You’ve heard the term power of attorney before. Maybe you even know what one is and why you need one, but do you know how to set up power of attorney in Wisconsin? There are a lot of services out there that may even claim to help you for free, but are they legitimate? We can shed some light on these questions and more.
What is a Power of Attorney?
Before you learn how to set one up, it can be helpful to know exactly what one is. With things like wills, living wills, and other life-planning documents, it can be easy to get confused about the specifics of what a power of attorney does for you, why you need one, and who can and should have one in place. Let’s break it down for you.
- What is a power of attorney: To put it simply, a power of attorney gives someone else the ability to act as you in specific or even all legal, medical, and financial matters typically once certain conditions are met.
- Why do people need a power of attorney: There are many varieties of power of attorney, but most people think of a durable power of attorney which can go into effect once a person becomes incapacitated. Without such a document in place, a court would need to decide who should be the guardian which can take time.
- Who should have a power of attorney: In short, anyone who is over 18 and doesn’t already have a guardian assigned to them should strongly consider having a power of attorney in place. This is especially true for the elderly or those with diagnosed illnesses that could render them suddenly incapacitated, even for a short time. If you have someone in your life that you want to be your guardian in the event that you are incapacitated, then getting a power of attorney is the best way to ensure that happens.
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Do You Need a Lawyer for a Power of Attorney in Wisconsin?
According to Wisconsin state law, you do not need a lawyer to create a power of attorney. You may be able to even find some free forms out there that you can fill out. However, these free forms may not comply with state law and may also not provide you with the flexibility that you need for your specific situation.
Read More: Can You Create a Will in Wisconsin Without a Lawyer?
Finding an attorney like those at Collins Law Firm will be your best bet to ensure that your power of attorney is in place, set up to be executed properly, and completely complies with state law. Reach out to us today!
Nothing posted on this website is intended, nor should be construed, as legal advice. Blog postings and site content are available for general education purposes only.