Cleveland Estate Plans: Advance Directives And Designating A Power Of Attorney
At Russo, Rosalina & Co., LPA, we know how much you value your loved ones. A comprehensive estate plan should also have a medical power of attorney, a legal power of attorney and an advance directive or a living will for your protection and peace of mind.
Our lawyers offer a personal approach and decades of experience preparing comprehensive estate plans and powers of attorney for clients in Cleveland and throughout the surrounding Ohio communities.
What Does A Living Will Accomplish?
A living will spells out exactly what you desire for end-of-life care. If you become incapacitated, your living will ensure that your medical care team and health care professionals know your wishes. It could address:
- Whether you want to be resuscitated
- If you want to be kept on life support
- How important quality of life is to you and exactly what you want
For example, there might be appropriate treatments that could keep you alive but significantly lower your future quality of life. You can declare what you would want, just in case you are unable to express your wishes if that scenario were to happen.
An advance directive sets forth exactly what treatment options you approve and which ones you do not want under any circumstances. The goal is to consider all possible medical issues and to make decisions in advance so care providers and family members can respect and adhere to your wishes if you become unable to express them.
What Are The Different Types Of Powers Of Attorney In Ohio?
In the state of Ohio, there are many different types of powers of attorney that could be included in an estate plan. Our estate planning lawyers at Russo, Rosalina & Co., LPA, work with our clients to customize appropriate estate planning tools and powers of attorney as appropriate for their needs.
Medical Power Of Attorney
Naturally, you may not be able to predict all medical events and possible outcomes, so you want to supplement your living will with a medical power of attorney. This legally authorizes someone else to make health care decisions. Without it, you may be the only one legally allowed to do so. When you’re incapacitated or unable to make decisions on your own, you need to give that power to a loved one.
Legal Power Of Attorney
A legal power of attorney is similar to the above, but it focuses on giving someone else the power to make legal and financial decisions on your behalf. Examples include accessing your investment portfolio, using your bank account, paying your creditors and working with your assets. Someone else needs to handle your affairs when you cannot do it yourself.
Limited Power Of Attorney
A limited power of attorney grants someone authority to act on your behalf for a specific task or for a limited period. For example, you might use it if you need someone to handle a real estate transaction while you are out of town.
Durable Power Of Attorney
A durable power of attorney stays active and in effect, even if you are not in a capacity to make decisions for yourself. In other words, it still functions if you become incapacitated. This allows your chosen agent to manage your affairs without interruption if you are not able to make decisions for yourself.
Nondurable Power Of Attorney
The opposite of a durable power of attorney, a nondurable power of attorney, is only valid as long as you are mentally competent. It typically covers short-term needs, such as authorizing someone to handle your affairs while you are temporarily unavailable.
Springing Power Of Attorney
A springing power of attorney becomes effective only under specific conditions, such as your incapacity. It “springs” into action when a predetermined event occurs, providing flexibility and control over when the power is granted.
Do You Need To Have A Lawyer To Create A Power Of Attorney In Ohio?
While you are not legally required to have a lawyer create a power of attorney in Ohio, using one offers significant benefits. A lawyer can draft a document that is legally sound and accurately reflects your wishes. An attorney can help you understand the different types of powers of attorney and advise which is best for your situation. At our Cleveland law firm, we take the time to understand your unique needs and provide personalized guidance. Our attorneys are dedicated to helping you create a power of attorney that provides peace of mind and security for you and your loved ones.
A Power Of Attorney Is Appropriate At Any Age
Don’t fall into the trap of believing that estate planning is just for seniors. It is for people of all ages. Do you have loved ones that you want to take care of in the event of your death? Be sure that they are properly cared for and that you are protected as well if you’re incapacitated.
Consult A Cleveland Powers Of Attorney Lawyer Today
To set up a consultation, you can connect with us online or call our office at 440-663-1535. We represent clients in the greater Cleveland communities from our offices in Parma and Mayfield Heights.