St. Charles County: (636) 535-2733 | St. Louis County: (314) 763-2739 | Statewide: (636) 422-5107
St. Charles County
We believe that it is never too early to start planning for one’s eventual needs.
Unexpected events or periods of incapacity can leave individuals vulnerable when it comes to managing important life decisions.
Being able to make one’s own choices is central to one’s autonomy as an adult. Common decisions that most adults need to make include buying or selling property, applying for government benefits, or protecting one’s legal rights during disputes. When an individual becomes unable to make these choices for themselves, a power of attorney might become the right option. There are many factors that might make someone unable to decide on their own behalf.
Perhaps the most common reason to create a power of attorney is an anticipated medical condition. If an individual receives a diagnosis that is likely to result in their inability to properly care for their own affairs in the near future, it may be best to transfer authority to another individual through a power of attorney.
Powers of attorney offer essential legal protection for individuals who may face temporary or permanent incapacity.
By proactively establishing these documents, you ensure that trusted individuals can manage your medical and financial decisions according to your wishes, without court intervention or delays.
A general durable power of attorney empowers a trusted individual known as an “attorney-in-fact” to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.
This agent can manage everyday financial responsibilities such as paying bills, handling banking transactions, overseeing investments, and protecting your assets.
A healthcare durable power of attorney allows you to appoint a trusted individual to make medical decisions on your behalf when you’re unable to do so.
This agent can communicate with doctors, evaluate treatment options, and authorize care—ensuring your healthcare preferences are respected and followed without interruption.
The holder of a general power of attorney must act in good faith towards the creator, only making decisions in this person’s best interests. A failure to do so could result in the holder facing legal liability for all relevant losses, damages, or reductions in the asset’s value.
Meanwhile, limited powers of attorney are a bit more restricted. These documents state a specific action that the recipient can perform. Therefore, these arrangements must be as precise as possible, transparently outlining the actions that the subject wants the holder to take and for how long the document should remain in effect.
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Our attorneys help individuals prepare for the future.
We guide clients through essential legal tools such as financial and healthcare powers of attorney, guardianships, and estate coordination, ensuring trusted agents can act when needed most.
Our goal is to give you peace of mind knowing your decisions will be respected and your affairs managed without delay. Don’t wait to secure these vital protections, get started today.
Talk to Us About Your Future Today
If you are concerned that you will soon no longer be able to make crucial decisions about the future of your property, you should consider implementing an arrangement known as a power of attorney. For instance, you might want to do this if declining health or an unanticipated disability are changing your future plans.
A St. Charles County power of attorney lawyer is ready to help you evaluate your needs. They could explain how these arrangements work, determine the best path moving forward, and draft documents that meet the relevant legal requirements. Call as soon as possible to schedule your initial appointment.
According to state law, every adult has the sole authority to make decisions about their legal rights. Others, not even family members, are not allowed to decide anything without the subject’s consent. However, if an individual does give this consent, someone else can make important decisions on their behalf. This can include making medical, financial, or estate planning choices.
A durable power of attorney helps individuals prepare for unexpected incapacity by legally empowering someone they trust to manage their affairs.
With the right documentation in place, you can protect your finances, healthcare decisions, and long-term plans, ensuring continuity and control, even if you’re unable to act for yourself.
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St. Charles County
1551 Wall Street, Suite 240
St. Charles, MO 63303
(636) 535-2733
O’Fallon
856 Waterbury Falls Dr. Suite 200
O’Fallon, MO 63368
(636) 422-5107
*By Appointment Only
St. Louis County
721 Emerson Road, Suite 120
St. Louis County, MO 63141
(314) 763-2739
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