A power of attorney (POA) is an estate planning tool in Alabama where you appoint a person, known as the agent, to manage your affairs. Typically, the POA is appointed to manage financial or medical matters when you cannot do so yourself because you are incapacitated by illness or injury.
People are often confused, however, as to when and which type of POA is needed. At Segal & Segal, L.L.C., our estate planning attorney in Huntsville, Alabama will listen to your concerns and needs, review your estate, and advise you which POA is best for you and your unique situation. Contact us at 256-932-1295 to schedule a free and learn more about how and why a POA can complement your estate plan.
What Constitutes a Power of Attorney in Alabama?
A power of attorney is the legal authorization for one person, the agent, to act on behalf of another person, the principal. Often called a power of attorney or just a "POA", they are a common element of estate planning as they let a person who is losing their ability to manage their own affairs choose someone they trust to make decisions for them.
There are six types of POAs, described below.
1. Durable POA
A durable POA takes effect immediately upon your signature unless the POA states otherwise and allows your agent to continue acting on your behalf even when you are incapacitated. A durable POA terminates only when you die or when a revocation of a POA form is issued.
2. Non-durable POA
A non-durable POA takes effect immediately upon your signature unless the POA states otherwise. It does not allow your agent to continue acting on your behalf when you become incapacitated. In the latter scenario, only a court-appointed guardian or conservator can make decisions on your behalf.
3. Medical POA
A medical POA is sometimes referred to as an advance directive because it allows you to appoint a health care agent to make medical decisions for you when you cannot do so. It is limited by your specific medical preferences and any other directive you may have as part of your estate plan, like a living will or a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) form.
4. General POA
A general POA allocates broad powers to the agent to act on financial, business, real estate, and legal matters. This POA is limited only by the terms set out in the POA or by any relevant state statute.
5. Limited (Special) POA
A limited (Special) POA allows the agent to act for a specific purpose and once that purpose is accomplished, the POA expires.
6. Springing POA
A springing POA takes effect if/when a certain event or medical condition occurs as specified in the POA. It ends at a specified time as outlined in the POA or if/when you become incapacitated or die.
When is a Power of Attorney Necessary in Alabama?
A power of attorney is a useful tool for people who are planning their estate but who are losing the ability to understand the repercussions of their decisions and actions. By giving an agent the power to make those decisions, a principal can rest assured that someone is taking care of them.
A POA is common in the following situations:
- The principal is suffering from a worsening medical condition that impacts their mental capacity, like Alzheimer's or dementia
- The principal is physically disabled and cannot sign important documents
- The principal wants to give someone else the power to make specific decisions on their behalf
There are, of course, other reasons why you may need or want a power of attorney created. Speaking to an estate planning attorney in Alabama is the best way for you to identify and determine what will work best for you.
How is a Power of Attorney Created in Alabama?
Each state has its own requirements for creating a power of attorney, though most are based on the parties and witnesses signing a power of attorney form. Because having the power to make financial and medical decisions for someone else is such a serious matter, each state incorporates formalities that must be followed to:
- Ensure the power of attorney is legitimate; and
- Confirm the person relinquishing their rights is doing it knowingly and voluntarily.
Many states require a witness along with notarization. Contact our Probate and Estate Planning Attorney in Huntsville, Alabama to find out exactly what the process is so that you don't make mistakes that could prompt delays or problems.
Challenges to a POA in Alabama
A family member or another close person is usually listed as the power of attorney. Sometimes, problems or conflict arises, leading to another family member disputing the POA. Here are three possible ways to challenge a POA.
- The principal is mentally incompetent. The principal of the POA is the one who grants a power of attorney, and the principal gets to choose who that POA is. If a family member wants to revoke or contest the POA, then proving the principal was mentally incompetent (e.g., has dementia, a psychiatric issue, or another form of mental incapacity) is one way it might be done. This type of dispute is often determined by an analysis from a medical expert.
- Formalities were not followed. POAs require a number of formalities, which vary by state. Failure to follow or satisfy the formalities can mean the POA is invalid. You want to look out for specific language that's required by state law, signature and witness requirements, and notarization requirements.
- Agent abused authority. Agents are the ones chosen by the principal to act as their POA. When an agent abuses this authority, a POA can be challenged. Examples of abuse include stealing the principal's assets, mismanaging assets, or neglecting the principal's needs altogether. This type of dispute can be difficult to prove because often it's a matter of he-said, she-said.
Having an attorney to help you with the POA is one way to help prevent disputes in the future.
Contact an Estate Planning Lawyer in Huntsville, Alabama when You Need a Power of Attorney
Powers of attorney are powerful tools to make sure your finances and other business or personal matters are properly managed while you are incapacitated or otherwise unable to oversee them yourself. You can speak to an estate planning attorney at Segal & Segal, L.L.C. to discuss estate planning generally and powers of attorney as part of the estate plan specifically.
We always believe that our clients in Alabama make better choices for themselves and their loved ones when they are well-informed and adequately prepared. Contact us directly at 256-932-1295 or online today to schedule a free.
NOTICE: Unless our law firm has been formally retained to provide a formal opinion, anything contained in this article, including any accompanying attachments, is NOT to be construed as legal advice or tax advice nor is it sufficient to avoid tax related penalties. If you require legal advice, you should consult an attorney.
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