Do I need to have separate powers of attorney to deal with financial matters and personal care decisions?
No. You can create two separate powers of attorney if you wish. Or, you can create one power of attorney that deals with both your financial matters and personal care. Either way, you can appoint the same person to handle both your personal and financial matters, or you can name different persons to handle each. When does a power of attorney for personal care take effect? Generally, a power of attorney for personal care takes effect when you (the donor) are unable to participate in the decision-making process. You can set out in the power of attorney the circumstances under which the attorney would begin to make personal care decisions on your behalf. For example, you can state whether or not you wish to have a mental competency assessment before the attorney could act on your behalf. Can I give the attorney specific directions about my personal care? Yes, you may give the attorney specific instructions such as the medical procedures that you want, if you are terminally ill. Or you can
Related Questions
- Can someone appointed as an attorney under an Enduring Power of Attorney (financial) also make decisions about medical treatment?
- Can I have separate Durable Powers of Attorney for Health Care and Financial Matters and appoint different persons for each?
- Can the attorney make any decisions apart from financial ones under an enduring power of attorney?
