Jackson Power of Attorney Lawyer

The thought of being incapacitated and unable to care for ourselves—or even make decisions on our own behalf—is a scary one. One step we can take to protect our interests is to give trusted friends and confidants authority to act in these circumstances. That’s the purpose behind granting someone else power of attorney in regard to our finances and our healthcare decisions. 

Attorney Wes Stover is a Jackson power of attorney lawyer with over 30 years of experience. Call (601) 401-8996 today or contact us online to schedule a free virtual or in-person consultation.

Financial Power of Attorney

The need for a financial power of attorney (POA) can arise for any number of reasons. Mental incapacitation—as judged by the courts, in conjunction with medical professionals—is one possibility. Or, physical incapacitation can simply prevent someone from getting to their financial institutions to take care of needed business. Whatever the circumstances, financial POA is where you pick the person you want to place in charge on your behalf. 

Having a designated financial POA you trust offers the following advantages: 

• Continuity of financial management: By appointing a financial power of attorney, you allow your financial affairs to be managed smoothly even if you are unable to do so yourself. This can be particularly crucial in situations where you experience a sudden illness or injury. Your designated agent can step in and handle financial transactions, pay bills, manage investments, and hopefully keep your ship running smoothly. 
• Avoid the courts: Without a financial power of attorney in place, it may be necessary for your loved ones to go through the court process of establishing guardianship or conservatorship over your affairs. This can be a time-consuming and costly legal proceeding. By designating a financial power of attorney in advance, you can bypass this process and ensure the person in charge is someone you trust. 
• Flexibility and customization: When designating a financial power of attorney, you have the ability to tailor the scope of their authority to suit your specific needs and preferences. You can grant them broad powers to handle all financial matters or limit their authority to certain areas. This flexibility allows you to maintain as much control as you can handle, while still getting needed help.
• Protection against financial exploitation: By choosing someone you trust implicitly, you reduce the risk of unauthorized individuals gaining access to your assets or making financial decisions that could be harmful to your interests. Your financial POA is legally obligated to act in your best interest and can be held legally accountable for any misconduct.

Medical Power of Attorney

The medical POA role arises when someone has become mentally unable to make their own decisions. As with financial POA, this is a determination that happens in the legal system, with testimony from medical professionals. 

Here are some benefits of designating a medical POA: 

• Prompt Decision-Making: In urgent medical situations, having a medical power of attorney in place can expedite decision-making and allow for timely medical care to be provided. Without a designated agent, healthcare providers may face delays or obstacles when attempting to obtain consent or make treatment choices. 
• Protect Your Personal Values: A medical power of attorney provides an opportunity to align your healthcare decisions with your personal values and beliefs. By selecting someone who understands your desires and principles, you can trust that they will advocate for treatments and interventions that are in accord with those wishes. This is particularly relevant in end-of-life decision-making. 
• Protect Your Loved Ones: Appointing a medical power of attorney can alleviate the emotional burden placed on family members or loved ones who would otherwise have to make difficult medical decisions on your behalf. By designating a trusted individual to act as your healthcare agent, you relieve your loved ones of the responsibility of making potentially stressful and emotionally charged decisions during challenging times.