Los Angeles Lawyer for Power of Attorneys

What Does a Power of Attorney Do?

A Power of Attorney allows you to appoint another to act for you when you are unable to do so. This person then becomes your "Agent" or "Attorney-in-Fact." He or she may be authorized to do very simple tasks such as writing checks for you or very complex jobs such as selling your house or running your business. The Power of Attorney can also be of very general nature, giving your Agent the authority to do everything you would normally do or it can be for one specific purpose or task only, such as selling a property or vehicle.  

You can name anyone to be your Agent in the Power of Attorney. Most often, it's a trusted family member or friend. Our Los Angeles lawyers for Power of Attorneys can tailor the document to fit your requirements.

Types of Power of Attorneys

There are four types of Power of Attorneys. Your choice will depend on how much authority to want to grant your agent, when he or she will begin acting for you, and when you want that authority terminated.

The four types are called:

• Limited Power of Attorney -- for a limited time period
• General Power of Attorney -- allows someone to take over generally
• Durable Power of Attorney -- begins after you become incapacitated
• Springing Power of Attorney -- effective if you become incapacitated and defining what events constitute the state of incapacitation

An attorney at our firm can go over these types with you so that you can make an informed decision about your Power of Attorney.

Helping Those Who Need a Power of Attorney

There's more to estate planning than just establishing who is going to get your money and property through a will or trust. You may need someone to oversee your legal or business affairs if you become unable to do so through illness, disability, of some other form of incapacitation. At the Law Offices of David A. Shapiro, a Professional Corporation, a Los Angeles attorney for Power of Attorneys can assist you in drawing up such a document to specifically fit your needs.