Renton Washington Family Law Criminal Defense and Estate Planning Attorney

Serving Renton, Kent, Seattle, Bellevue, Federal Way, Burien and south King County.

Please visit our web page at http://www.mgrlaw.com for more information.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Power of Attorney for Adult Children

Do you have a Power of Attorney for your adult children?  Do you realize the possible need for one and the potential consequence of not having one?

A Power of Attorney is a document that allows another person to make decisions and sign documents on your behalf.  These are important documents in estate planning.  Typically a husband and wife will grant one to the other, to take effect in the event of a disability or incompetency.  If the spouse becomes incompetent, then the Power of Attorney takes effect and you do not need to go to court to get a Guardianship set up (saving time and money).

What if you have adult (over age 18) children, who are not married?  If they do not have a Power of Attorney, and become incompetent (as a result of an illness or injury), then it may be necessary to go through the expense of a guardianship to legally care for them.  They are no longer minors that you have the legal authority over.  This becomes relevant as they graduate from high school or enter life on their own.

I would strongly suggest talking with your adult children about them giving a Power of Attorney to you or someone they trust, to make decisions and care for them if they become incapacitated.

The Renton law firm of Mogren, Glessner & Roti, represents clients in a variety of family law cases, both contested and uncontested. We have 4 attorneys for you to chose from. Please visit our web page at Renton Divorce Attorneys for more information.