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Why Have a Notary Establish a Power of Attorney?
September 11, 2023 at 11:00 PM
People signing documents for a wedding

Establishing a power of attorney with a notary is a fundamental legal step that allows an individual to appoint someone they trust to handle their financial, medical, and legal affairs in the event that they become incapacitated or are unable to make decisions on their own behalf. This legal document ensures that their wishes are respected and their interests are protected. In this helpful guide, we’ll delve into the importance of taking this step, highlight common scenarios where it is essential, and discuss the top three benefits of doing so.

When to have a notary establish power of attorney.

You want to protect your finances.

One key reason for establishing a power of attorney with a notary is to secure your financial interests. Should you be faced with a sudden illness, an accident, or advanced age that impairs your cognitive abilities, having a power of attorney in place ensures that your designated representative can manage your finances and make essential decisions on your behalf. From bill payments to property management and tax filings, having someone trusted to navigate these complex matters becomes paramount.

You need an uninterrupted business plan.

For business owners, it is imperative to establish a power of attorney to ensure the continued operation and management of their business. In the event of temporary or permanent incapacity, having an appointed attorney-in-fact allows for seamless business management, including signing contracts, making financial decisions, and handling tax-related matters. This ensures that your business does not suffer in your absence and continues to grow as per your vision.

You need to protect your family.

Another common reason is to protect vulnerable family members. For elderly or disabled individuals who may require ongoing assistance, a power of attorney grants the appointed representative the authority to make decisions on their behalf. This is particularly vital when it comes to healthcare decisions, from choosing caregivers and medical treatments to managing financial resources. Establishing a power of attorney provides peace of mind by ensuring their best interests are always prioritized.

Benefits of establishing a power of attorney with a notary.

Ensures your wishes are honored.

Having a power of attorney enables you to appoint someone you trust to act on your behalf according to your wishes. This ensures that critical decisions impacting your life, health, and finances are made by someone who understands your values and respects your preferences.

Avoids costly and lengthy legal proceedings.

In the absence of a power of attorney, family members or friends may need to resort to the court to obtain the authority to make decisions on your behalf. This process can be time-consuming, costly, and emotionally draining. By establishing a power of attorney, you eliminate the need for such legal proceedings, saving both time and money, while minimizing potential conflict among loved ones.

Brings peace of mind.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of establishing a power of attorney using a notary is the peace of mind it offers. Knowing that your affairs will be handled by someone you trust is a powerful reassurance. This invaluable peace of mind allows you to focus on your wellbeing and can greatly reduce stress for both you and your loved ones.

Do you need to establish a power of attorney?

No matter the reason why you need to do it, you can trust the professionals at Elite Notary Agency to help you get it done. An essential part of establishing a power of attorney is having the legal agreement signed in the presence of a licensed notary public. As Illinois Notary Publics, we specialize in performing power of attorney notarizations conveniently at your preferred location, making the process as simple as possible for you. You can learn more about the services we offer, or you can schedule an appointment to start the process today.

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