Powers of Attorney

None of us like to think about the possibility that at some point, we may be too sick or severely injured to handle our own affairs. But unfortunately, unforeseen circumstances place many people into this situation. It is important to leave specific instructions as to who will manage your affairs and make important decisions about your health care in case you are hit with such a tragedy.

Power of Attorney

A power of attorney document names a person who will enter into legal and business transactions for you in the event that you are unable to do so yourself. The extent of the power can be very limited or practically unrestricted, depending on how you draft the document.

A power of attorney document can enable a person to perform the following functions on your behalf:

• Buy or sell property
• Complete a banking transaction
• Buy or sell stocks and bonds
• Complete all business transactions
• Make health care decisions

It is important to have a power of attorney in place in case you become ill, comatose, or experience diminished mental functioning from a disease such as Alzheimer's. You should only give a general power of attorney to someone you completely trust, since this person will have control over the management of your entire estate. Generally, this power is reserved for spouses, children, or other very close relatives.

You can create a medical power of attorney, called a health care proxy, which will authorize someone to express your wishes to your doctors regarding medical treatment if you cannot do so yourself. This is extremely important if you become comatose or are on life support.

Living Will

A living will, also called an advanced directive, is a document expressing your life sustaining medical treatment preferences in case you are no longer able to convey these wishes. The living will only applies if you are terminally ill and/or incompetent. The person appointed as your health care proxy will be responsible for communicating these wishes when you are no longer able to do so. By creating an advanced directive, you prevent your loved ones from having to make a difficult, doubt-filled decision about prolonging your life.

The Saidis, Sullivan & Rogers Edge

Frequently, people draft their will, powers of attorney, and advanced directives at the same time. At Saidis, Sullivan & Rogers, we will bundle these services together and offer them to you at a reduced rate. This way, you can take care of all of your estate planning needs at one time and save some money in the process.

The attorneys at Saidis, Sullivan & Rogers have the knowledge and background needed to handle all of your estate planning needs. Please contact one of our estate planning attorneys today to schedule a consultation at one of our Camp Hill, Carlisle, West Shore, Lemoyne, Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Cumberland County and Central Pennsylvania offices.