If you have heard the term "power of attorney" before, you may be wondering what it means and how it might affect you. An experienced will attorney or estate planning lawyer can provide a detailed description of what a power of attorney is and determine whether you are in a position to assign one. Get in touch with Debra A. Brown, an experienced attorney in Torrington, CT, for any questions relating to living wills, estate planning, or other legal services she provides. Today, she offers a closer look at what a power of attorney means and what happens when you appoint one.

A power of attorney is simply a document that outlines who would be responsible for managing your personal affairs in the event you become incapacitated or are unable to manage affairs yourself, for whatever reason. You can give different levels of control to different people, and working with an attorney will help you sort out specific details.

There are a few different kinds of power of attorney. Many people assign a general power of attorney, which gives broad powers such as the authority to handle your financial transactions, manage a business, buy life insurance, and settle claims on your behalf. This is often included in the estate plan to ensure someone you trust will handle your financial matters appropriately.

A special power of attorney is assigned to someone who is responsible only for specific tasks, such as selling some of your property, collecting debt, and handling various transactions on your behalf. A health care power of attorney has the authority to make medical decisions on your behalf. A durable power of attorney is one that will not go into effect unless you are deemed mentally incapacitated.

If you are prepared to assign power of attorney to someone you trust, make sure you are drafting a legal document appropriately. Talk to Debra A. Brown in Torrington, CT, for all of your estate planning and living will needs. You can reach her at (860) 496-7717 or visit her website for more information.