Top Mistakes With Durable Powers of Attorney in Washington

Durable powers of attorney are some of the most common estate planning tools in Washington. These documents can provide considerable protection and control when (or if) you become incapacitated. However, these estate planning tools are not foolproof – and they may be far less effective than you realize if you make certain mistakes. To avoid these mistakes, consider speaking with an experienced estate planning lawyer in Yakima.

Waiting Too Long to Create a Durable Power of Attorney 

Many people mistakenly think that durable powers of attorney are only for extremely old people. The truth is that it’s never too early to create one of these documents. When most people think about “incapacitation,” they picture a senior who develops dementia or some other type of disability. But incapacitation can occur in many ways – and it can affect people of all ages.

For example, many people fall into comas after suffering traumatic head injuries. This type of injury is common after car accidents, and it can affect young people as well as seniors. Early-onset dementia is also more common than many people realize, and you may have less time than you think. All of these factors mean that you should get started on your power of attorney as soon as possible. If you wait too long, it will be too late.

 Not Covering All Your Bases 

When creating a power of attorney, it is important to cover all of your bases. You might have very specific goals with your power of attorney, and perhaps you are laser-focused on medical decisions that you prefer. On the other hand, you might be more focused on financial decisions that need to be made after you become incapacitated. An effective power of attorney covers any and all decisions that your agent might need to make after your incapacitation. If you forget to cover some of these issues, you might leave behind significant blind spots that your loved ones will have no power to address. 

Attempting to Create “DIY” Powers of Attorney 

In the modern era, you’ll find all kinds of websites and apps that promise estate planning results without help from a lawyer. At first, this might seem like a low-cost solution. However, these “DIY powers of attorney” are often invalid, and they fail to meet the standards required by statute and, as a result, fail to stand up to scrutiny in court. If you’re going to create a power of attorney, you might as well do it properly – and have a lawyer make sure your document is valid.

Can a Yakima Estate Planning Lawyer Help With Durable Powers of Attorney? 

An experienced Yakima estate planning lawyer may be able to help you create durable powers of attorney. While internet research is a positive first step, the next step is to discuss your unique goals and family circumstances with an experienced lawyer. These legal professionals can guide you toward an effective solution for the problems you’re trying to solve. Book your consultation with Moulton Law Offices today.

Sources: 

floridabar.org/public/consumer/pamphlet13/

forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2019/03/29/the-problems-with-do-it-yourself-online-wills/