Your power of attorney is an individual that you choose to make decisions on your behalf and take actions in your stead (your “agent”). It’s up to you as the principal or creator of this document to determine exactly what powers you wish your power of attorney agent to have in Massachusetts.

Here are some of the most common included powers in this legal document:

  • Filing tax returns
  • Handling any insurance or legal claims
  • Borrowing money
  • Completing business transactions
  • Selling, buying or managing real estate
  • Paying necessary bills

A key distinction that you must make in your power of attorney document is whether or not you intend to make it limited or general. A general power of attorney will generally allow the agent to ‘step into your shoes’ to do whatever you would have been able to do financially. On the other hand, a limited power of attorney specifically outlines limited powers for the agent.

Further, a power of attorney may be restricted to a particular time period (e.g. 30 days) or it may be available to use during your life.

Finally, a power of attorney may become effective immediately upon your signing it, or it may only become effective upon your incapacity.

Contact a lawyer to draft your own power of attorney in Massachusetts.  

 

 

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a qualified attorney.

Tiffany A. O'Connell, JD, LLM, CELA, AEP

About Tiffany A. O'Connell, JD, LLM, CELA, AEP

Tiffany A. O'Connell, JD, LLM, CELA, AEP is the CEO and Founding Partner of O'Connell Law, an estate planning and elder law firm serving clients across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. She is one of a select group of attorneys in Massachusetts certified by the National Elder Law Foundation as a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA). Tiffany focuses her practice on estate planning, trust and probate administration, Medicaid planning, long-term care planning, Alzheimer's planning, charitable planning, and retirement and wealth strategies. She has been helping families plan for their futures since opening her practice in 2010.

Credentials: JD, LLM, CELA (Certified Elder Law Attorney — National Elder Law Foundation), AEP (Accredited Estate Planner)

Licensed in: Massachusetts

Areas of Practice: Estate Planning, Elder Law, Medicaid Planning, Probate & Trust Administration, Alzheimer's Planning, Asset Protection

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