Through power of attorney, you can give a relative, friend or financial institution permission to act on your behalf. Many people have an incomplete or outdated general power of attorney which only becomes effective if you are first declared incapacitated by a court, which involves unnecessary time and expense. In response to this issue, the New Jersey legislature has recognized durable powers of attorney which are effective when they are signed by you. A properly prepared durable power of attorney is essential to protect your rights. An experienced lawyer can explain the options available with a durable power of attorney and help ensure your documents are legally effective.
At Nicholas A. Giuditta III, Attorney at Law, we have extensive experience with the complexities of durable powers of attorney. We can meet with you to discuss your situation, explain the differences between general power of attorney and durable power of attorney, and prepare documents that suit your needs.
Contact us by e-mail or phone at 908-264-2449, or toll free at 866-930-0405.
Determining Financial Power of Attorney
Unless you modify a durable power of attorney while you are mentally capable, the document is effective from the time you sign it until your death. Because of this, it is important to choose wisely when selecting an "agent" for your durable power of attorney. Depending on the provisions of your document, this person can handle any or all of the following for you:
- Banking transactions
- Legal claims
- Insurance and retirement benefits
- Support and care payments
- Property buying, selling and management
- Safety deposit boxes
- Tax returns
- Loans
- Medicaid planning
- Social Security and other benefits
- Stockholder rights
- Trusts (as grantor or trustee)
- Contract for services
Estate attorney Nicholas Giuditta, founder of our law firm, has the skill and know-how to help with the complexities of durable power of attorney. He can help you make an informed decision by providing information and advice on what kind of person makes a good agent.
Sound Advice for Every Scenario
To schedule an initial consultation about durable power of attorney or other elder law issue, please feel free to contact us by e-mail or phone at 908-264-2449, or toll free at 866-930-0405. We promptly reply to all phone calls and e-mails, usually within the same day. We serve clients throughout New Jersey from our Westfield location.
