When planning for the future, you will most likely encounter two important documents: the Power of Attorney and the Advance Health Care Directive. While both documents involve decision-making authority, they serve different purposes and require notarization. As a provider of notary services in Santa Rosa, California, Diana of Diana’s Mobile Notary strives to help you understand the distinctions between these two essential legal instruments.
- Power of Attorney (POA)
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that grants someone the authority to act on your behalf in financial and legal matters. It allows you to designate an individual, known as your agent or attorney-in-fact, to make decisions for you if you cannot do so yourself. Your agent can manage tasks such as paying bills, managing investments, mortgage transactions, or selling property. The scope of authority can be broad or limited, depending on your preferences and needs. - Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD)
An Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) focuses on healthcare decisions. This document allows you to specify your medical preferences and appoint a healthcare proxy to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot communicate. It covers aspects like life-sustaining treatment, organ donation, and end-of-life care. - Choosing the Right Document for You
If you’re primarily concerned with financial and legal matters, a POA is more suitable. If you want to outline your healthcare preferences and appoint someone to make medical decisions for you, an Advance Health Care Directive is the way to go. Having both documents properly notarized and in place offers comprehensive protection and peace of mind.
For peace of mind, you can also utilize Diana’s Mobile Notary as a loan signing agent in Sonoma County, California for all your notary needs. Contact her today at 707-328-1289
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