One of the main goals of estate planning is securing confidence in the future, specifically the end of your life and afterward. One aspect that helps achieve this goal are durable powers of attorney. If you’re confused about this term and the importance of drafting these documents, the guide below offers more information.

What Is a Power of Attorney?

A “power of attorney” refers to both a type of authority and the legal document that designates the authority to a specific individual. There are numerous types of powers of attorney, including general, medical, and limited. If you give a loved one general power of attorney, they can make decisions on your behalf in many financial aspects, such as handling your real estate, investments, taxes, benefits, business, and personal property.

A medical power of attorney will make decisions about your health when you cannot, such as which hospital you should be in and what treatment you should receive. They may also decide whether or not to keep you on life support. If there is a specific situation you want an individual to handle, such as the sale of a summer house, you could create a limited power of attorney that defines this scenario.

What Makes Them “Durable”?

All three of these powers of attorney could be made “durable.” Essentially, a durable power of attorney means that the individual’s authority stays indefinitely, even if you become mentally unsound. Without the “durable” modifier, a standard power of attorney is invalid when you die, purposely revoke the power, or upon its expiration date.

With durable powers of attorney, the individual you chose to make decisions for you can still do so after a diagnosis of dementia, brain damage, or coma. In this way, durability provides peace of mind for the individual who drafts the power of attorney.

If you’re considering this aspect of estate planning, reach out to Rutherford Law Office of Chillicothe, OH. This office is led by Attorney Sherri K. Rutherford, who has experience in everything from applying for Medicaid to drafting wills. With a friendly, family-oriented approach, you can count on this estate planning attorney to make complicated matters seem simple. To learn more about her practice areas, including probate and family law, visit the website. You can also call (740) 775-7434 to schedule a consultation for drafting durable powers of attorney.