Granting power of attorney to a third party may be a powerful estate planning tool in Nevada. Those who are thinking about giving power of attorney to others may wish to learn more the three common powers of attorney and what they entail. Understanding how and when these documents take effect may help an individual protect his or her assets and have more say over his or her medical treatment.
A health care power of attorney enables an authorized agent to make certain decisions about an individual’s health care. Specifically, it gives the agent the power to stop treatment or tell doctors when to resuscitate or not resuscitate. A person with this power of attorney may also tell a doctor or medical professional how to treat a patient. In addition, the designated agent may be able to tell a medical professional how long to keep an individual alive through artificial or other means.
The durable power of attorney allows authorized parties to make decisions on a wide range of issues. For example, the agent could provide instructions as to how to handle the sale of property or could give the agent the power to make withdrawals from a checking account. A durable power of attorney can expire. A HIPPA power of attorney allows an agent the ability to access information that may be protected by HIPPA privacy laws.
Using powers of attorney may be an effective way to plan for the future. Prior to giving someone prior of attorney, it may be a good idea to review such an agreement with an estate planning attorney. This may make it easier for everyone to know what powers they have and how they may be able to get any information that they need to carry out an individual’s wishes.
Source: Forbes, “Three Powers of Attorney Everyone Needs“, Mark Eghrari, November 14, 2014