| Power of Attorney Taking Effect Regardless of | | | | financial and medical affairs. All states have legal |
| Disability | | | | procedures, guardianships or conservatorships, to |
| Every adult has day-to-day affairs to manage, such as | | | | provide for appointment of a Guardian. These normally |
| paying the bills. Many people are under the impression | | | | require formal proceedings and are expensive in court. |
| that, in the event of catastrophic illness or injury, a | | | | This means involvement of lawyers to prepare and file |
| spouse or child can automatically act for them. | | | | the necessary papers and doctors to provide medical |
| Unfortunately, this is often wrong, even when joint | | | | testimony regarding the mental incapacity of the |
| ownership situations exist. | | | | subject of the action. The procedures also require the |
| The lack of properly prepared and executed power of | | | | involvement of a temporary guardian to investigate, |
| attorney can cause extreme difficulties when an | | | | even intercede, in surrogate proceedings. This can be |
| individual is stricken with severe illness or injury | | | | slow, costly, and very frustrating. |
| rendering him/her unable to make decisions or manage | | | | |