St. Louis Power of Attorney Lawyer

A Power of Attorney allows you to authorize one or more individuals to manage your financial, personal and health care matters. For estate planning purposes, a durable power of attorney is used to ensure it survives your incapacitation, meaning you are unable to make your own decisions due to age, illness or injury.

Without it, no one would be authorized to pay your bills, collect your checks or make sure you are cared for. More importantly, a St. Louis Power of Attorney Lawyer allows you to specifically limit the authority of the individual you appoint as your power of attorney, and instruct them how to act on your behalf.

Why Choose Us at TdD Attorneys at Law?

• At TdD Attorneys at Law we use personalized legal strategies to find the best possible resolution to each client’s complex legal needs. Our client testimonials speak for themselves.
• Our team of attorneys in St. Louis has over 30 years of combined experience. We have set and maintained new standards of excellence in client service.
• Our power of attorney lawyers will help you plan your estate with confidence and peace of mind. We pride ourselves on establishing lifelong relationships with our clients.

What Is a Power of Attorney?

A power of attorney, or POA, is a legal document that grants someone else the authority to act on your behalf as your “agent” in certain matters. A power of attorney will clearly outline which powers are granted to the agent, as well as any terms, conditions or limitations. It will also detail how and when the authority will come into effect.

What Is Springing Power of Attorney in St. Louis?

If you would like to limit the effective date of your durable power of attorney, it can be drafted to only become effective in the event of your incapacitation. Drafted in this manner, the document is often referred to as a springing power of attorney.

What Are the Responsibilities of a Power of Attorney in the State of Missouri?

The person who wishes to create the power of attorney, known as the “principal,” can decide the responsibilities of the chosen agent. In most cases, a POA is used when the principal can no longer make decisions for himself or herself. Therefore, the power of attorney is responsible for taking actions and making decisions that the principal would have, had he or she had the capacity to do so.

A power of attorney can grant an agent various responsibilities, including:

• Managing the principal’s finances, bills, investments and property
• Maintaining records of transactions and decisions made
• Making health care or medical decisions on behalf of the principal
• Communicating with the principal about important matters and decisions
• Respecting the principal’s wishes and preferences

If you wish to create a power of attorney in St. Louis but are unsure of which powers to outline in your legal document, our attorneys can help you make these important decisions and ensure your concerns are met in the language of your POA.

Different Types of Power of Attorneys

You have more than one option if you wish to create a power of attorney in St. Louis. There are multiple types of powers of attorney available under Missouri law, each designed to serve a different purpose:

• Durable vs. non-durable power of attorney: a durable power of attorney allows an agent to act on your behalf even if you are incapacitated. It only terminates when the principal dies or a revocation is issued. A non-durable POA does not allow the agent to continue acting on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Both take effect immediately upon your signature unless the document states otherwise.

• General power of attorney: grants an agent broad authority to make a variety of legal, business, real estate and financial decisions on behalf of the principal. It is limited only by its own terms and relevant state laws. General POAs are often used when a principal needs assistance managing affairs, such as during an extended absence.

• Limited or specific power of attorney: grants an agent the authority only to make specific decisions or transactions on behalf of the principal. These documents may be limited in scope in terms of transaction type or to one individual matter alone.

• Financial power of attorney: delegates powers relating to financial matters to an agent should you become incapacitated. These powers typically include transactions involving taxes, real estate, business, investments, banking and securities. This type of POA is only enabled during incapacity.

• Health care power of attorney: assigns an agent the power to make critical health care decisions on behalf of the principal during periods of incapacity. These decisions can include medical treatments, procedures, resuscitation, general health care and end-of-life wishes.

It is important to discuss all of your options for a power of attorney with one of our lawyers before drafting your document. A POA has the power to significantly affect your life. Making the right choice is imperative for protecting your future.

What Is the Effect of Death on a Power of Attorney?

Any power of attorney becomes VOID UPON DEATH, at which time your family will have to open probate if you have a will or no estate planning or, if you have a trust, your trustee will be responsible for your affairs.

Call Our St. Louis Power of Attorney Lawyers Today

From our offices in St. Louis, the attorneys at TdD Attorneys at Law represent clients in communities throughout the metro area.

Contact our experienced attorneys at (314) 276-1318 to schedule a consultation, or you can contact us online.