My mother has Alzheimers disease. Is it too late for her to create a Power of Attorney that would allow me to handle her financial afairs?
The answer to this question depends on how far the disease has progressed. If your mother is in the first stages of the disease and still understands the power that she is giving to you, the answer is probably that, she still has enough mental competence to sign a valid power of attorney. However, if the disease has advanced to the point that her ability to make financial decisions is in question, then a power of attorney that she might sign may be invalid. In cases of doubt, perhaps a letter from a physician who has examined her can be obtained. A statement in the letter that she still has the ability to understand financial matters may be sufficient evidence to make the power of attorney valid.
