One of the biggest mistakes people make with Powers of Attorney is waiting until a health crisis occurs before trying to sign them.

One of the biggest mistakes people make with Powers of Attorney is waiting until a health crisis occurs before trying to sign them. A Durable Power of Attorney and Health Care Power of Attorney can only be signed while you still have the legal capacity to understand the documents and the authority you are granting. Unfortunately, serious illness, injury, medication, or cognitive decline can make it impossible to execute these documents when they are suddenly needed. Families are often surprised to learn that a spouse or child cannot automatically handle financial or medical decisions without proper legal authority. By signing Powers of Attorney while you are healthy and capable, you ensure that trusted individuals can step in immediately if necessary, avoiding delays, uncertainty, and potentially expensive court proceedings. Estate planning is most effective when it is completed before an emergency arises, not during one.

If you have questions about including Powers of Attorney as part of your estate plan, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today.