Meet Alice: the world's first digital estate assistant
Alice is here to make estate planning smooth and stress-free for you. With her, you can easily and quickly create a legally-binding power of attorney customized to your needs.
No need to pay costly $300/hour lawyer fees. Alice instantly responds to your queries, available 24/7, no charges.
Alice helps you create a fully personalized power of attorney that covers all your wishes, goals, and needs.
All estate planning documentation goes through a final review for legal validity and compliance with state laws.
FAQs
What is a power of attorney?
A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that grants an individual, known as the agent or attorney-in-fact, the authority to make decisions on behalf of another person, referred to as the principal. This authority can cover financial matters, healthcare decisions, or both. This usually depends on the type of POA established. A Durable Power of Attorney remains effective even if the principal becomes incapacitated, ensuring that their wishes are respected. Creating a POA is essential for planning ahead. After all, it allows individuals to choose someone they trust to manage their affairs when they are unable to do so themselves. For more details, feel free to reach out to us or chat with Alice, our digital estate expert.
What powers can be granted in a durable power of attorney?
A Durable Power of Attorney (POA) can give a wide range of powers to the designated agent. These powers usually include managing financial affairs, such as paying bills, handling bank accounts, and making investment decisions. Additionally, the agent may be authorized to make healthcare decisions, including consenting to medical treatments and accessing medical records. The agent may also be responsible for providing for the family’s ongoing expenses and handling taxes. The principal can customize the POA to specify which powers are granted. Have any more questions about the powers of POA? Feel free to consult with Alice.
Who is involved in a power of attorney?
A Power of Attorney (POA) involves three key parties: the principal, the agent, and a notary public. The principal is the individual who creates the POA and grants authority to the agent to make decisions on their behalf. The agent, also known as the attorney-in-fact, is the trusted person chosen by the principal to manage their financial or healthcare matters. A notary public is often involved to witness the signing of the POA. He ensures that the document is legally valid and that the principal is acting voluntarily and competently. If you want to create a legally-compliant power of attorney without the hassle of in-person appointments, BetterEstate is your go-to choice. Sign up on the app today!
What power of attorney options do I have?
When considering a power of attorney, you can choose from different options depending on your needs. The most common types include a Durable Power of Attorney, which remains effective even if the principal becomes incapacitated. It usually allows the agent to manage financial and healthcare decisions. A Springing Power of Attorney becomes effective only upon the principal's incapacitation. A Limited Power of Attorney grants specific powers for a defined period or purpose, such as handling a real estate transaction. Lastly, a Healthcare Power of Attorney specifically authorizes the agent to make medical decisions on behalf of the principal. Choosing the right type depends on your individual goals, needs, and circumstances. For more details, consult with Alice at your earliest convenience.
What should I consider before appointing my attorney-in-fact?
Before appointing your attorney-in-fact, there are a few things to consider. First, evaluate the individual’s trustworthiness and integrity, as they will have significant control over your financial and healthcare decisions. Assess their ability to handle responsibilities, including their knowledge of your preferences and values. Consider their availability and willingness to take on this role, as well as their ability to communicate effectively with healthcare providers and financial institutions. Additionally, think about potential conflicts of interest and whether the person can act in your best interest. Ultimately, choose someone who understands your wishes and can advocate for you. Need more assistance? Alice is here to help – sign up today and feel free to chat with her.
Do I need to hire a lawyer?
You don’t need to hire a lawyer to set up a power of attorney with BetterEstate. Our easy-to-use online platform lets you create a legally binding POA in just minutes. Alice, our digital estate assistant, provides personalized guidance to ensure your document meets all your needs. However, if you have complex financial, medical, or family circumstances, consulting a lawyer may be a good option to ensure everything is addressed properly.
When can I update my POA?
You can update your Power of Attorney (POA) at any time, as long as you are legally competent to do so. It’s advisable to review your POA periodically, specifically after significant life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or changes in your financial situation. If you wish to change your agent, modify the powers granted, or revoke the existing POA, you can create a new document that clearly states these changes. Reach out to Alice and consult with her for all your POA-related concerns.
Can I revoke my power of attorney?
Yes, you can revoke your Power of Attorney (POA) at any time if you are legally competent. To revoke a POA, you should create a written document stating your intention to do so and notify your agent and any relevant institutions, such as banks or healthcare providers. It’s also advisable to destroy any copies of the original POA to prevent confusion. If you wish to appoint a new agent, you can create a new POA that supersedes the previous one. We are always ready to assist you with all your power of attorney related needs. Feel free to get in touch.