The Power of Attorney:
Don't Leave Home Without It
Murphy Law Firm, Inc. — Tempe, Arizona
Unless you happen to be blessed with the ability to see the future, you never know what will happen until the moment it does. In the context of estate planning, that moment always comes too late. The problem here is not so much death because dying without a will generally only means a longer, more costly probate process. The problem is incapacitation and what happens then.
The solution to this problem: durable power of attorney instruments for health care and financial decision-making.
Why risk waiting? Talk to an experienced estate planning lawyer about these critical documents today. Contact Murphy Law Firm.
Attorney Tom Murphy's most well-known article is about drafting the power of attorney (POA). Ten years later, the POA form contained in that article is still commonly used by other lawyers throughout the state.
The Financial Power of Attorney
The financial power of attorney allows the person you designate to make important financial decisions on your behalf in the event that an accident or illness leaves you incapacitated and unable to make your own decisions.
The Health Care Power of Attorney
As evidenced by the Terri Schiavo case, the health care power of attorney is an absolutely essential estate planning tool and one of the best things you can do for your loved ones right now.
HIPAA Authorizations
In addition to the two types of power of attorney documents, your estate plan should also include a signed HIPAA medical release. This will allow the hospital care provider to release important medical information to those who need it.
How Important Is it?
Estate planning involves much more than planning for what happens when you die. For many clients, the more pressing issue is what happens when you become incapacitated. A power of attorney may be the most important legal tool for elderly people and the terminally ill in confronting this situation. It may be the most important part of your legal structure to get in place, before you pass away or become bedridden.
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Serving Maricopa County and Pinal County Since 1992
To schedule an initial consultation — call our Tempe, Arizona, law offices at 866.249.7173 or contact us online.
Relevant Resources
Dealing with HIPAA - Powers of Attorney, Record Releases, Court Orders and Subpoenas
