Don’t Wait Until It is Too Late to Execute a Power of Attorney
A durable power of attorney is an extremely important estate planning tool, often more important than a will. If you become incapacitated due to dementia or some other reason, this crucial document allows a person you appoint (your “attorney-in-fact” or “agent”) to act in place of you (the Principal”) for financial purposes. The agent under the power of attorney can quickly step in and take care of your affairs.
But in order to execute a power of attorney and name an agent to stand in your shoes, you need to have capacity. Regrettably, many people delay completing this vital estate planning step until it is too late and they no longer are legally capable of executing the power of attorney.
What happens then? Without a durable power of attorney, no one can represent you unless a court appoints a conservator. That court process takes time and costs money, and the judge may not choose the person you would prefer. In addition, under a conservatorship, the representative may have to seek court permission to take planning steps that he or she could have implemented immediately under a simple durable power of attorney. To execute a durable power of attorney before it is too late, contact your attorney.
Ms. MacDonald’s practice is limited to Estate Planning, Probate & Trust Administration. Ms. MacDonald maintains her practice in the Santa Clarita Valley at 25115 Avenue Stanford, Suite A-209, Valencia, California. She can be reached at 661-294-6464.
ADVERTISE WITH US
Monthly Message from City Manager Ken Striplin Skyline Ranch Park – Welcoming the City’s 38th Park!
Feel the breeze and take in the sweeping views at the City’s 38th park, Skyline Ranch Park, a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Opening to the public on Saturday, April 6, Skyline Ranch Park, located at 18355 Skyline Ranch Road, will provide...
Live Music on Three Stages at the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival
Dust off Your Cowboy Boots for a Full Lineup of Country, Western, Folk and Bluegrass The 28th Annual Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival is back with your favorite musical performers and an exciting lineup of new acts. Taking place on Saturday, April 20 and Sunday,...
Calling Young Musicians in Grades 9-12 – Santa Clarita Symphony Orchestra
Applications are now open for Santa Clarita Symphony Orchestra’s first ever youth concerto competition! Students in grades 9-12 in the Santa Clarita Valley and surrounding areas are eligible. The competition was developed to inspire and encourage growth of...
ABOUT THE MAGAZINE
Santa Clarita Magazine has set a high standard for excellence in advertising for over 34 years. A family owned and operated business, Santa Clarita Magazine has grown with the Santa Clarita Valley since 1990 and become the #1 place to advertise locally.
FOLLOW US
SANTA CLARITA MAGAZINE
PO Box 801570
Valencia Ca 91380
For Advertising information
Call or Text: 1 (661) 294-4444