Planning for the future isn’t only about creating a will or trust. One of the most important tools for protecting yourself and your family is a power of attorney (POA). A power of attorney allows you to designate someone you trust to make financial, legal, or healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.
At McCormick Law Offices, we’ve helped individuals and families across Rhode Island prepare customized powers of attorney that provide security and peace of mind. If you’re considering this step, here’s what you need to know about how a power of attorney works in Cranston.
What Is a Power of Attorney?
A power of attorney is a legal document that authorizes another person—called your “agent” or “attorney-in-fact”—to act on your behalf. The authority granted can be broad or limited, depending on your needs.
There are different types of POA, including:
- General Power of Attorney: Gives your agent authority over a wide range of financial and legal matters.
- Durable Power of Attorney: Remains valid even if you become incapacitated. This is the most common type used in estate planning.
- Limited Power of Attorney: Grants authority for specific actions, such as selling a property or managing a single account.
- Healthcare Power of Attorney: Allows your agent to make medical decisions if you cannot.
A power of attorney lawyer in Cranston can help you decide which option best fits your circumstances.
Why You Need a Power of Attorney
Without a valid power of attorney, your family may face significant hurdles if you become incapacitated or unable to manage your affairs. In many cases, loved ones must petition the court for guardianship, which can be costly, time-consuming, and emotionally draining.
By preparing a POA in advance, you can:
- Choose someone you trust to handle important matters
- Avoid the expense and delay of guardianship proceedings
- Ensure continuity in managing finances or healthcare
- Reduce stress for your family during emergencies
The Role of a Durable Power of Attorney
A durable power of attorney in Rhode Island remains effective even if you become incapacitated. This is especially important for older adults, individuals facing medical conditions, or anyone who wants to plan ahead for unforeseen circumstances.
With a durable POA, your chosen agent can:
- Manage bank accounts and investments
- Pay bills and taxes
- Handle real estate transactions
- Make healthcare decisions (if specified)
This flexibility makes it one of the most valuable estate planning tools.
Power of Attorney vs. Living Will
Many people confuse a power of attorney with a living will. While both are important, they serve different purposes:
- A power of attorney authorizes someone to act on your behalf.
- A living will provides written instructions about the kind of medical care you want—or don’t want—if you are unable to communicate.
Working with a living will attorney in Rhode Island ensures your healthcare wishes are documented clearly and legally enforceable.
Advance Directives in Rhode Island
In addition to powers of attorney and living wills, Rhode Island law recognizes advance directives, which combine your instructions and your chosen decision-maker into one comprehensive plan. An advance directive lawyer in Cranston can help you create documents that cover both medical and financial planning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing a power of attorney, avoid these pitfalls:
- Using generic online forms that may not comply with Rhode Island law
- Naming an agent without considering reliability or financial responsibility
- Failing to update documents after major life changes (marriage, divorce, relocation)
- Not specifying the scope of authority clearly
- Forgetting to coordinate your POA with your will and trust documents
An experienced attorney ensures your documents are tailored to your needs and legally enforceable.
How McCormick Law Offices Can Help
At McCormick Law Offices, we provide personalized guidance on all aspects of estate planning, including powers of attorney. Our services include:
- Drafting durable powers of attorney tailored to your goals
- Creating healthcare POAs and advance directives
- Coordinating POAs with wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents
- Updating documents as your circumstances change
We make the process clear and approachable, so you feel confident that your wishes will be respected.
Protect Your Future with a Power of Attorney
Life is unpredictable, but planning ahead ensures you and your loved ones are prepared. By working with a power of attorney lawyer in Cranston, you gain peace of mind knowing that someone you trust will be empowered to act on your behalf when it matters most.
To get started, visit our Probate and Wills page or contact McCormick Law Offices today to schedule a confidential consultation.
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The information provided on this website, including all blog posts, resources, and service descriptions, is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While McCormick Law Offices strives to keep content accurate and up to date, the law is constantly evolving, and the information presented may not reflect the most recent legal developments or apply to your particular circumstances.
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McCormick Law Offices serves clients primarily in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Legal services are provided in accordance with the applicable laws and ethical rules of these jurisdictions.
If you need legal advice or representation, please contact our office directly to schedule a confidential consultation.
