Most People Don't Realize They Need a Power of Attorney—
Do You Have Yours “Just in Case”?
Life is full of surprises—some planned, others not. Having a Power of Attorney (POA) in place is one of the smartest and simplest ways to protect yourself and your loved ones when the unexpected happens. A Power of Attorney gives someone you trust the legal authority to make important decisions on your behalf if you're unable to.
At EVN Law, we help make this process simple and affordable, so you can have peace of mind before the need arises.
What is a Power of Attorney?
A power of attorney is a legal document in which one person ("principal") gives to another person ("agent" or "attorney in fact") authority to act on behalf of the principal. It can be very broad or very limited (specific) depending on the needs of the principal.
Why a Power of Attorney is Essential
Whether you're sending a child off on a mission, preparing for military deployment, navigating life as a single parent, or just planning for life's "what ifs," having a Power of Attorney in place can save you time, money, and stress. It's better to be proactive than to scramble in a crisis. Here's why:
- Missionaries Serving Stateside or Abroad: LDS missionaries are often far from home and may need someone to manage finances, make health decisions, need someone to register them for school, or handle important matters while they are gone.
- Military Deployment: Service members are regularly deployed and may be away for months or even years. A POA ensures that a spouse, family member, or trusted individual can manage finances, home, and personal affairs while they serve.
- Single Parents: When you're the sole decision-maker, who will step in if you're suddenly unavailable? A POA ensures your children's needs are met and decisions are made without legal delays.
- Married Couples: Even when married, certain financial or legal decisions might require your explicit consent. Having a POA allows your spouse to act on your behalf without unnecessary hurdles.
When Should You Get a Power of Attorney?
Simply put—before you need it. Life is unpredictable, and having this document in place provides a safety net when you're unable to act. Whether it's due to travel, illness, or an emergency, having a POA ensures that your affairs are in trusted hands.
Common Scenarios Where a POA is a Lifesaver:
- Sudden illness or medical emergency
- Extended international travel
- Unforeseen military orders or deployment
- Managing family or financial matters from a distance
- Helping elderly parents with financial or healthcare decisions
Different Types of Power of Attorney
There are various types of Power of Attorney, each designed to meet specific needs:
- General Power of Attorney: Grants broad powers for managing your affairs.
- Limited Power of Attorney: Only grants specific authority for a particular task or period.
- Medical Power of Attorney: Allows someone to make healthcare decisions for you.
- Durable Power of Attorney: Remains effective even if you become incapacitated.
Why Choose EVN Law?
A lawyer experienced in estate planning is the most appropriate person to write a power of attorney and give you advice about what is needed in your situation. There are many power of attorney forms available on the Internet but they may be too general for your circumstances, they may not follow the requirements of Utah law, and they may not protect against financial exploitation and abuse.
At EVN Law, we believe legal protection should be affordable, simple, and accessible to everyone. We'll guide you through the process and ensure you have the right type of Power of Attorney tailored to your needs.
- Affordable: Our fees are competitive and transparent—no hidden costs.
- Convenient: We take care of everything, from drafting the document to explaining every step.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you've planned for the future is priceless.
Take the Next Step—Before It's Too Late
Don't wait for a crisis to make this decision for you. Reach out to EVN Law today, and let's get started on your Power of Attorney so you can have peace of mind knowing you're prepared.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a General Power of Attorney (GPOA)?
A General Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to designate someone to act on your behalf in handling financial, legal, and personal matters. It grants broad powers to your representative, enabling them to manage your affairs while you're unavailable, such as during deployment.
2. Who should I name as my agent in a GPOA?
It's best to appoint someone you trust completely—usually a spouse, significant other, or close family member. They will have the authority to make critical decisions for you, so it's important to choose someone reliable and responsible.
3. What types of matters can my agent handle with a GPOA?
A GPOA can empower your agent to manage a wide range of tasks, including handling banking and financial transactions, signing legal documents, managing property, and even making medical decisions if needed.
4. Does a GPOA give my agent control over everything?
No, the scope of a GPOA can be customized to your specific needs. You can limit or expand the powers you grant, so your agent only handles what you're comfortable with them managing.
5. How long does a GPOA last?
A GPOA typically lasts until you revoke it or until a specified expiration date, if included. In most cases for military members, it's set to remain in effect for the duration of deployment, but you can tailor it to your needs.
6. Can I revoke a GPOA after it's been set up?
Yes, you can revoke a GPOA at any time, as long as you are of sound mind. It's as simple as issuing a written revocation or creating a new power of attorney that overrides the previous one.
