Power of Attorney Plan

What Is a Power of Attorney Plan?

A power of attorney plan is a set of legal documents that lets you choose someone — called your attorney-in-fact (or agent) — to make important decisions on your behalf if you're ever unable to make them yourself. This could happen because of an illness, an accident, or simply aging.

A comprehensive power of attorney plan from The Taormina Firm typically includes a durable financial power of attorney, a health care power of attorney, and a health care directive. Together, these documents cover the two big areas of your life: your money and your medical care.

Why Does This Matter?

Here's what most people don't realize: if you become incapacitated without a power of attorney in place, your family may have to go to court to get the authority to manage your affairs. That process — called guardianship or conservatorship — is expensive, time-consuming, and stressful. A power of attorney plan avoids all of that.

The "durable" part is important too. Traditional powers of attorney ended when the principal lost capacity — which is exactly when you need them most. Missouri allows durable powers of attorney that remain effective even after you become incapacitated, providing continuous protection.

Think of it as planning ahead for a situation you hope never happens, but one you'd want to be prepared for if it did.

What's Covered?

Your financial power of attorney gives your agent authority to handle things like paying bills, managing bank accounts, handling investments, filing taxes, and dealing with real property transactions. Your health care power of attorney designates someone to make medical decisions, and your health care directive puts your specific end-of-life wishes in writing so your family and doctors know exactly what you want. These documents also address HIPAA authorization, allowing your agent to access your medical records.

How The Taormina Firm Approaches POA Planning

Vince works with you to understand who you trust most and what level of authority you're comfortable giving them. Every plan is tailored to your specific situation — because no two families are the same. Whether you need a standalone power of attorney or you're building it into a larger estate plan, The Taormina Firm makes the process simple and straightforward.