

Partners David Ball and Michael Barry discuss the firm's Estate Planning practice, including Powers of Attorney.
HEALTH CARE DURABLE POWERS OF ATTORNEY AND DURABLE GENERAL POWERS OF ATTORNEY FOR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
WHAT IS A DURABLE POWER?
Having a durable power of attorney will remove the need for your spouse or loved ones to have conservators appointed by a court to manage and account for the financial affairs of the disabled person and the need to have guardians appointed by a court (to make decisions regarding medical care of the disabled person). Often, the disabled person has little choice as to who is appointed. Under the “durable” provision, the principal has the opportunity to select in advance who serves as his or her agent after disability.
GENERAL POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT (FINANCIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY)
Similar to a Medical Power of Attorney, a financial power can become effective at a time that meets the needs of the principal. For many people, the power will become effective immediately, without the need for disability, if their spouse is the agent. That way one spouse will have authority to act on behalf of the other spouse if one of them is not available (i.e., out of the country on business). Alternatively, a “springing” effective date can also be selected for a financial power of attorney. The springing event could be disability (as you define it), the sale of your business, or any other milestone or trigger you select.