Texas Power of Attorney Lawyers
Appointing a power of attorney can be an essential measure to protect your estate and health. Contact a power of attorney lawyer with the law firm of Cherry Johnson Siegmund James to begin the process. We can answer any legal questions that you may have about the matter.
The Power of Attorney, The Principal, and The Agent
When another person must make legal decisions on your behalf, a power of attorney document must be created by your lawyer. The agent is the person appointed in the power of attorney document. The person signing the document to give someone else agency is called the principal.
Five Types of Powers of Attorney
There are five types of powers of attorney. Each one serves a different purpose. The types and their purposes are listed below:
- General power of attorney permits the agent authority in a variety of issues. If the principal becomes physically or mentally ill, the general power of attorney ends.
- Limited or special power of attorney is given to the agent with finite parameters in place. They are given control over a specific matter for a set period.
- Durable power of attorney works the same as a general power of attorney. The only difference is that if the principal becomes physically or mentally incapacitated, the durable power of attorney continues.
- Springing power of attorney allows the agent authority only if the principal becomes physically disabled or mentally incapacitated.
- Medical power of attorney authorizes the agent to make medical decisions for the principal if they can no longer make their own decisions because of a physical or mental disability.
If you have questions about the types of powers of attorney and how they might be useful in your life, the power of attorney lawyers with Cherry Johnson Siegmund James can clear up any confusion you may have.
Legal Requirements for Executing a Power of Attorney in Texas
For an agent to be permitted to execute a power of attorney, a small list of legal provisions must be met. The power of attorney document will only be executed if these are met. Listed below are the requirements:
- A notary public must witness a power of attorney being signed
- Participants must be adults 18 years old or older
- The principal must be of sound mind and understand the implications of what they are signing
- To conduct real estate transactions, a power of attorney document must be filed with the clerk of court in the county where the real estate is located
Several circumstances end a power of attorney. If the document has an ending date, or if the principal becomes incapacitated, it can end in cases other than when there is a durable power of attorney. You may choose to revoke your power of attorney, which is within your rights.
It also ends if a guardian of the estate is appointed for you or in the case of your death.
Contact a Power of Attorney Lawyer Today
A Texas power of attorney lawyer with Cherry Johnson Siegmund James is ready to walk you through your options and help you decide which power of attorney type will best serve your purposes. Our experienced attorneys will navigate the process so that your goals are successfully met. Call us today at (254) 732-2242.