Most People Wait Too Long to Set This Up—Don’t Be One of Them

Estate PlanningWillsTrustsFamily Law
Written By Allyson Russo

Let’s talk about something most people don’t want to think about:
What happens if you can’t manage your own affairs?

It might be temporary—a health issue, an injury, an unexpected trip—or it might be long-term. But no matter the reason, when you can’t act on your own behalf, you want someone you trust to have the authority to help.

That’s where a Power of Attorney (POA) comes in.

What Is a Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint a person you trust—called your agent or attorney-in-fact—to make decisions and handle certain responsibilities for you. This could include:

  • Managing your finances

  • Paying your bills

  • Accessing your accounts

  • Handling legal or business matters

  • Helping with healthcare decisions (depending on the type of POA)

Your agent acts in your best interest, based on the authority you give them in your POA.

Why You Should Have One—Today

Here’s the truth: Without a POA, no one can legally act for you if you’re unable to. Not your spouse, not your adult children—not even your parents if you’re 18 or older.

If you suddenly become incapacitated and haven’t prepared a POA, your family may need to go to court for guardianship. That’s a lengthy, stressful, and public process, often when emotions are already running high.

With a properly executed POA, your chosen agent can step in and handle what’s needed, without delay or legal red tape.

Situations Where a POA Is Invaluable:

  • A sudden medical emergency leaves you unable to manage your affairs

  • You’re traveling or deployed and need someone to handle financial matters at home

  • You want to avoid future family disputes or legal challenges

  • You’re planning for potential incapacity later in life

Choosing the Right Person

Selecting your agent is an important decision. Choose someone you:

  • Trust to respect your wishes

  • Know will act responsibly

  • Feel confident sharing your personal and financial information with

You can also tailor the POA to fit your needs—limiting the powers, requiring reporting, or specifying exactly when it takes effect.

Yes, There Are Risks—And You Can Manage Them

Granting legal authority over your finances and personal matters isn’t something to take lightly. But with careful planning, the right person, and the proper legal guidance, a POA is one of the best protections you can have.

At Russo Law Offices, I help clients customize POAs with built-in safeguards, so you stay protected from misuse and maintain control.

What If Things Go Wrong?

If you ever suspect your agent is misusing their power—or if someone presents a fraudulent POA—there are legal steps you can take:

  • Contact your bank and report suspicious activity

  • Notify law enforcement

  • Seek legal advice on revoking the POA or pursuing court action

Having an attorney on your side makes these situations easier to navigate—and can help you prevent them in the first place.

A POA Is Part of a Bigger Estate-Planning Picture

Your POA works hand-in-hand with other essential documents:

Get Started Today: Download our FREE Guide to Writing a Will to learn more about your options and get started with confidence.

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*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.
Allyson Russo
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