Imagine you get in a car accident and can’t make medical decisions for yourself. Or you start to experience memory decline and can no longer manage day-to-day operations for your business. Maybe you are suddenly deployed overseas and need someone to coordinate the sale of your home.
These situations aren’t far-fetched. They happen to Nevada families every day, and having a power of attorney can make a huge difference.
What powers of attorney do
A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that gives someone you trust the authority to act on your behalf. This person is called your agent or attorney-in-fact. There are different types of POAs:
- General power of attorney gives your POA broad powers to handle almost all your financial and legal matters.
- Special or limited power of attorney limits your agent’s authority to specific duties, like selling a property or managing a bank account.
- Durable power of attorney remains in effect even if you become incapacitated, ensuring someone can always manage your affairs.
- Medical power of attorney, or advance directive for healthcare, allows your agent to make medical decisions for you if you can’t.
Choosing the right type depends on your needs and circumstances.
How to set up a power of attorney in Nevada
Setting up a power of attorney in Nevada is straightforward:
- Choose a trusted person as your agent
- Decide what powers you want to give them
- Get the correct forms (available online or from a lawyer)
- Sign the document in front of a notary public
It’s best to do this while you’re healthy and thinking clearly, and having legal counsel help you prepare these documents can prevent costly mistakes and oversights.
Canceling a power of attorney
Life changes, and you may need to revoke a POA at some point. To do this, you must:
- Create a revocation document
- Notify your agent in writing that the POA is no longer in effect
- Send copies of the revocation to any institutions or individuals who have relied on the POA in the past
Powers of attorney are powerful tools that protect your interests when you can’t speak for yourself. By understanding how they work and setting them up early, you can ensure your wishes are respected, no matter what happens. It’s never too early to plan for the unexpected.