Power of Attorney Lawyers Edmonton

A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that grants someone else the authority to make decisions for you, whether for financial, legal, or personal reasons. Having a POA in place is an important part of any detailed estate plan. 

At Verhaeghe Law, our experienced power of attorney lawyers in Edmonton can help you create a tailored power of attorney document that protects your interests and provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Contact our Edmonton office today to learn more about your legal options when it comes to power of attorney and estate planning.

What is a Power of Attorney?

A power of attorney is a legal tool that allows an individual, called a ‘grantor,’ to designate somebody else, known as their ‘attorney,’ to make decisions on their behalf. This can be useful in situations where you are unable to make decisions due to illness, injury, or absence.

In Alberta, there are two main types of powers of attorney:

• Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA): These types of POAs remain in effect if you are no longer able to make decisions on your own behalf due to mental or physical health challenges. The primary purpose of an EPA is to handle financial and property matters, including transactions, payments, banking, and more. So long as you, the donor, are mentally able, you have the right to revoke or change your EPA at any time. This can allow for flexibility in your estate planning.

• General Power of Attorney: These POAs give your attorney power over your financial and legal matters, but it is no longer valid if you lose your mental abilities, are incapacitated, or pass. Because a general POA requires that you still have capacity, it can be revoked at any time while you are able.

At Verhaeghe Law, our power of attorney lawyers in Edmonton can help you understand the differences between types of POAs. In doing so, we can make sure the document you choose adheres to your unique needs and circumstances.

Why You Need a Power of Attorney

Having a power of attorney can be an important part of your estate planning. Some key benefits of POAs include:

• Continuity: If you become incapacitated and can no longer make decisions due to injury or illness, a POA makes sure that someone you trust will remain in charge of your financial or legal affairs.
• Avoiding Legal Complications: Without a valid POA, your loved ones may have to go through a time-consuming and costly legal process to get control over your affairs back.

When you create a POA, it is an important decision. Our Edmonton power of attorney lawyers can guide you through the process, making sure you have legally binding documents that protect your interests in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

What Happens If You Don’t Have a Power of Attorney?

If you become incapable and do not have a power of attorney in place, your family or loved ones may have to go to court to be appointed as your legal guardian or trustee. This process can be expensive, lengthy, and stressful. In addition, the court could appoint someone you personally would not have chosen to manage your belongings or estate. 

By creating a POA with the help of our power of attorney lawyers in Edmonton, you can avoid these potential complications. As a result, you can feel confident that your wishes and plans will be followed if you become unable to make decisions for yourself.

Why Choose Verhaeghe Law?

At Verhaeghe Law, we understand the importance of having a well-crafted power of attorney to protect your interests. Our Edmonton legal team has years of experience with estate planning and is committed to providing personalized legal solutions for you. When you work with us, you can expect:

• Experienced Lawyers: Our professionals have a thorough knowledge of Alberta’s power of attorney laws and will work to make sure that your document is legally binding and comprehensive.
• Personalized Advice: We will take the time to understand what your unique needs are, and offer customized solutions in response.
• Compassionate Service: We understand that planning for your future can be overwhelming. With our guidance and support throughout the process, you can feel confident about your and your family’s future.

Are You Interested in Creating a Power of Attorney? Contact our Power of Attorney Lawyers in Edmonton Today

If you’re ready to create or update a POA, you can speak with our team at Verhaeghe Law today. By doing so, you can ensure that your wishes are adhered to and the particulars of your financial and personal affairs are taken care of properly. Having a comprehensive estate plan in place, including a power of attorney, helps to safeguard the life you have built and the well-being of yourself and your loved ones.

Contact our lawyers at our Edmonton office online or over the phone at (587) 410-2500. With offices located in Edmonton, Athabasca, and Whitecourt, our team is ready to assist clients all over Alberta.