A durable power of attorney is a document you can use to appoint another person (called an agent or attorney-in-fact) to act on your behalf during your lifetime in case you become unable to manage your own affairs. We recommend that everyone over 18 years of age should have a power of attorney.

Why have one?
A durable power of attorney is an alternative to a conservatorship (also referred to as a guardianship) court proceeding. In a conservatorship, a judge will choose a person to make financial and health care decisions for you. Like probate, this is a very costly, time-consuming, complex and public process. The good news is that it can be avoided by having a durable power of attorney! A durable power of attorney is one of the documents included in a will based or living trust based estate plan with LivingTrustify. Prepare your estate plan today.

Who needs one?
Anyone who wants to avoid conservatorship, which should be everyone! Note that a spouse, child or other family member does not have the automatic authority to make decisions for an adult who is unable to manage their own affairs. It is critical to take action now and name someone of your own choosing, not a judge’s, to make financial decisions for you.