Full Answer
Do I need a power of attorney for my Parent’s care?
Aug 25, 2013 · You can't force parent to move somewhere or accept care and assistance legally. That was my experience. I think everyone has to self examine their situation and long term prognosis for their loved one. I don't judge anyone here for their decisions.
Can a power of attorney be revoked by a parent?
If you want a more direct answer to this question, you should read up on the involuntary commitment laws of your particular state. (A synopsis by state can be found here.) Keep in mind that even if the law does not allow your parents to force you into rehab, they can still legally take other measures to convince you to enter a drug treatment program.
Can parents legally force teens into rehab?
An agent with a valid power of attorney for health care may be able to: Decide what medical care the principal receives, including hospital care, surgery, psychiatric treatment, home health care, etc. (These choices are dependent upon the financial means of the principal and the approval of their financial agent.)
Can a power of attorney keep family away?
Jul 16, 2021 · A power of attorney allows someone else to take care of your parent’s affairs. It can be temporary, for example paying bills while someone is on a long vacation, or lasting, such as making medical decisions after a car accident. As parents get older, it makes sense to be prepared for health issues that may mean they need help.
Can my parents make me go to rehab?
If you're under 18, your parents can legally bring you to treatment, whether it's a teen substance abuse treatment center, mental health treatment center, dual diagnosis treatment center, or detox facility. Even if you refuse to get into the car, they're allowed to physically carry you to treatment.
What do you do when someone won't go to rehab?
How To Get A Drug Addict Into Treatment If He Refuses To Go?Try To Get Them into Court-ordered Treatment. ... Don't Make Threats. ... Be Their Friend. ... Be Confident That They Need Help. ... Offer Your Support and Encouragement During Treatment. ... Be Encouraging. ... Offer an Ultimatum. ... Allow Them To Go Voluntarily.More items...
What is a Section 35 in Massachusetts?
Section 35 is a Massachusetts law that allows a qualified person to request a court order requiring someone to be civilly committed and treated involuntarily for an alcohol or substance use disorder.
Is Casey's Law in every state?
This law allows a family member or friend to petition the for court-ordered treatment for their loved one's Addiction to alcohol and/or other drugs. Casey's Law is currently in Kentucky and Ohio. We believe its needed in every State to help our loved ones.
What help can you get for an alcoholic?
Useful contacts for alcohol problemsDrinkline is the national alcohol helpline. ... Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a free self-help group. ... Al-Anon Family Groups offers support and understanding to the families and friends of problem drinkers, whether they're still drinking or not.More items...
How do you do a family intervention?
An intervention usually includes the following steps:Make a plan. A family member or friend proposes an intervention and forms a planning group. ... Gather information. ... Form the intervention team. ... Decide on specific consequences. ... Make notes on what to say. ... Hold the intervention meeting. ... Follow up.
What is a Section 12 in Massachusetts?
What is a Section 12? In Massachusetts, Section 12 of Chapter 123 of the Massachusetts General Laws controls the admission of an individual to a general or psychiatric hospital for psychiatric evaluation and, potentially, treatment.
Can I get a family member sectioned?
Yes. A family member called your nearest relative has certain legal rights related to your sectioning.
How do you involuntarily commit someone in Massachusetts?
Specifically, under Section 35, only the following people can petition the court for an involuntary civil commitment: 1) police officer; 2) physician; 3) spouse; 4) blood relative; 5) guardian; or 6) court official. If you are in any of those groups you can then file for involuntary commitment with the court.Jul 14, 2017
What does Casey's law mean?
Casey's Law provides a means of intervening with someone who is unable to recognize his or her need for treatment due to their impairment. This law will allow parents, relatives, and/or friends to petition the ocurt for treatment on behalf of the person who has a substance use disorder.
Does Illinois have a Baker Act?
The state of Illinois is one of only 17 states that provide access to treatment on the basis of need with a consideration of potential risk or danger. Individuals with mental illness can be admitted to a mental health facility against their wishes. This is called involuntary admission.Nov 16, 2020
What is the difference between Marchman Act and Baker Act?
While the Baker Act is designed to involuntarily commit individuals who are impaired due to mental illness, the Marchman Act works to do the same for those impaired by substance use disorders.
How to file a POA?
What a Financial POA Can Do: 1 Access the principal’s financial accounts to pay for health care, housing needs and other bills. 2 File taxes on behalf of the principal. 3 Make investment decisions on behalf of the principal. 4 Collect the principal’s debts. 5 Manage the principal’s property. 6 Apply for public benefits for the principal, such as Medicaid, veterans benefits, etc.
Why is POA important?
According to geriatric care manager and certified elder law attorney, Buckley Anne Kuhn-Fricker, JD, this provision is important because it gives a principal the flexibility to decide how involved they want their agent to be while they are still in possession of their faculties. For example, a financial agent could handle the day-to-day tasks of paying bills and buying food, while the principal continues to make their own investment and major purchasing decisions.
What is POA document?
POA documents allow a person (the principal) to decide in advance whom they trust and want to act on their behalf should they become incapable of making decisions for themselves. The person who acts on behalf of the principal is called the agent. From there, it is important to distinguish between the two main types of POA: medical and financial. ...
Can an appointed agent make broad decisions?
The powers of an appointed agent can be broad or narrow, depending on how the POA document is written. Here are a few examples of the kinds of decisions an agent can make with each type of POA.
What is a POA in medical terms?
A medical POA (also known as health care POA) gives a trustworthy friend or family member (the agent) the ability to make decisions about the care the principal receives if they are incapacitated. A financial POA gives an agent the ability to make financial decisions on behalf of the principal. It is common to appoint one person to act as an agent ...
What medical care does a principal receive?
