A Durable Property Power of Attorney is an agency document in which you appoint agent(s) (“attorneys-in-fact”) to handle your financial affairs while you are living and to sign all legal documents except a Will.  The Power of Attorney is durable, meaning that it will remain in effect even if you are incompetent. Generally Property Powers of Attorney are revocable, meaning they can be revoked at any time, and all powers end with your death.  A Durable Property Power of Attorney is a vital document to have in place as you never know when you might become incapacitated.  With this document your agent will have the power to pay your bills, maintain your home and take care of your finances among other things.  A Durable Property Power of Attorney also provides a private and less expensive alternative to an adult Guardianship which is a public process through the Probate Courts requiring your treating physician to report that you are unable to handle your own decisions for property, health, residence and association.

Our office also provides basic Powers of Attorney for property, advocacy, school issues and health care for persons with disabilities capable of understanding.  Oftentimes these documents serve as a meaningful substitute for imposing a full guardianship over a family member with a disability.