Granting power of attorney authorization is a strategy frequently used with estate planning methods. It is also a vital element for business owners or those with financial investments.

There are five main kinds of POA documents used. Each requires a Principal and Agent; also known as as the Attorney-in-Fact. The Principal is the person creating the form and handing over power to the Agent. Agents are only authorized to perform the duties described in the power of attorney template.

Careful reflection should be given when deciding on an agent. This person must be an adult and capable of taking on necessary responsibilities. Agents have access to personal data, so they should be an individual that can be trusted to protect confidential information.

Appointing a personal healthcare representative is an extremely important decision. This person is in charge of informing physicians and medical providers of all decisions the Principal has made regarding lifesaving medical treatments.

Healthcare agents do not engage in decision-making tasks until a medical professional files a letter of incompetency stating the Principal is incapable of making medical decisions on their own.

Power of attorney requirements can put agents in a difficult position; particularly those responsible for duties of making medical choices. Healthcare agents should be someone that can be counted on to assure decisions made by the Principal are carried out according to their wishes, indifferent of how other people feel about it.

The five most commonly used power of attorney documents include: Limited or Special, Durable, General, Medical, and Springing.

Limited and Special power of attorney gives permission to agents to perform a certain amount of duties for a certain period of time. This sort of template can be used for nearly all types of transactions.

It is commonly used when Principal's need their agent to perform personal or business financial dealings. Duties can include paying bills; transferring money into financial accounts; buying or selling realty, cars and trucks, or other types of titled property; and managing investment accounts.

Power of attorney privileges only extend until agents perform required duties.
Once tasks are completed POA privileges expire and agents are relieved of responsibilities.

Durable power of attorney is one of the most often used forms. This kind of POA permits agents to act as the Principal's attorney in fact. They can carry out duties related to personal finance, business management, and legal or tax matters.

Agents are granted broad authority that remain in effect until the Principal revokes rights or passes away. If a spouse is designated as the agent and the couple later divorces, powers are automatically revoked.

Principals may need to create a revocation of powers form. It is best to seek legal counsel to ensure appropriate protocol is followed when divorce takes place and a power of attorney document in is effect.

General power of attorney permits agents to perform a multitude of duties. This form can be used to permit agents to manage personal finances; take part in real estate transactions; buy or sell motor vehicles; oversee investment accounts; or take over management duties the Principal's company.

Medical power of attorney is an integral part of of estate planning. This document charges agents with the responsibility of making medical choices for the Principal if they are declared incompetent.

Agents do not participate with healthcare decisions until a medical professional declares the Principal incompetent. This normally occurs when a person sustains a critical injury; is in a coma; or is put on life support.

Agents are not permitted to make certain medical choices including decisions about abortion or suggesting that the Principal be institutionalized in a mental hospital.

Medical POA is also used to grant permission to caregivers to obtain emergency medical care for minor children. This document is usually required by licensed daycare centers, but should also be arranged for nannies and home daycare providers.

Springing power of attorney is used in circumstances that involve life-threatening injury or illness. This document permits medical providers to hand over medical records to agents. Whenever this document is created, agents are required to receive court approval regarding decisions made on behalf of the Principal.

It is always wise to retain legal counsel to ensure the proper kind of power of attorney is executed. Attorneys can offer guidance regarding how to select agents and prepare required forms for a nominal fee.