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Pursue Your Planning Goals With San Antonio Powers Of Attorney

Last updated on May 9, 2025

At The Voeller Law Firm, we understand the importance of planning for the future and ensuring your affairs are managed according to your wishes. One of the most essential legal tools in this regard is a Power of Attorney (POA). Whether you need to designate someone to manage your financial matters or make health care decisions on your behalf, a power of attorney can provide the peace of mind that your affairs will be handled effectively and in your best interest.

What Is A Power Of Attorney?

A power of attorney is a legal document that grants one person, known as the agent or attorney-in-fact, the authority to act on behalf of another person, known as the principal. This authority can be broad or limited, depending on the specific terms outlined in the document. The principal can dictate the extent of the agent’s powers, ranging from handling financial transactions to making medical decisions.

Types Of Powers Of Attorney

There are several types of power of attorney, each serving different purposes and providing different levels of authority. Understanding these types can help you determine which one best suits your needs.

General Power of Attorney. A General Power of Attorney grants the agent broad powers to manage the principal’s affairs. This includes handling financial and business transactions, buying life insurance, settling claims, operating business interests, making gifts and employing professional help. A General Power of Attorney is typically used for a specified period or until the principal becomes incapacitated.

Durable Power of Attorney. A Durable Power of Attorney remains in effect even if the principal becomes incapacitated. This type of POA is crucial for long-term planning, ensuring the agent can continue to manage the principal’s affairs without interruption if they are unable to make decisions for themselves due to illness or injury.

Limited or Special Power of Attorney. A Limited or Special Power of Attorney grants the agent authority to perform specific tasks. This could include selling a particular property, managing a particular financial transaction or handling business operations while the principal is out of the country. The authority granted under a Limited POA is restricted to the terms outlined in the document.

Medical Power of Attorney. A Medical Power of Attorney allows the agent to make health care decisions on behalf of the principal if they are unable to do so. This includes decisions about medical treatments, surgeries and end-of-life care. A Medical POA is essential for ensuring your health care preferences are honored, even when you cannot communicate them yourself.

Why Are Powers Of Attorney Important?

Having a power of attorney in place is a critical aspect of comprehensive estate planning. It ensures your affairs are managed according to your wishes, even if you are unable to do so yourself. Here are some key reasons why a power of attorney is important:

  • Continued management of affairs. A POA ensures your financial, business and health care decisions can continue to be made in line with your preferences, even if you become incapacitated. This prevents disruptions and ensures continuity in the management of your affairs.
  • Avoiding guardianship. Without a POA, your family may need to go through a lengthy and costly court process to appoint a guardian to manage your affairs. A POA eliminates the need for court intervention by pre-designating an agent to act on your behalf.
  • Protecting your interests. By appointing a trusted agent, you can ensure your interests are protected. Your agent is legally obligated to act in your best interest, providing you with an added layer of security and peace of mind.
  • Flexibility and control. A POA provides flexibility in planning, allowing you to tailor the document to suit your specific needs. You can grant broad or limited powers, specify conditions under which the POA becomes effective, and revoke the document at any time as long as you are competent.

Common Uses Of Powers Of Attorney

A power of attorney can be used in various situations to manage different aspects of your life. Some common uses include:

  • Financial management. An agent with a POA can manage your bank accounts, pay your bills, file your taxes and handle investments. This ensures your financial affairs are in order and that your obligations are met, even if you are unable to manage them yourself.
  • Real estate transactions. A POA can be used to buy, sell or manage real estate on your behalf. This is particularly useful if you are out of the country or unable to handle the transaction due to health reasons.
  • Business operations. If you own a business, a POA can authorize an agent to manage your business operations, enter into contracts and make decisions on your behalf. This ensures your business continues to operate smoothly in your absence.
  • Health care decisions. A Medical POA allows your agent to make health care decisions for you, ensuring your medical care aligns with your preferences. This includes decisions about treatments, surgeries and end-of-life care.

Choosing The Right Agent

Selecting the right agent is one of the most critical decisions when creating a power of attorney. The agent should be someone you trust implicitly, as they will have significant control over your affairs. Consider the following factors when choosing an agent:

  • Trustworthiness. The agent should be someone you trust to act in your best interest, as they will have access to your personal and financial information.
  • Capability. The agent should be capable of handling the responsibilities associated with the POA. This includes managing finances, making health care decisions and handling legal matters.
  • Availability. The agent should be readily available to act on your behalf when needed. This is especially important for managing time-sensitive matters.
  • Willingness. The agent should be willing to take on the role and understand the responsibilities involved. It’s important to discuss your intentions with the potential agent and ensure they are comfortable with the duties.

Contact The Voeller Law Firm Today

If you are considering setting up a power of attorney or have questions about the process, contact The Voeller Law Firm today. Our experienced attorneys are here to assist residents in San Antonio and surrounding Texas communities with their estate planning needs. Secure your future and ensure your wishes are honored by setting up a power of attorney with our dedicated team.

Call us today – visit our website or call 210-985-2741 to schedule your consultation. Let The Voeller Law Firm help you protect your interests and provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.