Power of Attorney in Cheyenne, WY
Have you ever wondered who would take care of your finances or make decisions for you if you were unable to do so for yourself? Don’t worry about leaving it up to whoever the law says has this right. Look into securing a power of attorney. This legal document can help you prepare for any situation where you may need someone else to make decisions for you. With the help of an attorney in Cheyenne, Wyoming you can easily set one up and get peace of mind today.
What Is a Power of Attorney?
The American Bar Association defines power of attorney as a document that gives someone power to act on your behalf as a legal agent. This authority can be either temporary, or permanent. The result is that your designated agent can manage your affairs without your written approval.
Why Would You Need a Power of Attorney?
One of the reasons why you may pursue a POA is for convenience. For example, you may rather have someone manage your assets without securing your approval each time. Any Wyoming POA can circumvent checks and balance steps, and allow someone to act on your behalf.
Another reason for a POA is if you are unable to make legally sound decisions. A POA provides you with security, giving a person of your choosing the power to act for you. This arrangement is typical for senior citizens. It’s also common for people with severe physical or mental conditions that prevent them from making decisions.
Types of Power of Attorney In Cheyenne, Wyoming
Not every POA grants the same powers to your agent. In fact, you can choose from a variety of different POAs. This allows you to cater to what best suits your situation.
General Power of Attorney
A general POA grants an array of powers to the agent. This can include:
- The ability to handle your financial matters and accounts
- Power to manage your insurance needs
- The ability to operate your business
- The ability to make business decisions on your behalf
- Power to hire or fire employees
- The ability to settle claims against you
- The ability to change your estate plan.
You may use this type of POA if you will be away for an extended period and need legal representation in Cheyenne, WY to handle your affairs. This legal arrangement may happen during your absence. It may also occur in a situation where you cannot make the decisions on your own due to an illness or injury.
Special Power of Attorney
A special POA is more specific, giving you the power to sign off on distinct powers granted to your agent. For example, if you only want someone to sign off on real estate deals, a limited power of attorney would be proper. You may also choose to use a special POA when you don’t have the time to deal with specific affairs due to time or health constraints.
Wyoming’s Uniform Power of Attorney Act governs general and financial POAs in Cheyenne. The Act includes a statutory form that allows you to grant general authority or individual powers. In addition, you can choose to add certain special powers that are beyond the scope of a general POA. However, these laws and forms do not apply to health care POAs. Instead, the Wyoming Health Care Decisions Act covers health care POAs and other advanced directives.
Health Care Power of Attorney
This type of POA grants your agent the right to make all medical decisions on your behalf. It comes in handy when you are not conscious or are otherwise unable to make decisions regarding your health care. While state laws can differ, your POA could have the ability to make serious decisions, like ending life support.
You may want to use a health care POA if you are elderly or sick. It’s possible you could find yourself in a situation where you can’t make decisions on your own. A Power of attorney can transfer to your child or someone you trust so that care can continue in your best interests.
Durable Power of Attorney
A durable power of attorney (DPOA), enables the agent to control specified functions. DPOAs are useful if you anticipate losing your mental faculties, such as after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. In essence, it acts as a preventative safeguard.
Under Wyoming law, Cheyenne POAs are durable unless they state that they terminate upon the incapacity of the principal. However, this rule only applies to POAs executed in 2018 or later. For older POAs to be durable, they must expressly provide that they are not affected by the principal’s incapacity. In addition, there is no statutory requirement that you sign your POA in the presence of a notary or other witnesses. However, a notarized signature helps to create a presumption of validity. In order to execute a health care POA in Cheyenne, you must sign in the presence of either a notary or two witnesses.
Choosing an Agent
The person you choose as an agent should be someone you trust. Often, people choose a family member as they usually have your best interests in mind and are close to you. However, you can select any individual to be your POA. Keep in mind that whoever you choose will be in charge of managing your affairs. This should be someone you trust to honor your wishes.
Appointing Multiple Agents
As a principal, in Cheyenne, WY you have the right to appoint multiple agents. You decide whether these agents act together or make separate decisions. Having two or more agents establishes a system of checks and balances. This procedure keeps one agent from making too rash of a judgment. However, it can also lead to discrepancies that may cause delays.
At the very least, it is crucial to have a backup POA should something happen to your primary. A successor agent can take control once the primary agent either passes away or cannot carry out the duties of an agent.
Revoking a Power of Attorney in Cheyenne, Wyoming
You have the right to revoke your power of attorney at any time as long as you are of sound mind to do so. You will have to put your revocation in writing and file it with the same place in Cheyenne, WY that handled your original POA paperwork.
Another party may also try to revoke your POA. Although, that becomes a much more complex legal proceeding and would be difficult to prove in court. The person would have to show the agent has done something to jeopardize your interests.
According to the Wyoming Department of Health, you can revoke your Cheyenne POA by executing a written revocation. They also recommend giving a copy of the revocation to the agent and all third parties who may rely on the POA. In addition, if your spouse is your agent, their power is contingent on the marriage. Therefore, under Wyoming statute, a filing for divorce, annulment, or legal separation terminates their power to act on your behalf.
Using a POA to Protect your Interests
You can insert provisions into your agreement that force your agent to report to an outside party. For example, a family accountant or a designated medical doctor could fill this role. This arrangement adds another layer of security and guarantees that another party can review decisions.
Recent Wyoming legislation allows certain parties to petition the court to review the agent’s actions. Some of the parties with standing to make this petition include:
- A co-agent or successor agent
- A guardian, conservator, or other fiduciary for the principal
- The principal’s spouse, parent, descendant, or heir
- The principal’s caregiver
- Anyone with authority to make healthcare decisions for the principal
However, a Cheyenne court will dismiss this action at the principal’s request, unless they are not competent.
Do I Need a Lawyer to File POA in Cheyenne, Wyoming?
It is always wise to consult with an attorney who specializes in Cheyenne trust or estate issues. POA paperwork can be complex, so having a dedicated Cheyenne legal professional on your side is helpful. A lawyer can also help you add provisions that safeguard your interests when you cannot look out for yourself.
Work with an Experienced Local Lawyer in Cheyenne, Wyoming
If you want to create a power of attorney, you should begin by speaking with an attorney. We can match you with an experienced Cheyenne lawyer that can help you navigate your POA. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Wyoming state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
