Know the Difference Before You Sign: Understanding The Types of Power of Attorney
When it comes to protecting yourself or a loved one, few documents are as powerful-or as misunderstood-as a Power of Attorney (POA).
Most people assume it’s one-size-fits-all. You name someone you trust, sign a form, and you’re covered. But in truth, there are several types of POAs, and choosing the wrong one can leave you vulnerable when it matters most.
At Russo Law Offices, we’ve seen families caught off guard by a POA that didn’t do what they thought it would. That’s why we’re passionate about education and planning. You can explore more insightful legal resources and real stories on our blog, but here’s what you need to know about POAs today.
General Power of Attorney
This gives someone broad authority over your financial, legal, and business matters. It’s helpful if you need someone to manage day-to-day affairs. But here’s the issue: if you become incapacitated, a general POA becomes invalid.
Durable Power of Attorney
A durable POA includes everything a general POA can do, with one critical difference: it remains valid even if you become mentally or physically unable to act on your own behalf. This is the go-to for long-term security and aging with peace of mind.
We recently broke this down in more depth—read our full post on POAs and incapacity.
Limited or Special Power of Attorney
Need someone to handle one specific task while you’re unavailable like selling your house while you’re abroad? A limited POA grants authority for that one event or for a designated timeframe, and then it ends.
This is an option we’ve written about in the context of real estate planning as well. Explore related articles on our blog.
Medical Power of Attorney (Healthcare Proxy)
This document allows a trusted person to make healthcare decisions for you when you can’t speak for yourself. It’s critical for medical emergencies and end-of-life care, especially when you want your values and preferences respected.
We discuss medical POAs in more depth and how they relate to your broader estate plan take a look at the latest on the blog.
Before You Sign… Know What You’re Signing
So many people come to us thinking they’re covered, only to discover their POA is outdated, incomplete, or simply the wrong type.
That’s why we don’t hand you a generic template. At Russo Law Offices, we walk you through your options, explain the law in human language, and create legal documents that actually protect you.
Get Started Today: Download our FREE Guide to Writing a Will to learn more about your options and get started with confidence.
*The information provided in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Each individual's situation is unique, and the laws regarding estate planning can vary by jurisdiction. It is essential to consult with a qualified estate planning attorney to discuss your specific circumstances and to receive personalized legal advice. Russo Law Offices is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information contained in this post.