Choosing an Agent
Select someone you trust to act responsibly and in accordance with the authority you grant.
CHILDs LEGACY LAW FIRM, P.C.
ESTATE PLANNING / HOUSTON, TEXAS
Powers of Attorney
Plan Ahead for Important Decisions
Life can change unexpectedly. A power of attorney can allow you to authorize someone you trust to make certain decisions or act on your behalf under defined circumstances.
CHILDs LEGACY LAW FIRM, P.C. helps individuals and families in Houston and throughout Texas understand powers of attorney and consider how these documents may fit into their estate plans.
Planning for authority, responsibility, and the future
01 / Plan ahead
Make Your Decisions With the Future in Mind
YOUR CHOICES. YOUR AUTHORITY. YOUR PLAN.Planning ahead means considering who may be able to help manage certain matters if you are unable to handle them yourself or need assistance with specific responsibilities.
A power of attorney is a legal document that authorizes another person, known as an agent, to act on your behalf within the authority granted by the document.
The scope of that authority depends on the type of power of attorney, its terms, and applicable law. Choosing an agent and understanding what that person may do are important parts of the planning process.
CHILDs LEGACY LAW FIRM, P.C. helps clients understand these considerations and explore the options available under Texas law.
The person you choose matters.
Understanding the authority you grant and selecting someone you trust are important parts of planning for future decisions.
02 / The essentials
Understanding Your Legal Options
A power of attorney allows you to authorize another person to act on your behalf for specified purposes. Depending on the document, the authority may relate to financial matters, property, or other decisions permitted by law.
Defining the Authority
Understand which actions your agent may take and any limits included in the document.
Understanding When It Applies
The circumstances in which an agent may act depend on the type of document and its terms.
Reviewing Your Responsibilities
Consider how the document fits into your wider estate plan and whether it reflects your current intentions.
03 / Document types
Understand Which Document May Fit Your Needs
Different powers of attorney serve different purposes. Two commonly discussed types under Texas estate planning law are shown below.
Durable Power of Attorney
A durable power of attorney generally concerns authority over certain financial or property matters and may remain effective during the principal's later incapacity, subject to the document's terms and applicable law.
AUTHORITY / FINANCIAL & PROPERTY MATTERS
Medical Power of Attorney
A medical power of attorney allows an appointed agent to make certain healthcare decisions when the legal conditions for that authority are met. It is distinct from a financial power of attorney and should be considered alongside other healthcare planning documents.
AUTHORITY / SPECIFIED HEALTHCARE DECISIONS
The authority, execution requirements, and appropriate use of each document differ. Legal guidance can help you understand which documents may be relevant to your situation.
04 / Is it relevant to you?
Planning for Different Stages of Life
A power of attorney may be worth considering if you want to plan for the management of certain matters or identify someone who can act on your behalf when authorized.
Adults Planning Ahead
Consider how financial and personal decision-making responsibilities may be handled if circumstances change.
Property Owners
Review whether an appropriate document may help address certain property-related matters.
Parents & Families
Consider how powers of attorney fit into a wider plan for family responsibilities and future needs.
Business Owners
Review whether a power of attorney is relevant to specific financial or property matters, subject to appropriate legal and business arrangements.
People Updating a Plan
Revisit existing documents when your circumstances, chosen agent, or intentions change.
Not every power of attorney serves the same purpose. The appropriate document depends on the authority you want to grant and the circumstances involved.
06 / Legal guidance
Guidance for Important Decisions
CHILDs LEGACY LAW FIRM, P.C. helps clients understand the legal considerations involved in planning for decision-making authority.
Understand Your Goals
Discuss the matters you want to address and the responsibilities you may need another person to handle.
Review Your Options
Explore the types of powers of attorney relevant to your circumstances.
Consider the Appropriate Authority
Understand the powers, limitations, and responsibilities associated with the proposed document.
Prepare or Review Documents
Where included in the agreed scope of legal services, obtain assistance with preparing or reviewing the appropriate document.
Coordinate Your Estate Plan
Consider how your powers of attorney relate to your will, trusts, and advance directives.
07 / The process
From Questions to a Clearer Plan
Each step helps clarify your needs, the document under consideration, and the legal requirements involved.
Schedule a Consultation
Discuss your planning needs with CHILDs LEGACY LAW FIRM, P.C.
Explain Your Circumstances
Identify the matters you want to address and the person you may wish to appoint.
Review the Available Options
Consider the appropriate type of document and the authority it should address.
Prepare or Review
Proceed with the agreed legal service and applicable execution requirements.
Review Your Wider Plan
Consider whether other estate planning documents need attention.
The process and scope of service depend on your circumstances, the document involved, and the terms of your engagement.
08 / Common questions
What to Know About Powers of Attorney
Explore answers to common questions about planning for decision-making authority in Texas.
POWERS OF ATTORNEY / FAQIt authorizes another person to act on your behalf within the authority granted by the document and permitted by law.
A durable power of attorney generally addresses certain financial or property matters and may continue during incapacity. A medical power of attorney concerns specified healthcare decisions under applicable legal conditions.
You generally select the person you wish to appoint, subject to applicable legal requirements. Choosing someone trustworthy and capable of handling the responsibility is important.
Whether and how a document may be revoked or changed depends on the circumstances, applicable law, and the document's terms. Obtain legal guidance before making changes.
No. A power of attorney and a will serve different purposes. A power of attorney generally concerns authority during your lifetime, while a will generally addresses matters that take effect after death.
It may be appropriate, depending on your needs and circumstances. A consultation can help you consider the relevant options and how a power of attorney may fit into your broader plan.
09 / Take the next step
Take a Step Toward Planning Ahead
Planning for future decisions can help you understand your options and document your intentions.
CHILDs LEGACY LAW FIRM, P.C. helps individuals and families in Houston and throughout Texas explore estate planning documents and make informed decisions.
Contact CHILDs LEGACY LAW FIRM, P.C.
(346) 656-6858
