New Jersey Power of Attorney Lawyer

Power of Attorney

A Power of Attorney is an Essential Part of a Comprehensive Estate Plan
At Scott Counsel, P.C., our New Jersey power of attorney lawyers have the skills and experience that people and families can rely on. We follow the unspoken rule that holds that we present information in an efficient, easy-to-understand way that will help our clients feel better about a tense and often confusing time in their life. One of the ways we can do that is to help you, our client or potential client, make sense of all the various documents you may come across when you dive into the ocean of elder law. To set up a strictly confidential consultation with a New Jersey power of attorney lawyer, please contact us today.

What is a Power of Attorney and Why is it Important in Estate Planning?

If we are around for any significant length of time, chances are we have at least heard the term “Power of Attorney” before. In fact, you might be surprised to learn just how much there is to a Power of Attorney document. However, just because we might have heard of it doesn’t mean we know exactly what it is or what it does. That is where this page comes in. We know that a majority of these things don’t make sense to anybody who isn’t already waist-deep in a law degree. So, we’ve designed every aspect of this website and all its content with that very fact in mind. As we said above, our goal is to present legal information to you in a way that you can wrap your mind around without actually losing your mind.

Estate planning is about far more than simply deciding who gets to inherit what. While that certainly is a critically important aspect of the estate planning process, estate planning is also about ensuring that the proper structure is in place to protect you—no matter what might happen in the future. A power of attorney is an estate planning document that you can use to give another person (spouse, parent, adult child, sibling, close friend, etc) the power to act on your behalf in the event that you become incapacitated and unable to handle your own affairs.   

Understanding the Types of Power of Attorney in New Jersey

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about power of attorney. For example, did you know that there are, in fact, multiple types of Power of Attorney documents? It’s true, and they all work to give those people named in their pages different abilities to help them through the difficult process of losing a loved one. Here is a brief overview of the different types of POA in New Jersey: 

• General Power of Attorney: The most comprehensive, a general POA allows the person holding it (agent) to make legal, financial, and medical decisions on behalf of another person. 
• Durable Power of Attorney: A durable POA is quite similar to a general POA with the additional fact that it “survives” incapacity of the principal. For this reason, durable POA is a very useful option for people looking for the maximum level of protection. 
• Limited Power of Attorney: You can use a limited POA to give another person the authority to act on your behalf in a specific context. Often, a limited POA exists for only a predetermined period of time. 
• Springing Power of Attorney: In New Jersey, a springing POA does not take effect until and unless the person who set it up (principal) becomes legally incapacitated. 

A New Jersey Estate Planning Lawyer Can Answer Your Questions About POA

It is normal to have a lot of questions about the estate planning process, especially as it relates to setting up power of attorney. You may have questions or concerns about exactly what can be done with a power of attorney. Another question you might have is this: If I have a Power of Attorney document already, do I need an Executor too? Do I need both? Do I need anything at all?

Let’s see some other questions you might come up with regarding power of attorney on the way:

• What is a Power of Attorney?
• What are the different types of Power of Attorney?
• Does a Power of Attorney expire?
• What is the difference between an Executor and a Power of Attorney?
• If I have one, do I need the other? Do I need both?

In reading the questions above, you may have even thought of more. That is alright with us! Our main priority here at Scott Counsel is you, the reader. It is a sentiment that you will find echoing throughout each and every page of this website, and it is that same exact sentiment that you will see in each smiling face in our firm. We are more than happy to answer your questions. 

How Our New Jersey POA Attorneys Can Help 

We know that this time in your life and in the lives of your elderly loved ones are some of the most difficult and trying times you can face. At Scott Counsel, P.C., we don’t want to simply work for you; we want to work with you. We want to come alongside you and help you to make sense of an unimaginable situation. Perhaps most importantly, however, we want you to leave our offices secure in the knowledge that no matter what happens or where you go from here, you aren’t going there on your own. Among other things, our New Jersey POA lawyer is prepared to: 

• Listen to your story and conduct confidential review your case; 
• Help you understand exactly how power of attorney works in New Jersey;
• Draft the proper power of attorney documents; and
• Ensure that you have a comprehensive estate plan in place. 

Call Our New Jersey Power of Attorney Estate Planning Lawyers Today
At Scott Counsel, P.C., our New Jersey estate planning lawyers have the skills and experience to help clients with all types of power of attorney. If you have any questions about setting up a power of attorney, we are here as a resource. Call us at (856) 281-3131 or connect with us online to arrange your confidential consultation. With offices in Cherry Hills, Moorestown, Mullica Hill, Princeton, and Hammonton, we are well-positioned to provide estate planning services throughout New Jersey.