Los Angeles Lawyers For Power of Attorney

Serving California For Nearly 40 Years

What Is a Power of Attorney?

A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that grants one person the authority to act on another person’s behalf -- they may handle personal affairs of handle finances. The person who creates the power of attorney (the principal) can choose the person (the agent or the attorney-in-fact) who will have authority to act on their behalf and define the extent of that authority and the tasks that they can perform.

Common tasks that those with power of attorney include:

• Financial transactions
• Paying bills
• Negotiating contracts
• If you are an employer, they may make staffing decisions
• Decisions when it comes to buying and/or selling stocks

Multiple agents may also be appointed -- they may work together or an alternate agent may be named as a contingency to a primary agent.

If you would like assistance establishing a lawful power of attorney or contesting one, the Law Office of Mitchell A. Port is here to help. Our power of attorney lawyers in Los Angeles  have extensive experience with these useful and powerful documents and are eager to help you achieve your goals. The well-being of you and your family is important to us – let Mitch Port provide the support and counsel you deserve.

Call (310) 526-3433 or complete our online contact form to schedule a free phone consultation with a Los Angeles power of attorney lawyer.

What Are the Types of Power of Attorney?

The type of power of attorney you create depends on the extent of authority you want the agent to have.

You can create a the following powers of attorney:

• General power of attorney: This grants the agent broad authority for a variety of legal matters except for health care-related decisions.
• Limited power of attorney: This grants the agent the authority to act only in a certain defined situation. For example, a limited power of attorney may be established to grant someone the authority to sign a real estate transaction or other documents on your behalf.
• Power of attorney for health care: If you wish to grant someone the authority to make health care decisions on your behalf, you must create a power of attorney for health care. This grants the person the right to make decisions regarding your medical treatment.

How to Obtain a Power of Attorney

In order to establish a power of attorney, the principal must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind. A general or limited power of attorney must be signed by the principal before a notary public or before two witnesses. A healthcare power of attorney must be signed by the principal before two witnesses who also sign the document.