Power of Attorney

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Life events that require a power of attorney usually come unexpected, so you need a fast and reliable service for these time sensitive documents. SOS Postal can help provide the forms needed and offers notary services as well, all under one roof.

What is a Power of Attorney?

A power of attorney, or POA, is a written authorization that allows you (referred to as the grantor, donor, or principal) to give authority to another person (or agent) to act on your behalf on your financial and legal matters. Using a power of attorney is cheaper and faster than going to the courts for guardianship proceedings.

When is a power of Attorney Needed?

A power of attorney may be needed when:

• the principal will undergo surgery

• mental or physical incapacity

• if the principal travels frequently

• military personal that will be deployed

What does a Power of Attorney do?

How much authority is given depends on the what the POA says and what type it is.

There are two main kinds of power of attorneys:

• A medical POA, or healthcare POA, is when the principal gives the agent ability to make health-related decisions when the principal is incapacitated or otherwise unable to consent to medical affairs. This form is requested by hospitals. The agent is able to make decisions regarding treatments, surgeries, which doctors and care providers the principal uses, long-term residential care, and basic care such as diet and who bathes the principal.

• A financial POA, requested by banks, allows the agent to make financial decisions on behalf of the principal. The agent can pay the principal’s bills, file taxes on behalf of the principal, collect the principal’s debts, manage property and investments, and apply for public benefits.

An agent cannot change a principal’s will, make decisions on the behalf of the principal after their death (unless stated in the will), or change or transfer POA to someone else.

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