A Power of Attorney plays a very important role in your estate planning. The person you designate must act in your best interests and can make decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated.
Choosing the right person for this role can be difficult. This person must be trustworthy, have integrity and must be someone you trust with your life.
Should I choose a family member to be my
Power of Attorney?
Selecting a family member is a common choice. Many people choose either a spouse or their child to be their POA. Since you know family members well, and can be confident in whether they have your best interests in mind, naming a family member is often an excellent decision.
Does my POA need to have certain skills or knowledge?
No special qualifications exist for a POA. Choosing someone you trust, and who has unquestionable integrity, is the most important quality to look for.
What if I do not have a family member to choose?
Your POA does not have to be a relation to you. You can select a close friend or someone else you trust to be your POA. If you do not have such a person you can name a professional to act on your behalf. They will be bound by their profession to act honorably and consider your best interests.
Naming a Power of Attorney is an important part of estate planning, but do not let the difficulty of the decision stop you from completing your documents. Choosing someone with integrity to represent your best interests will give you peace of mind.
