What is a Power of Attorney?

What Is a Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney (POA) is one of the most important documents in estate planning. It allows you to legally authorize someone you trust—called your agent or attorney-in-fact—to act on your behalf in financial, legal, or medical matters. This can be essential if you become ill, injured, or otherwise unable to manage your affairs.

Types of Power of Attorney

There are several types of POAs, each serving a different purpose:

•  Durable Power of Attorney: Covers financial and legal decisions and remains in effect even if you become incapacitated.

•  Medical Power of Attorney: Allows your agent to make healthcare decisions if you're unable to communicate.

•  Limited or Special POA: Grants authority for a specific task or time period, such as selling a property.

•  Springing POA: Only takes effect under certain conditions, like a doctor’s certification of incapacity.

Why It Matters

Without a POA in place, your loved ones may have to go through court proceedings to gain authority to help you—costly, time-consuming, and stressful during an already difficult time. A POA gives you control, peace of mind, and a clear plan for emergencies.

How Sage Estate Planning Can Help

At Sage Estate Planning, we make it simple to create a Power of Attorney that fits your needs. Whether you need it urgently or as part of a broader estate plan, we offer:

•  Same-day service in many cases

•  Online notarization for speed and convenience

•  Clear guidance and attorney-reviewed documents

•  Referrals to trusted attorneys if legal advice is needed

A Power of Attorney isn’t just paperwork—it’s protection. Let us help you put the right plan in place.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. Sage Estate Planning is not a law firm. For legal counsel, please consult a licensed attorney.

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