Selecting someone to act as your Power of Attorney (POA) is one of the most important decisions you make in your estate plan. This person may handle your finances, manage bills, make legal decisions, or—depending on the type of POA—assist with important medical choices if you’re unable to do so.
Because the role carries significant authority and responsibility, choosing the right person matters. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision.
Before you choose someone, be sure you know which role you’re assigning:
Allows someone to manage your finances if you become incapacitated.
Examples of tasks include:
Allows a trusted person to make medical decisions on your behalf.
Grants authority for a specific task only—such as signing paperwork for a real estate closing while you’re traveling.
Knowing the type of POA helps you select the right person for the job.
Trust is the number-one factor. Your agent should be:
Many people choose a spouse or adult child, but loved ones aren’t always the right choice. Pick the person who would manage your affairs thoughtfully and without personal conflict.
Not everyone is suited for every role. Ask yourself:
Someone who is trustworthy but overwhelmed with work, caregiving, or travel may not be the best fit.
Life is unpredictable—your first choice may become unavailable.
Always name:
This built-in flexibility prevents delays and keeps the court from needing to step in.
Once you choose your agent:
Clear communication helps prevent confusion and conflict later.
Your Power of Attorney is your strongest protection in case of incapacity. Without it, your family may need to pursue court-supervised guardianship—an expensive, slow, and emotionally draining process.
Choosing the right agent now ensures:
If you’re unsure who to select—or want help structuring your POA documents—our office can guide you through the options and help ensure your estate plan is both legally sound and personalized for your situation.
