As its name suggests, the General Procuration (General Power of Attorney) permits your agent to perform every act such as paying bills, and managing your business and personal affairs.

A protection that you may want in your General Procuration is the "disability clause". This clause provides that the General Procuration goes into effect only when you are certified as unable to handle your affairs by your regular physician. This certification is an Affidavit signed by the Doctor in front of a Notary. This limits the use of the power of attorney to a time when your trusted physician agrees you are unable to handle your affairs. Remember as soon as you regain your abilities, you are in control again.

Be aware that the General Procuration does not include making health care decisions. That power is granted in a Special Limited Medical Power of Attorney discussed in a previous posting.

Americans are living longer these days and are at more risk for times of incapacity. The time to protect yourself is now while you are of sound mind, so you can specify how you would like your business and personal issues handled in case there is a time when your are not able to handle those matters.

The primary practice at Melchers Law Firm focuses on estates, wills, trusts, successions, business law and personal injury. (Plaintiff representation)

Contact us for more information at 504-467-1092 or 504-467-1130