One thing that you can do with an estate plan is to set up a power of attorney. This legal document gives you the chance to choose an agent. If something happens that means you are incapacitated – such as having a stroke or suffering a serious brain injury – then this agent can step in and make decisions.
There are different powers of attorney for medical decisions, financial decisions, legal decisions and the like. But who should you choose for this position?
Someone you trust
It has to start with trustworthiness, as you are going to be giving this person the legal power to make critical decisions on your behalf. They may have access to your finances, or they may be able to tell your doctors what type of care you need. This must be someone you trust fully to put your best interests first.
Someone who is nearby
Proximity is also important. In an emergency situation, this person may have to go to the hospital or a financial institution. There may not be any time for a delay, so they need to be close enough to actually respond and take on this job.
Someone who understands the process
It’s also important just to talk to the person you want to choose as your agent to go over the duties and responsibilities that they’ll have. Maybe they have to make very difficult medical decisions and you want to know that they really understand the technology and the terminology. Perhaps they’re going to have to make complex financial transactions for you. Just be sure that you pick someone who will do as good of a job as you would do for yourself.
When you find the right person, then all you need to do is look into the legal steps necessary to create a power of attorney.