Best Probate Attorneys in Washington, DC

Planning for the unexpected is essential, especially when it comes to matters of legal responsibility for property, finances, and medical decisions. It’s not something that people like to think about, but it’s important to understand the difference between power of attorney and guardianship. In this blog post, we will break down what each of these terms means, the pros and cons of each, and why an attorney can help you make the right decision. What is Power of Attorney? Power of attorney is a legal document that authorizes someone to act on your behalf when it comes to financial or medical decisions. The person giving the power is called the principal, and the person receiving the power is called the agent or attorney-in-fact. The agent can be given broad or limited power, and it can be effective immediately or upon incapacity, which is a term defined in the document. It is important to note that power of attorney does not take away the principal’s decision-making authority. They can still make decisions for themselves, and as long as they are able, they can revoke the power of attorney at any time. What is Guardianship? Guardianship is a legal proceeding where a court appoints someone to make decisions for a person who has been found to be incapacitated. The person who needs help is called the ward, and the person appointed by the court is called the guardian.