Why Parents of Newly Called LDS Missionaries Need a General Power of Attorney
For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and others who serve religious missions, full-time missionary service involves lots of spiritual preparation, but missionary service also requires some advance planning of temporal matters. As parents prepare to send their sons and daughters on full-time missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), there are countless details to attend to—from purchasing clothing to planning farewell gatherings. However, an essential legal document that is often overlooked is creation of power of attorney documents. Parents of young missionaries should encourage the missionary to sign power of attorney documents before leaving, especially missionaries serving in foreign countries. This legal tool can become crucial, allowing parents to manage their missionary's personal and financial matters while they are serving. Likewise, seniors who leave for full-time missionary service should also create and update their estate planning before leaving.
Here are some key reasons why parents of newly called or soon-to-be-called LDS missionaries should seriously consider having a General Power of Attorney (GPOA) in place:
1. Banking and Financial Management
Whether your child is serving stateside or in a foreign country, their financial accounts may still require attention. Many missionaries have personal bank accounts that may need to be accessed for various reasons, such as:
- · Transferring funds: Missionaries often rely on personal savings or family support to cover additional expenses. With a GPOA, parents can transfer funds, pay bills, or manage accounts on behalf of their missionary.
- · Resolving banking issues: Banks may require the account holder's consent to resolve problems like a lost card or unauthorized charges. A GPOA allows parents to handle these issues directly, avoiding delays.
2. Managing Credit Cards and Bills
Missionaries might leave behind credit card accounts or other financial obligations. A GPOA gives parents the ability to manage these accounts, including paying bills, updating information, and resolving any disputes that arise.
3. Filing Taxes
Even while serving, missionaries may still need to file taxes. With a GPOA, parents can manage the tax filing process, ensuring compliance with deadlines and avoiding penalties for late filings.
4. Medical Decisions
While missionaries are typically covered by the Church's insurance policy, certain medical decisions, especially concerning pre-existing conditions or ongoing treatments, may still require parental involvement. A GPOA can give parents the authority to make medical decisions, ensure access to medical records, and communicate with healthcare providers back home.
5. Legal Matters
Missionaries might need help with legal matters during their service, whether related to contracts, housing agreements, or other responsibilities they left behind. A GPOA enables parents to sign legal documents, negotiate leases, or deal with legal disputes on their behalf.
6. Claiming Government Benefits
If missionaries are entitled to government benefits, such as tax refunds, Social Security, or other aid, a GPOA allows parents to claim those benefits and manage any ongoing communications with the relevant agencies.
7. Paying Car Insurance and Registration
If your missionary still owns a vehicle, even if they aren't driving it, ongoing car insurance and vehicle registration requirements must be met. A GPOA empowers parents to manage these responsibilities, ensuring the vehicle stays properly insured and registered during their child's absence.
8. Registering for School or Obtaining Transcripts
Missionaries planning to return to school after their mission may need assistance registering for classes, updating their enrollment status, or obtaining transcripts. With a GPOA, parents can handle these academic tasks, keeping their child's educational goals on track.
9. Handling Unexpected Situations
A GPOA is invaluable for dealing with unanticipated needs that may arise during your missionary's service. For example, your missionary may be required to provide a criminal background check as part of a visa application for a transfer to a different country. In such cases, document authentication (or apostille) through the Lt. Governor's Office might be necessary to validate the background check for international use. With a GPOA, parents can efficiently manage these tasks, ensuring everything proceeds smoothly and without delays.
10. Peace of Mind
For both parents and missionaries, having a General Power of Attorney in place can provide tremendous peace of mind. Knowing that parents can handle any unexpected issues that arise while their missionary is serving, especially if they are in a remote area with limited communication, can alleviate stress and allow both parties to focus on the spiritual and personal growth that a mission provides.
Conclusion
Regardless of where a missionary is called to serve—whether stateside or abroad—there will always be matters back home in Utah that need attention. A General Power of Attorney ensures that parents can "act on behalf" of their missionary in critical areas like banking, college registration, and legal or medical matters. By setting up this important document, parents can confidently support their missionary while they focus on their service. *** If you have a missionary already out in the field serving, we can still help you (as long as they are able to have their signature notarized).
Contact us today to ensure that your General Power of Attorney is properly drafted and tailored to meet your family's needs.
We are offering a special MISSIONARY PROMOTION to help your family prepare for this important life transition!
