What is the difference between a will and a power of attorney?
A will and a power of attorney are two different legal documents. The differences between them are important to understand when it comes to wills and probate law in Wisconsin. A will is a document that outlines what a person wants to have done with their assets when they pass away. It can include instructions on who should receive specific assets, who the executor should be, and other important details. The will takes effect when the person who wrote it passes away and it is registered with the court. A power of attorney is a document that gives another person the legal authority to make decisions on behalf of the person who wrote it. This document is usually used when the person who wrote it becomes incapable of making certain decisions (such as when they become incapacitated). A power of attorney is generally only valid while the person who wrote it is still alive. In summary, a will is used to outline a person’s wishes after they pass away, while a power of attorney is used to allow another person to make decisions for an individual while they are still alive. Understanding the differences between these two documents is essential when it comes to wills and probate law in Wisconsin.
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