A durable power of attorney for financial matters is an effective way to arrange the handling of your business and personal affairs if you become unable to do so.

Our ability to handle financial affairs can be diminished by degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, or serious accidents. It can happen to the young or the elderly. We never know if or when tragedy might strike.

A durable power of attorney is a simple, inexpensive, and reliable way to arrange for the handling of your financial affairs. It allows the designated person to pay bills and file taxes in addition to handling other financial matters. Both a durable power of attorney for health care and a durable power of attorney for finances are needed.

Lesson Contents

I. Introduction

II. Estate Planning

III. Power of Attorney: Planning for Incapacity

a. Common Types of Powers of Attorney

b. Duties of and Selection Criteria for the Attorney-in-Fact

IV. Property Transfer: Documents and Legal Arrangements

V. A Will: Who Needs One?

VI. The Probate Process

VII. Personal Representative: To Carry Out Your Wishes

VIII. Gifting and Tax Strategies

IX. A Trust: Who Needs One?

X. How to Hire and Work with an Attorney

XI. Learn More

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Glossary

Case Studies and Resources

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Disclaimer

Acknowledgments

Prepare Your Estate Plan belongs to a series called Legally Secure Your Financial Future. The series also includes information to help you organize important household papers and to communicate your health-care wishes.

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