Don’t DIY your POAs: Why the Internet Isn’t Your Lawyer

Ah, yes, the siren song of the DIY legal form—convenient, cheap, and so easy that even your dog could fill it out. But let me stop you right there. A cookie-cutter Power of Attorney from the internet is like getting a one-size-fits-all sweater. Sure, it might fit, but you’re probably not going to like how it looks, and heaven forbid you try to wash it. When it comes to something as important as deciding who can control your health and finances, do you really want to risk it on a form that doesn’t account for your specific situation?

A well-drafted Power of Attorney considers things like: What decisions your agent can and can’t make - because you don’t want them to have all the power, right? When does the POA become effective - do you want it to kick in only if you’re incapacitated, or right now? Who are the backup agents? Because life happens, and people can’t always step in when you need them. This is not a “fill in the blank and hope for the best” situation. Working with an attorney ensures that your POA is tailored to your exact needs, because hey, that’s what we’re here for.

Common Mistakes When Choosing a POA Let’s get into some of the common mistakes people make when setting up a Power of Attorney, so you can avoid falling into the same traps.

1. Choosing the Wrong Person: Your POA is only as good as the person you pick. Yes, we all love our friends and family, but this is a business decision, not a popularity contest. Just because someone’s your best friend doesn’t mean they’re equipped to manage your finances. Pick someone who’s got the right skills and temperament for the job.

2. Not Naming Alternates: People get sick. People go on vacation. People fall out of touch. If your POA can’t do the job when needed, you don’t want to be stuck in limbo. Always name at least one backup person— two if you’re feeling extra cautious.

3. Forgetting to Update It: Life changes. You get married, you get divorced, your trusted agent moves to a remote island without cell service. You don’t want your POA to be outdated when you need it most. Make sure you review and update it every few years—or whenever a significant life event happens.

Wrapping It Up: Take Action, Now…not later: Look, no one likes thinking about worst-case scenarios, but ignoring them won’t make them go away. Setting up the right Power of Attorney can save your loved ones a lot of stress and ensure that your wishes are carried out exactly as you want.

I’m here to help. Give me a call, shoot me an email, or swing by my office (by appointment please — but preferably before you’re in a hospital bed, wondering why no one can agree on your care or why your bank account is suddenly out of whack. Let’s get this sorted now, so future you can breathe easy.