Difference between revisions of "Older People and the Law"
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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 <span class="noglossary">trust</span> to manage your financial and legal matters while you are alive. | A '''power of attorney''' is a legal document that names another person to be your '''attorney'''. An attorney is someone you <span class="noglossary">trust</span> to manage your financial and legal matters while you are alive. They must act in your best interests and follow your wishes. | ||
(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.) | ||
Most people draw up a power of attorney to make sure someone can step in to manage their affairs in case they lose their mental capacity. The person you appoint as your attorney can pay your bills, deposit money in your bank account, invest your money, or sell your home. But they can’t make health care decisions for you. | |||
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. | ||
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. | ||