Durable Power of Attorneys

Because life is unpredictable, having a Durable Power of Attorney in place before a significant healthcare crisis occurs is the best medicine.  Durable Powers authorizes another to act on your behalf should you be unable to do so.

A Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) is a legal document wherein, the “principal” (the person creating the document) authorizes another, the “agent” or “attorney in fact”, to make financial decisions on behalf of the principal.  The DPOA sets-forth the scope and nature of the authority granted to the agent. For instance, a DPOA authorizes the agent authority over the principal’s bank accounts, credit accounts, insurance, investment and brokerage accounts, real property, IRAs and retirement accounts, to name a few.  

• It is very important to create a DPOA while you are healthy and of sound mind.  
• Failing to have a DPOA in place will necessitate the filing of a Guardianship proceeding at probate court – an expensive and time-consuming endeavor.   
•  It is a misconception that a spouse has the same legal authority as a DPOA simply because they are married. By creating a DPOA ahead of time you can assure that your spouse has the necessary authority.

At Winkler Legal, LLC every estate plan we create includes a DPOA to ensure that your bases are covered should something happen.

Winkler Legal, LLC is Columbus, Ohio’s Durable Power of Attorney law firm.  

Winkler Legal, LLC – Where Families Come for PEACE OF MIND