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Difference between revisions of "Older People and the Law"
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→Making a power of attorney
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===Making a power of attorney=== | ===Making a power of attorney=== | ||
A '''power of attorney''' is a legal document that names another person to be your '''attorney'''. An attorney is someone you trust to manage your financial and legal matters while you are alive. This might include paying bills, depositing money in your bank account, investing your money, or selling your home. They can’t make health care decisions for you. | A '''power of attorney''' is a legal document that names another person to be your '''attorney'''. An attorney is someone you trust to manage your financial and legal matters while you are alive. This might include paying bills, depositing money in your bank <span class="noglossary">account</span>, investing your money, or selling your home. They can’t make health care decisions for you. | ||
(The word attorney does not refer to a lawyer. It refers to the person you choose to manage your affairs under the power of attorney.) | (The word attorney does not refer to a lawyer. It refers to the person you choose to manage your affairs under the power of attorney.) | ||
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You must be '''mentally capable''' when you sign a power of attorney. This means you must understand what you are doing and what might happen as a result. | You must be '''mentally capable''' when you sign a power of attorney. This means you must understand what you are doing and what might happen as a result. | ||
The person you name as your attorney must act in your best interests and follow your wishes. | The person you name as your attorney must <span class="noglossary">act</span> in your best interests and follow your wishes. | ||
You can still handle your own affairs after you appoint an attorney. You can also '''revoke''' (that is, cancel) a power of attorney at any time and make a new one with a different attorney, as long as you are mentally capable. | You can still handle your own affairs after you appoint an attorney. You can also '''revoke''' (that is, cancel) a power of attorney at any time and make a new one with a different attorney, as long as you are mentally capable. | ||
