent the ability to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf when you can’t do so.
In most cases, this spares your family significant emotional and financial costs of obtaining conservatorship. In a few rare cases where a person with incapacity might harm themselves physically, financially, or otherwise, it may still be necessary to seek a conservatorship. In such cases your Durable Power of Attorney nominates your agent for the role.
To learn more about incapacity, its challenges, and how a Durable Power of Attorney can help avoid and mitigate those challenges, please contact us to discuss your situation further.