With a power of attorney, you have the opportunity to choose an agent to act on your behalf. For instance, if you become incapacitated in the future and you can’t make your own medical decisions, a medical power of attorney authorizes someone else to make them for you.
This document can be very important in giving your family guidance and peace of mind. But who should you choose? Below are a few things to consider.
It must be someone you can trust
First and foremost, choose someone you can trust. You’re giving them an incredible amount of power over the decisions made in your life. You could be authorizing them to make medical decisions or financial decisions that would ordinarily be left up to you exclusively. You need to know that they will put your best interests first.
Someone who wants the job
Next, it’s important to talk to this person before officially selecting them as your agent. Some people are not comfortable making medical decisions for others, or may think it seems too complex. You need to know that they want to take on this responsibility.
Someone who can realistically help when needed
Finally, just consider the person’s lifestyle and whether they will realistically be able to step into this role if it becomes necessary. For instance, it’s often best not to choose someone who lives overseas, travels extensively for work—such as a professional athlete or entertainer—or someone who is a member of the military and may be deployed.
Once you determine who you’d like to select as your agent, you just need to know what steps to take to create a power of attorney this year.
