Your dear friend is no longer able to make financial and or medical decisions anymore so she appoints you, what next? First let us start by understanding what a Power of Attorney is.
Power of Attorney documents are legal documents that allows the principal (your friend) to name an agent (you) to act for her on her behalf, but this authority comes with duties and responsibility.
A durable medical power of attorney gives the health care agent broad power and responsibility to make decisions regarding the principal’s medical treatment, including medication, tests, nourishment and hydration, as well as decisions regarding surgery, doctors, hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. While a general durable power of attorney, also known as power of attorney for property, allows the named agent to act on behalf of the principal to handle that person’s finances such as banking, paying bills or selling a house.
If you are concerned, unsure or have questions about the type of responsibilities you may have under these powers, it is best to seek a Certified Elder Law Attorney to review them with you. Contact us at (312)878-0155 or click here to request a consultation online!