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At any moment, an unexpected illness or serious accident can render you unable to look after your own affairs. In these situations, many people assume their family members, business associates, and trusted health care providers will step in to care for their personal and business interests. Unfortunately, this is not the case. According to MacVean, Lewis, Sherwin & McDermott, P.C.  — estate lawyers with a 130-year tradition of serving Middletown, NY, and the surrounding area — powers of attorney are an important part of any comprehensive estate plan.

Powers of attorney are legal documents that empower another person to act in your stead, powers which become active if you're declared medically incapacitated. In many cases, the powers conveyed by a durable power of attorney may allow your spouse to sell your house if necessary, manage your investments, and take any other steps to maintain your financial health. Without this authority, they could find themselves trapped in a house they can no longer afford to keep.

estate lawyerThe powers conveyed by a durable power of attorney can be extremely broad or as narrowly tailored as the situation requires. For example, your business partners can be given legal authority to run the business in your name, while your spouse can have the power to make medical decisions on your behalf and manage your finances. Your estate lawyer will evaluate your situation and help you decide how many powers of attorney you may need, who should receive them, and what powers they should obtain.

The law firm of MacVean, Lewis, Sherwin & McDermott, P.C. has provided insightful legal advice and high-quality services to clients throughout the Hudson Valley for over a century. Visit their website to learn more about their reputation and broad array of legal services, or call (845) 343-3000 to set up a consultation with an estate lawyer today. You can also find the law firm on Facebook.

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