Frisco Powers of Attorney (POA) Lawyers

Yes. A legally valid power of attorney must be in writing and signed before a notary public. Additional requirements for executing a POA include being of sound mind, being at least 18 years old, and clearly designating the agent or attorney-in-fact.

Our lawyers are familiar with these rules and procedures to guide you through the process of drafting, reviewing, and executing a POA that complies with state requirements and accurately reflects your wishes and intentions.

Medical POAs and living wills differ in scope and purpose. A living will specifies your wishes for future care, such as end-of-life treatment and DNR/DNI preferences, while a medical POA grants authority to an agent to act. In other words, a living will guides your care, while a living will authorizes a person to make medical decisions on your behalf.

Having both a living will and a medical power of attorney can be beneficial because they serve complementary purposes. We can explain how these documents work together and tailor them to your wishes and healthcare priorities, giving you and your loved ones clarity in the event of a medical emergency.

The main difference between a durable and a non-durable power of attorney is what happens if the principal becomes incapacitated. A durable power of attorney remains in effect even if the principal becomes disabled or incapacitated, while a non-durable power of attorney ends if the principal becomes incapacitated.

A DPOA is commonly used for long-term planning, while a non-durable POA is typically used for short-term or specific purposes. Choosing between the two depends on whether the authority needs to continue during incapacity. We can review your situation and help you choose a POA that aligns with your goals and planning considerations.

Any trusted adult who is of sound mind and at least 18 years old can be named as an agent in a POA. An agent will have significant authority over financial or medical decisions, making it critical to choose someone responsible, reliable, and capable of acting in your best interests. It’s important to choose a legally competent individual to act on your behalf, such as a spouse, close friend, adult child, or family member. You may also choose a professional if desired, such as a financial advisor.

Many people assume that POAs are only for people facing illnesses or advanced age. However, any adult over the age of 18 can benefit from having a power of attorney. This is especially true for individuals with minor children, complex finances or business interests, or frequent traveling obligations. Having this document in place allows trusted decision-makers to step in when needed, which reduces the risk of delays, confusion, or court involvement if you are unable to act on your own behalf.

A power of attorney is an essential part of a comprehensive estate plan. This legal document authorizes another person to manage your affairs and make decisions on your behalf. The designated individual is known as the “agent” or “attorney-in-fact.”