What is a POA? That stands for Power of Attorney. What does that mean? That essentially means that you are entering into a legal and written document in which you authorize individuals – one or more – I always recommend Alternates to make legal decisions for you – IF and when you’re not able to. POAs can be made for healthcare and for financial decisions.
So… I often hear from people who say, “I don’t need those.”
I was at Cracker Barrel this morning having breakfast with my husband Gary, and the server told me that she was having this same argument with her mother. I’ve heard this over and over again. She told me in a frustrating voice that she has tried over and over again to ask her mother to make powers of attorney for health care and for her financial decisions – that way she has her daughter whom she trusts with those things – authorized to make those decisions – when she cannot make them on her own. Mamma told her I don’t need those. I’ve told you all verbally who is going to be in charge, if that happens.
Well… with all due respect Glenda (if you’re listening), that’s not good enough. As a matter of fact, if it’s not in writing, it is no good at all. You need powers of attorney and they need to be durable and enforceable (especially here under Tennessee law). What does durable mean? Why do you need these and what happens if you don’t have them? I explain in Episode 10. Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts today and share with a family member or friend.
Do you have a Power of Attorney for yourself? Did it make all the difference? Tell us about it. Leave a comment in our contact form or email me at hello@nancycogar.com. I’d love to hear about it.
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