Life can take unexpected turns, which is why powers of attorney are a vital component of any complete estate plan. A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows you to designate someone you trust (your agent or “attorney-in-fact”) to make decisions and act on your behalf in specified matters.
In Arizona, it’s common to have separate powers of attorney for healthcare and financial decisions.
A Healthcare Power of Attorney lets you name an agent to make medical decisions for you if you’re incapacitated (for example, directing doctors on treatments, accessing medical records, and deciding on long-term care). Arizona law explicitly allows any adult to designate another adult to make health care decisions in this way. A Durable Financial Power of Attorney empowers your agent to manage your financial affairs – paying bills, managing bank accounts, handling real estate, filing taxes, and so forth – again, typically effective if you become unable to do so yourself. “Durable” means the document remains in effect even after you become incapacitated (which is exactly when it’s needed). By setting up these POAs, you avoid the alternative: if you become incapacitated without powers of attorney in place, your family may have to go to court to get a guardianship or conservatorship to handle your affairs. In short, powers of attorney are inexpensive, proactive measures to ensure that your chosen person is in charge if something happens, and that your wishes (both medical and financial) are carried out seamlessly.
At Bellah Law, we prepare robust, legally sound powers of attorney that give you maximum protection and peace of mind. Our attorneys will discuss your specific needs and concerns – maybe you have strong wishes about certain medical treatments, or you want to ensure your business continues running – and we’ll tailor the POA documents accordingly.
With decades of experience in Arizona estate planning, we know the precise language these documents need to satisfy state law and be readily accepted by hospitals, banks, and institutions when the time comes. We also counsel you on whom to select as your agent (and successor agents) and ensure they understand their role and responsibilities.
Bellah Law’s client-first approach especially shines here: we take what can be a dry legal document and make sure you fully understand what it does. Our bilingual staff will gladly explain each clause in English or Spanish, as needed, so you’re confident that your “poder legal” reflects your wishes. We’ll cover scenarios like: Do you want your healthcare agent to follow a living will or specific instructions? What powers should your financial agent have immediately versus only upon incapacity?
By addressing these questions, we create POAs that are clear, comprehensive, and customized. Once your powers of attorney are signed and in place, you can live your life knowing that if fate throws a curveball, Bellah Law has helped ensure your medical care and financial affairs will be in the best possible hands.