Fresno Power of Attorney Lawyer

No one likes to think about the end of their life, but planning for the unexpected can give you peace of mind. One valuable estate planning tool is power of attorney (POA). Using a POA allows you to designate a trusted individual to act on your behalf if you are unable to. A Fresno power of attorney lawyer at Fishman, Larsen & Callister can offer guidance.

There are multiple reasons for obtaining a POA. Having a POA in place can provide financial security in the case of incapacity or absence and allow you to avoid court-ordered guardianships. A POA can also help you manage your business when you are not able to. In general, it is a legal way to plan for your future.

POAs can be very helpful. In a survey of emergency department physicians, 78% reported that POAs are extremely useful in the care of their patients. If the thought of legal paperwork is overwhelming, there is no need to worry. When you work with Fishman, Larsen & Callister, we can provide professional assistance every step of the way.

A POA is a legal document that must meet certain requirements. At Fishman, Larsen & Callister, we have extensive experience working on power of attorney cases in California. Our attorney can help you draft a comprehensive POA document that is legally sound and accurately reflects your wishes. We know legal requirements can be confusing, and we are ready to help.

Unlike other law firms, we focus on preventative solutions, and we apply that same approach to POAs, ensuring that your POA also protects you from potential abuse. When we work on your case, we can offer new and different solutions that can prevent future claims and disputes regarding your health care. We do this by building a relationship with our clients.

A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows one person (an agent) to legally act on another person’s behalf (the principal). POAs can be created for financial, legal, and health care decisions. You can also choose whether it is immediately effective or only after you become incapacitated.
The power of attorney process is as follows:

This might seem like a lot of work, but our power of attorney lawyer can guide you through each step, answering any questions you have along the way. A knowledgeable attorney can also walk you through the different types of POAs to help you figure out which kind you need.

Depending on what responsibilities you want to transfer to your designated agent and when, Fresno power of attorney laws allow the creation of different kinds of POAs. These POAs include:

If you only want the POA to be effective until you become incapacitated, a general POA may be the route for you; however, if you want the POA to remain valid even if you become incapacitated, that is when a durable POA can be more useful. You can also choose a POA type for only a particular purpose or for a limited time. Our POA attorney can discuss your options.

Choosing someone to be your POA agent requires careful thought. Your agent should be someone who knows your values and understands and respects your wishes. Think about the types of decisions you would want your agent to make. Some typical powers and responsibilities of an agent include:

When you work with a Fresno power of attorney lawyer at our firm, they can help you choose the right agent, ensuring you make a choice that aligns with your preferences and needs.

In addition to helping you draft your POA, a POA attorney at Fishman, Larsen & Callister can help you ensure your POA is legally valid through the Fresno County Superior Court. They can also help you avoid costly court processes that can come with the appointment of a guardian.

Q: How Much Does a Power of Attorney Cost in California?

A: The power of attorney cost varies depending on your circumstances and the type of POA you choose. Lawyers usually charge based on the complexity of the case, and there are also self-help options available; however, they do have limits and may not cover the extent of your needs. When you schedule an initial consultation with a POA attorney, they can discuss cost details.

Q: How Much Does It Cost to Notarize a Power of Attorney?

A: The cost to notarize a POA varies depending on several factors. California has set a maximum notary fee of $15 per signature. When looking for a notary, you may encounter different costs based on location and whether services are in-person or online. Notaries can also provide additional services that may increase your costs.

Q: Who Is the Ideal Person to Give Power of Attorney?

A: The ideal person to name as your POA agent is someone who you trust completely. Usually, people choose a close friend or family member to be their agent. When thinking about this decision, consider how responsible and organized a person is and make sure to communicate your wishes in conversation, too. An ideal agent should also know how to talk to doctors.

Q: Do You Need a Lawyer to Get a Power of Attorney in California?

A: In California, there is no legal requirement to hire a power of attorney lawyer, but there can be many advantages to doing so. This is especially true for complex situations. Although you can use self-help forms and work with a notary, an attorney can answer complicated questions and ensure your document is legally compliant.

No one knows what tomorrow will bring, but having a legally valid POA can protect your future by ensuring your health care decisions align with your values. When you contact a Fresno power of attorney lawyer at Fishman, Larsen & Callister, we can answer your questions and provide legal guidance. Contact us to schedule your consultation today.