How To Choose Your Power Of Attorney

Eldercare, Funeral Pre-Planning, Power of Attorney, Wills

Choosing your power of attorney is a serious matter.

This is someone you’re going to trust to ensure your final wishes are carried out, your best interests are maintained, and that those you care for are taken care of. Even after you are physically or mentally no longer capable of doing these things, the POA you choose will be able to make sure all matters concerning your life and estate are managed in as straightforward a manner as possible.

The ultimate decision of choosing your power of attorney is a grave matter. However, understanding the process of how one goes about choosing a power of attorney is fairly simple.

Choose Your Power Of Attorney

When you’re going about the process of choosing your power of attorney, someone who is going to manage some of the most crucial and intimate details of your life, there are a number of things you’re going to want to keep in mind:

  1. Given that your POA is someone who is going to be responsible for handling your financial and legal affairs, it’s just commonsense to choose someone who has a strong degree of experience in both of these fields. It may also be a good idea to consider someone who has experience in dealing with family members or other individuals who may try to alter your wishes after you are no longer capable of speaking for yourself.
  2. There are a number of qualities you need to look for in a worthy POA. These qualities include someone who has a keen ability to appreciate details, someone who understands what the position will entail and takes those responsibilities seriously, someone who knows how to handle a business and various money matters, and someone who is able to work with attorneys and accountants.
  3. It should go without saying that the POA you choose is someone you know you can trust.
  4. When choosing a POA, consider a lengthy, conversational interview process. Discuss with the potential candidate everything that you would require of them as your POA. You can gauge things like how competent they will be in the job, and whether or not they are someone you are going to be able to trust, simply by paying attention to the sorts of answers they give you.

In the end, choosing someone to operate as your power of attorney can involve a good deal of critical thinking and careful research. You want to be confident in the decision you’re making.