Power of Attorney

Safeguard Your Future with Powerful Agents: Financial and Healthcare Powers of Attorney

Estate planning in Washington goes beyond just a Will. Having a Power of Attorney (POA) protects you if you’re ever unable to manage your affairs. A POA is a legal document giving someone you trust (your agent) the authority to act on your behalf.

Harbor Law strongly recommends two POAs:

Financial Power of Attorney: Manages your finances (bank accounts, bills, property) if you become incapacitated.
Healthcare Power of Attorney: Makes medical decisions for you if you can’t.

What does a Financial Power of Attorney Do?

Unexpected incapacity can disrupt your finances. A financial POA ensures your bills are paid, property managed, and finances run smoothly during a difficult time. Your agent can handle everyday tasks like depositing checks, paying bills, and accessing accounts.

A financial POA typically grants your agent authority for everyday tasks like:

Depositing checks
Paying bills
Accessing safe deposit boxes
Selling property (with broader authority for long-term incapacity)

It’s important to select a trustworthy agent. Most financial Power of Attorneys take effect upon incapacity, allowing you to manage your finances independently until needed. Our estate planning attorneys can help you decide the best Power of Attorney timing for your situation.

Protect Your Future with Power of Attorney

Why you Need a Healthcare Power of Attorney

Imagine a situation where an accident or illness leaves you unable to make medical decisions for yourself. A healthcare power of attorney (HPOA) ensures your wishes are heard during this vulnerable time. This legal document appoints a trusted individual (your agent) to make medical choices on your behalf.

What does a Healthcare Power of Attorney Do?

Most HPOAs become active upon your incapacity, as determined by a doctor. This allows you to retain control over your healthcare decisions until needed. Your HPOA agent can handle a wide range of medical decisions, including:

Consenting to or refusing medical treatments and procedures
Choosing your healthcare providers
Authorizing the release of medical information
Directing your care preferences, such as pain management or end-of-life care

Contact Harbor Law Today

Don’t wait until a crisis to make your financial or healthcare wishes known. Our experienced estate planning attorneys can guide you through the Power of Attorney creation process and ensure your future is in your control. Contact us today for a free consultation and discuss how we can help you achieve peace of mind.

Ruth T

2024-04-18

We had our wills drawn up by Harbor law. Their pricing was about the middle of the road from what I could tell from the few places I called in Seattle. Kevin and his team had great customer service and knowledge so am very satisfied with their services and would go back to this firm for future estate documentation if needed.

Daniel Freve

2022-11-06

My wife and I would highly recommend Kevin Monahan and Harbor Law for preparing a will and trust. Kevin was incredibly patient, responsive, and helpful in answering all of our detailed questions throughout the process. He was also very clear up front about various options and costs.

A. McLean Emenegger

2021-03-12

Without a moment’s hesitation, I absolutely recommend Harbor Law Firm. From start to finish, they were responsive, professional and a delight to work with. They are conscientious, excellent communicators and ensure that all your questions are answered in a thoughtful and timely fashion. I feel fortunate to have partnered with them on my estate planning and LLC formation projects. I was never in doubt of their expertise and ability to carefully manage the work. You are in good hands with Harbor Law Firm.

Andrick Schall

2020-11-27

I had a fantastic experience with this law firm, and I highly recommend them. I'm going into healthcare, so I decided it was time to make arrangements (everybody should, really; no one is guaranteed tomorrow). Kevin and Kate made this an extremely easy process. Their correspondence, throughout the entire process, was very swift and professional. Kevin explained to me, in a very accessible manner, what the process would entail, every step of the way. Once Harbor Law Firm had the information they needed, the process was underway. Kate and Kevin would quickly contact me with just a few small adjustments, again explaining to me the value in doing so. Both of them were kind enough to come to my residence, on their day off (above and beyond!), to have the documents signed and finalized. Also, they were both very personable and pleasant people, and recalled details about my life that I had told them, and asked how these endeavors were coming along. This was a very easy and quick process throughout, and I highly recommend them. Thank you again!!!

Weston Jandacka

2020-11-21

I was more then happy with my estate planning experience with Harbor Law. From professionalism to deep knowledge on the subject, I felt comfortable and confident throughout the whole process.

Brian Anderson

2020-10-15

I received excellent service from Harbor Law Firm. I had many questions for Kevin and I found him to be knowledgeable and patient as he explained everything to me. He completed the work quickly and thoroughly and his fees were very reasonable. His entire team provided a high level of service from beginning to end!

Drew Hadley

2020-09-24

Great experience with Harbor Law Firm. I appreciated the ability to work one-on-one with the attorney handling our needs and the incredible level of expertise provided. We received succinct guidance for our situation and weren't lead to any excessive work that would have been more expensive. We also appreciated the timeliness of the work, which was performed efficiently, but allowed us to be on our timeline as well.