Houston Family Law & Divorce Attorneys

Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny
Call Today! 713.936.2300
  • Home
  • Firm Overview
  • Attorneys
  • Divorce
  • Family Law
  • Estate Planning
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Call Today
  • Email Us
  • Our Map
  • Menu
Blog 2018 July The Benefits of Having Durable Power of Attorney Documents
Previous Post  |  Next Post

The Benefits of Having Durable Power of Attorney Documents

Posted By Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny || 13-Jul-2018

An important function of a completed estate plan is to protect your medical choices and financial assets in the event of a medical emergency or your incapacitation. This is accomplished by having valid durable power of attorney documents for healthcare and finances. These documents appoint an agent (a family member, advisor, or friend) who can act on your behalf. Your agent won’t lose their authority at any point during your incapacitation because these documents are “durable” and not “general.” A general power of attorney only lasts until your incapacitation.

It’s important to have an estate planning lawyer review your estate plan and durable power of attorney documents every few years to ensure they accurately represent your existing needs.

Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare

A durable power of attorney for healthcare authorizes an agent to oversee your medical care and make healthcare decisions in your place. This is extremely important in a medical emergency because your agent is allowed full access to your medical records and can approve medication and treatment options based on your advanced healthcare directive. This agent also has the power to legally admit or discharge you from a nursing home or hospital if your care necessitates it.

By law, your agent and medical care providers are required to abide by your advanced healthcare directive, which includes instructions about your end-of-life choices and body donation preferences. As your representative, it’s your agent’s duty to ensure your advanced healthcare directive is respected and legally upheld.

Durable Power of Attorney for Finances

A durable power of attorney for finances permits an agent to handle your financial responsibilities. While you are hospitalized or undergoing medical care, your agent can make sure your financial matters are being conducted per your wishes. Your agent has the authority to access your financial accounts to manage your investments and pay your bills, taxes, and medical expenses.

Create Your Estate Plan Today

If you’re interested in creating an estate plan with durable power of attorney documents, contact the Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny. Our lawyers have over 30 years of estate planning experience and can help you design a plan that perfectly matches your needs and objectives.

Contact the Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny at (713) 936-2300 to schedule a consultation.

Categories: Family Law, Estate Planning

Share Post

Divorce

How Can We Help You?

  • Child Custody
  • Child Support
  • Contested Divorce
  • Collaborative Divorce
  • Divorce Mediation
  • High-Net Worth Divorce
  • Property Division
  • Spousal Maintenance
  • Uncontested Divorce
  • Visitation

Contact The Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny

Put More Than Three Decades Of Experience To Work For You

Send My Information
  • Home
  • Site Map
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny
Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny - Houston Family Law Attorney
14701 St. Mary's Lane, Suite 315, Houston, TX 77079 View Map
Main (713) 936-2300
Website: https://www.marteenylaw.com
© 2021 All Rights Reserved.
Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny @MartyeenyLaw
map of location
Internet Marketing Experts