Manhattan Beach Power of Attorney Lawyer

Manhattan Beach Power of Attorney

You never know what tomorrow may bring. There has never been a better time to start thinking about estate planning and what you want for your future. If you want to avoid a restrictive guardianship, one option is a power of attorney. When you speak to a Manhattan Beach power of attorney lawyer at Meinzer Law Firm, PC, they can help you explore your options.

Understanding the ins and outs of the law can be complicated when you have a power of attorney case. You do not have to handle complex legal matters on your own. Instead, you can work with a reputable law firm to take care of your legal questions while meeting all deadlines and requirements.

How Meinzer Law Firm, PC, Can Help

At Meinzer Law Firm, PC, we offer personal attention and compassionate guidance. We have two decades of dedicated experience in estate planning, estate administration, and elder law. When you hire a power of attorney lawyer at our firm, they can help you navigate complex Manhattan Beach power of attorney laws and requirements.

Manhattan Beach power of attorney disputes, invalidity claims, or breaches of fiduciary duty are heard in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, with most cases heard at the local Torrance Courthouse. Even if you are completely unfamiliar with the courts, we have your back. Our experienced legal team understands how the local court system works.

What Is a Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney (POA) lets you name a trusted person (an agent) to handle your finances and/or legal matters. If it’s durable, it stays valid if you are incapacitated, avoiding guardianship. Key requirements include the principal and agent both signing the statutory form, often with witnesses and a notary present. The document must specify the powers given to the agent.

The kind of POA you need depends on your individual circumstances. Types of powers of attorney available in Manhattan Beach include:

• General POA
• Limited POA
• Medical POA
• Springing POA
• Durable POA

In general, a POA grants broad or specific authority over banking, real estate, and other affairs. It must be properly executed to be effective. There are many estate planning options to explore when it comes to planning a POA. To establish a POA, it is recommended to seek out the guidance of a reputable lawyer who can explain your options.

Establishing Power of Attorney

Establishing a POA in California requires a mentally competent adult (principal) to sign a written document designating an agent to handle financial or medical affairs. It must be notarized or signed by two witnesses. Steps include selecting an agent, determining authority, creating the document, and distributing and recording it once finalized.

In a national poll on aging, 46% of older adults reported they had completed at least one advance care planning legal document, such as a medical POA. This means that more than half of older adults do not have any kind of estate planning documents in place.

This fact makes it clear that not enough older adults have a plan for their future. It could be valuable to establish a POA in these circumstances.

Changing Power of Attorney

In California, changing a POA requires the principal to have mental capacity, as they must formally revoke the existing document and create a new one to appoint a different agent. This involves signing a written Revocation of Power of Attorney, notifying the old agent in writing, and creating a new POA, also notarized. You should make a record of all documents and their changes.

Changing a POA can be necessary in a variety of situations. For example, if the original agent is acting improperly or outside of your wishes, it makes sense that you would want to make changes. You may also need to make changes if an agent dies, becomes incapacitated, moves out of state, or if the relationship between the two of you changes.

Why Should I Hire a Power of Attorney Lawyer?

Hiring a Manhattan Beach power of attorney lawyer at Meinzer Law Firm, PC to handle your power of attorney case is essential if you want your financial and medical wishes legally documented. This can prevent court-appointed guardianship if you become incapacitated. A lawyer can also tailor the POA document to your specific needs and check compliance with state laws.

FAQs

How Much Does a Lawyer Charge to Do a Power of Attorney?

How much a lawyer charges to do a power of attorney varies, with hourly rates ranging for a basic, individual POA document. For more complex situations, specific legal advice or comprehensive estate planning packages, a POA can cost more. It varies based on the attorney’s experience, location, and whether it is a financial or medical POA. Speaking with individual attorneys in your area can provide you with an estimate.

Is It Worth It to Hire a Lawyer to Create a Power of Attorney?

It is usually worth it to hire a lawyer to create a power of attorney. Individuals without legal experience are more likely to make mistakes and use the wrong type of document for their situation. An attorney may be more expensive, but they can complete the paperwork quickly and efficiently. A POA created by a lawyer is also more likely to hold up if it is legally challenged.

Who Is the Ideal Person to Give Power of Attorney?

The ideal person to give power of attorney to is someone you trust. They should be responsible, organized, and willing to act according to your wishes. This agent should be capable of making difficult, high-pressure decisions regarding your finances or healthcare and should ideally live nearby. Common choices include spouses, adult children, or close friends.

What Type of Lawyer Do I Need for a Power of Attorney?

The type of lawyer you need for a power of attorney is an estate planning attorney. These lawyers have the skills and experience to check documents for legal compliance. They can tailor them to your specific financial or medical needs. These attorneys also have the ability to properly structure your POA and other estate planning documents to avoid future court involvement.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today

If you need a Manhattan Beach Power of Attorney lawyer to help you handle your POA case, Meinzer Law Firm, PC, has the experience to help. You never know what will happen tomorrow, but you can plan now. Contact us to schedule your initial consultation today.