With all of the excellent advice on how to protect yourself and your loved ones during the coronavirus outbreak, one necessary legal document is often overlooked. It’s a power of attorney.
You really need a Power of Attorney (POA).
Why is that?
In the event that you are hospitalized or in a care community, the people who will care for you will need information about your condition. They may have to make decisions about your care. You may have to make financial or business decisions on your behalf.
Even your husband or wife or a close relative can be denied information. Banks or other financial institutions may deny you access to financial information and funds.
During the current crisis, one of Governor Jay Inslee’s rules states: “Owners, operators, employees and volunteers are prohibited from disclosing proprietary and confidential health information unless otherwise required by law or with the consent of the resident.”
Giving power of attorney to someone you trust ensures that the caregivers share information with you.
Should someone you trust need access to your financial resources if you become incapacitated, they will need a power of attorney. Banks have to honor them legally.
For more information on powers of attorney, see our article at sanderslawgroupnw.com/happens-lose-marbles-need-power-attorney
Powers of attorney should be drawn up in consultation with a lawyer, but they are relatively quick and relatively inexpensive.
At Sanders Law Group we can work online to prepare legal documents. Powers of attorney, like wills, must be personally signed, witnessed and notarized, but we have a drive-through signature system to minimize personal contact.
If you have any legal questions, please call us at 425-640-8686.
– By lawyer Peggy Sanders and Ralph Sanders, Sanders Law Group
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