Powers of Attorney

Powers of Attorney are available as standalone documents, or as part of a living trust or will package. In the event that you become incapacitated or too ill to make decisions for yourself, these documents will allow another individual that you designate to carry out your financial and medical wishes for you.

durable power of attorney

This is an extremely important document that gives a person you designate as your agent the power to handle financial and legal matters.

The durable power of attorney document can be effective immediately, but more commonly this is drafted as a “springing” power of attorney document that will take effect only if you become unable to handle your own affairs.

Having this document usually means that a court ordered conservatorship of your estate can be avoided.

advanced health care directive

This is California’s version of a health care power of attorney. It gives a person you designate as your agent the authority to make health care decisions on your behalf.

In the document, you set out specific instructions for your agent with respect to your health, such as whether you wish to be resuscitated and whether you want to stay at home as long as possible.

The advance health care directive can be effective immediately, but more commonly this is drafted as a “springing” document that will take effect only if you become unable to make your own health care decisions.

Having this document usually means that a court ordered conservatorship of your person can be avoided.

hipaa release

This document accompanies the Advanced Health Care Directive and allows your agent access to your medical records, and the ability to speak with your physicians in compliance with Federal Health Information privacy laws.