What to Know about Using Power of Attorney Amid a Pandemic

Throughout your lifetime, there are some instances when you need to have an agent or attorney make legal decisions for you. The chances are that you have a health condition or disability that requires you to have someone take care of your needs. This agent or attorney must be authorized by law to handle your property, finances, or medical care. This is where a power of attorney (POA) comes into the picture. This legal aspect is all the more necessary during a global pandemic, especially when you need someone to take care of you and your needs with your best interests in mind. 

In this article, we will share what you need to know about using a power of attorney amid a pandemic:

What a Power of Attorney is

By definition, a Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document authorizing one person (agent or attorney) to act for another person (the principal). This agent will have the power to make legal decisions for the principal and handle things such as the property, finances, or medical care. 

In most cases, you’ll have an Attorney for Property or an Attorney for Personal Care. Here’s what you can expect from them:

• Attorney for Property: Your agent will make decisions on anything revolving around your real estates, such as your home, cottage, or even mortgage.
• Attorney for Personal Care: Your agent will make decisions for your personal care, including areas such as healthcare, medical treatments, hygiene, and even nutrition. Having someone provide you with personal care is necessary, particularly if you are disabled or have an illness.

Here at Ontario Wills, we understand the need to establish a Power of Attorney, especially during a global pandemic. However, we know that different circumstances require different solutions. For this reason, our legal solutions are deemed appropriate for your needs. Whether it’s POA for your property or personal care, our attorneys in Ontario have got you covered!

How to establish a POA

If you’re looking to set a Power of Attorney, here are the steps you’ll need to make:

• Obtain forms from a local lawyer’s office
• Fill these forms out accurately
• Have them notarized
• Keep copies of the agreement for your personal record

When it comes to this process, it’s best to contact and work with a qualified lawyer to help you set up your POA documents. That way, your POA assignment will be valid and enforceable.

Signs of a POA misuse 

It’s important that you must be careful of POA misuse or abuse. That way, you can ensure that your agent will always have your best interests in mind and not have ulterior motives. Below are suspicious activities you must be wary of, especially when your hired agent:

• Restricts others from communicating with you
• Does not provide you with adequate food, proper clothing, and necessary medications
• Withdraws money from your bank account for personal use
• Disposes of your property without granting your personal wishes or considering your needs

Conclusion

At this point, you now know what power of attorney (POA) is and how it works. As such, be sure to consider all the valuable information discussed above, and check to see if you need a POA during this global pandemic and work with a highly reputable lawyer who can help you every step. Ultimately, doing so will help you rise above this pandemic and have your personal needs taken care of!

We have a team of highly qualified lawyers in Ontario, CA, offering legal services such as estate planning, making legal wills, drafting wills, and establishing the Power of Attorneys. If you’re looking to have a POA, get in touch with us today to see how we can help!