Power of Attorney

A power of attorney (POA) authorizes someone else to handle matters, such as finances or health care, on your behalf if you are unable. If you have a durable power of attorney, it remains in effect if you become incapacitated, due to illness or an accident.

In South Carolina there are several types of POA:

• General Power of Attorney: This allows someone to act on your behalf in a wide range of areas, including insurance, real estate, finance and banking. That person, for example, would be able to pay your taxes and your bills. A General POA will end if a person becomes incapacitated, due to illness or an accident
• Durable Power of Attorney: Is exactly the same as a General POA expect remains in effect if you become incapacitated, due to illness or an accident
• Limited Power of Attorney: This narrows the general POA. For example, by use this document, your designee could pay your bills but not be able to sell your assets.
• Health Care Power of Attorney: This gives another person the authority to make health-related decisions if you should become incapacitated. You should make your wishes known to your designee. At the very least, have a conversation about your thoughts on issues such as life support. You also can draft a Living Will that spells out what type of care is or is not acceptable to you.

As part of an Estate Plan powers of attorney help you plan for medical emergencies and declines in mental functioning and can ensure that your finances are taken care of.  Having these documents in place helps eliminate confusion and uncertainty when family members have to make tough medical decisions.  A Durable Powe of Attorney tells everyone who you want, who you trust to manage your affairs if you can’t.

At Rivertown Law we offer tailored Estate Plans that meet your needs.  If you have any questions call us at 843.488.5600.  We offer same day appointments.