power of attorney
power of attorney
A Power of Attorney is a document that lets you appoint someone to represent you. If you sign a Power of Attorney, you are the principal. The person you appoint to represent you is called the agent or attorney-in-fact.
how can a power of attorney help me?
A Power of Attorney lets you authorize someone to handle a specific task, like signing documents for you while you are away. For example, your agent can sign sale documents or contracts for the purchase of a house, or to sell your car.
Or, your Power of Attorney can authorize your agent to handle on-going tasks.
Here are examples of tasks you can have your agent do:
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make bank deposits, withdrawals or other transactions
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trade stocks and bonds
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pay your bills
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buy or sell property
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hire people to take care of you
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file your tax returns
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arrange the distribution of retirement benefits
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negotiate and sign contracts
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apply for benefits like SSI or Medi-Cal
Your agent can do almost anything the Power of Attorney permits. You can also limit the kinds of financial decisions you want your agent to be able to make.