Temecula Power of Attorney Lawyer

Temecula Power of Attorney

People often like predictability and feeling like they are in control of their circumstances. Unfortunately, life does not always work out that way. We must be ready for the changes time brings. A Temecula power of attorney lawyer at Goebel Estate Planning, PC, can help you prepare for life’s most difficult moments.

Putting a power of attorney (POA) in place is one step you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones from legal problems that can arise if someone else needs to act on your behalf.

What Is a Power of Attorney?

A power of attorney is a legally binding document that gives someone else, called the agent, the power to make certain decisions on your behalf. Exactly what those powers entail is unique to each case.

Some people use a power of attorney for business purposes. For example, you could appoint someone to sign business documents for you if you are unable to do so in person. Others use a power of attorney to designate a person to make medical decisions for them, including decisions about end-of-life care. In the United States, using a POA is a somewhat common practice. About a quarter of Americans report having a POA of some kind.

The following are some situations in which you might want to have a POA in place:

• You are leaving the country for a long period of time, and you need someone to execute business transactions for you.
• You want to designate someone else to manage a business for you in general.
• You have a terminal illness and want someone to make sure your wishes are honored if you lose the ability to tell medical professionals your desires.
• There are certain medical procedures or lifesaving measures you do not want under any circumstances, and you want someone to enforce your wishes in the event of an accident.

To enact a power of attorney, the following conditions must be met:

• You and your intended agent must be legal adults (18 years old) and mentally capable of understanding the agreement.
• The power of attorney document must be notarized and signed by two witnesses.

There are some special cases that may require other conditions, but these are the basic ones for a standard POA agreement.

How Long Does a Power of Attorney Last?

A power of attorney can be limited or durable. A limited POA appoints legal powers to a designated party for a specified amount of time or situation. A durable POA appoints these powers indefinitely.

A POA can also be drawn up so that it does not go into effect unless certain conditions are met. For example, you could have a medical POA that only becomes active if you become unable to make medical decisions for yourself. This is called a springing power of attorney, and under California law, it can be made limited or durable.

Why Should You Hire a Power of Attorney Lawyer in Temecula?

While it is possible to put a legitimate power of attorney in place without legal counsel, it is always a better idea to hire a power of attorney lawyer in Temecula for assistance. If you intend to designate someone else to make decisions for you, you need to ensure that your documentation will hold up if there is any legal scrutiny.

If you are using your POA for business purposes, you can be confident that your proxy-executed actions are legitimate with legal guidance. If you are using your POA for medical decisions, you can rest assured that your wishes will be honored and your loved ones will not be left with uncertainty.

Choose Hillary Goebel at Goebel Estate Planning: Your Temecula Power of Attorney Lawyer

Hillary Goebel is a Temecula estate planning lawyer with decades of experience helping families prepare to walk through the unknown. She has an in-depth understanding of the laws surrounding the estate planning process.

Hillary also views each client as an individual with a unique story and unique needs, so you will never feel like a number when you’re sitting in her office. Furthermore, if a dispute over your POA should arise, you’ll have Hillary’s name and knowledge behind you as you navigate the Riverside County Superior Court in Murrieta.

FAQs About Temecula, CA Power of Attorney Laws

How Much Does a Power of Attorney Cost in Temecula, CA?

The cost of getting a power of attorney document in Temecula, California, varies based on your requirements and the complexity of the case. A standard, simple document can cost around $200 for the attorney’s fee and an additional $15 for the notarization. Additionally, if you are using an online service, there may be another fee associated with that.

What Kind of Lawyer Helps With a POA?

A licensed lawyer with experience or knowledge in estate planning can help you with a power of attorney. However, it is important to do your due diligence and choose an attorney with trustworthy credentials. This is particularly important if your case is complex or if you have a lot of questions about your intended POA.

Does the Riverside County Probate Court Have to Get Involved in a POA?

The Riverside County Probate Court does not have to get involved in a POA unless there is an issue that requires court intervention, such as the agent acting improperly, a dispute regarding the validity of the POA, or the principal being incapacitated and no POA existing. In these cases, and others, a POA matter may need to be addressed in court.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Power of Attorney in Temecula?

Yes, you need a lawyer when drawing up a power of attorney in Temecula, although it is not a legal requirement. It is always a safer course of action to consult a legal representative. Boilerplate documents are meant to be a “one size fits all” solution, and they often do not provide the nuance that a power of attorney case requires.

Schedule a Consultation With Hillary Goebel Today

Planning for a situation in which you cannot speak for yourself can be daunting, emotional, and stressful, but Attorney Hillary Goebel is there to guide you through each step in the process. Her passion for helping families prepare for life’s hardest moments can allow you to position yourself and your family members to meet life’s challenges with grace and peace of mind. If you are ready to draft a power of attorney, contact Hillary Goebel to set up a free consultation.