Your Power of Attorney: Getting Started

A power of attorney is a legal document allowing another person or entity you choose (called your agent) to act on your behalf, in terms of financial matters such as handling your finances and paying bills.

With a power of attorney, you ensure that if you cannot take care of items yourself, your affairs will still be handled. In the document, you give your agent authority only for the types of transactions you desire. For example, you could have someone perform any of the following tasks:

• Write checks
• Borrow money
• Sell assets
• Manage property
• Handle legal claims
• Gain entry to safe-deposit boxes
• Prepare and file tax returns
• Deal with insurance and retirement benefits
• Exercise stockholder rights
• Contract for services
• Make gifts to family and charitable organizations

Your power can be drafted to become effective now or later, if you become mentally incapacitated (a springing power).

	Get more helpful estate planning tips.

A power of attorney must be signed by you and may need to be witnessed or notarized, depending on state law. Your selected agent could be your spouse or adult child, a financial professional, or an organization such as a bank. Choose someone you trust to honor your wishes. If you select an individual, name a successor in case the first person predeceases you.

Do You Need a Power of Attorney?
Yes! In case of a sudden accident or prolonged illness or incapacity, you'll want someone you trust to have the legal right to make financial decisions you would typically make, until you're able to make those decisions for yourself again.

When Does This Document End?
This document is used only while you are living and becomes null and void upon your death.

Where Do I Go for Help?
Because the laws vary from state to state, consult an estate planning attorney for more information.

Learn more about how to prepare for the meeting with your attorney.

Please contact Tim Enstice at 757-962-8213 or plannedgiving@peta.org to learn how a gift to PETA can fit into your overall estate plans.