When and Why are Powers of Attorney Needed?

Powers of attorney are voluntary delegations of authority by the principal to the agent. The “principal” is the person who creates the power of attorney, and the “agent” is the person who is receiving the power. The principal has not given up his or her own power to do these same functions, but rather has granted legal authority to the agent to perform various tasks on the principal’s behalf. These decisions and activities invariably involve finances, real estate, and medical care. For the transaction to be legal, it requires notary services in Santa Rosa, California, or at another location.
 
There are many instances when a power of attorney is essential. For example, physically or mentally challenged individuals, the elderly and hospital bound patients can authorize a power of attorney to sign or process important legal documents on their behalf. A comprehensive power of attorney ensures a trusted person will be in charge of important decisions and tasks, from paying bills to monitoring health care, and is a crucial part of long-term planning.

The following outlines different types of powers of attorney, depending on the needs of the individuals.

1. General or Comprehensive Power of Attorney
   The agent has the power to act on the principal’s behalf on all of the matters listed below.
2. Durable Power of Attorney
   The agent has the power to make decisions regarding property, legal, and financial matters.
3. Limited Power of Attorney
   The agent is limited by the scope and period of authorization to make decisions.
4. Financial Power of Attorney
   The agent has power to act on financial matters, such as signing checks and filing tax returns.
5. Medical Power of Attorney
   The agent has a power to make decisions limited to healthcare-related matters.

Are you looking to have a power of attorney notarized? Diana’s Mobile Notary, a mobile notary in Sonoma County, California, is experienced with powers of attorney and many other notarization needs and is more than willing to assist you!

Diana is also a certified loan signing agent in Sonoma County, California and happy to assist with your loan signing needs as well.