What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney (POA) is an important legal document in the state of Texas. It gives someone else the authority to act on your behalf in certain situations. A POA can be used in many different situations, including medical decisions, legal matters, and estate planning. In the context of estate planning, a power of attorney is a document that allows you to appoint someone as your agent to carry out your wishes regarding your assets and property after you die. The agent or attorney-in-fact has specific rights and powers to manage your assets. This could include making financial decisions on your behalf, or even carrying out certain tasks specified in your will. In Texas, the person you appoint as your attorney-in-fact must be over 18 years old and of sound mind. You can also include “durable” language in your POA, which means the authority remains valid even if you become incapacitated. A POA is different from a will. A will guides how your assets are distributed after you die, while a POA lets someone act on your behalf before you pass away. It’s important to remember that if you create a POA, you should keep it up to date, as it could become invalid if you move to another state or make significant changes to your financial situation.

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