What medical care the principal receives, including hospital care, surgery, psychiatric treatment, home health care , etc. (These choices are dependent on the financial means of the principal and the approval of their financial agent.) Which doctors and care providers the principal uses. Where the principal lives.
What is the POA Act?
The Uniform POA Act. Each state has statutes that govern how power of attorney documents are written and interpreted. This can complicate matters when a principal decides what powers to give to their agent and when an agent tries to determine what actions are legally within their power.
Why do you need a power of attorney?
Common Reasons to Seek Power of Attorney for Elderly Parents 1 Financial Difficulties: A POA allows you to pay the bills and manage the finances for parents who are having difficulty staying on top of their financial obligations. 2 Chronic Illness: Parents with a chronic illness can arrange a POA that allows you to manage their affairs while they focus on their health. A POA can be used for terminal or non-terminal illnesses. For example, a POA can be active when a person is undergoing chemotherapy and revoked when the cancer is in remission. 3 Memory Impairment: Children can manage the affairs of parents who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or a similar type of dementia, as long as the paperwork is signed while they still have their faculties. 4 Upcoming Surgery: With a medical POA, you can make medical decisions for the principal while they’re under anesthesia or recovering from surgery. A POA can also be used to ensure financial affairs are managed while they’re in recovery. 5 Regular Travel: Older adults who travel regularly or spend winters in warmer climates can use a POA to ensure financial obligations in their home state are managed in their absence.
What is a POA in 2021?
Last Updated: July 16, 2021. A power of attorney (POA) can be an important element of planning for your elderly parent’s future. It allows another person to take action on your parent’s behalf, ensuring bills get paid and medical decisions can be made in the unfortunate circumstance that your elderly parent is unable to do those things on their own ...
How many witnesses do you need to sign a letter of attorney?
A notary public or attorney must witness your loved one signing the letter of attorney, and in some states, you’ll need two witnesses. The chosen agent must be over 18 and fully competent, meaning they understand the implications of their decision. When filling out the form, the parent must specify exactly which powers are transferring to the agent.
Who is responsible for making decisions in a POA?
One adult will be named in the POA as the agent responsible for making decisions. Figuring out who is the best choice for this responsibility can be challenging for individuals and families, and your family may need help making this decision. Your attorney, faith leader or a family counselor can all help facilitate this process. It’s a good idea to select an agent who is able to carry out the responsibilities but also willing to consider other people’s viewpoints as needed.
Can a nondurable power of attorney act on your behalf?
A nondurable power of attorney cannot act on your behalf if you become disabled or incompetent. You would generally choose a nondurable power of attorney for a specific matter, such as handling your affairs in your physical absence. In estate planning, through which seniors plan for future incapacity, all powers of attorney are durable. This means the power of attorney is effective regardless of your health condition. On the other hand, a springing power of attorney becomes effective at a specific time in the future, perhaps in the event of an illness.
What is a POA?
As mentioned above, a power of attorney (POA), or letter of attorney, is a document authorizing a primary agent or attorney-in-fact (usually a legally competent relative or close friend over 18 years old) — to handle financial, legal and health care decisions on another adult’s behalf. (A separate document may be needed for financial, legal, and health decisions, however).
Is a power of attorney necessary for a trust?
Under a few circumstances, a power of attorney isn’t necessary. For example, if all of a person’s assets and income are also in his spouse’s name — as in the case of a joint bank account, a deed, or a joint brokerage account — a power of attorney might not be necessary. Many people might also have a living trust that appoints a trusted person (such as an adult child, other relative, or family friend) to act as trustee, and in which they have placed all their assets and income. (Unlike a power of attorney, a revocable living trust avoids probate if the person dies.) But even if spouses have joint accounts and property titles, or a living trust, a durable power of attorney is still a good idea. That’s because there may be assets or income that were left out of the joint accounts or trust, or that came to one of the spouses later. A power of attorney can provide for the agent — who can be the same person as the living trust’s trustee — to handle these matters whenever they arise.
When was the first law on involuntary commitment for addiction?
Laws regarding involuntary commitment for addiction treatment have followed a long and winding road since the first was legislated in 1812 .
What is involuntary commitment law?
About Involuntary Commitment Laws. Many states have adopted laws that allow parties who are closely connected to individuals suffering from addiction to petition for the involuntary commitment of the addicted individual.
What is POA in law?
A POA document is generally a written agreement between two people: (1) the principal (sometimes called the grantor) and (2) the agent (sometimes called the attorney-in-fact). The agent is the person appointed to act on behalf of the principal. So your parent (the principal) can grant you (the agent) certain powers of attorney.
When does a springing POA take effect?
Unlike most other types of POA documents, a springing POA agreement doesn't take effect until a specified date or a particular event takes place. For example, your parent may not want you to have any authority until he or she becomes incapacitated or turns a certain age.
Can you have more than one power of attorney?
However, there can be more than one person with power of attorney because your parent may decide that various responsibilities should be divided up among two or more people. (Frequently, for instance, one agent will handle financial matters, whereas another will handle healthcare issues.)
What is POA agreement?
Depending on the particular agreement, a power of attorney covers a broad or narrow set of responsibilities, usually related to financial and/or medical and caregiving matters.
Is it too late to get a power of attorney?
After all, by the time your parent becomes legally incapacitated, it's too late to get power of attorney. At that point, you have to pursue the more costly and time-consuming option of adult guardianship. That's why the issue of "capacity" is so important.
What is a POA?
Also known as special power of attorney, this type of POA grants an agent the authority to handle a very specific situation on the principal's behalf. For example, your parent may grant you limited POA to represent him or her in the sale of a particular property or to manage his or her transition to a nursing home or assisted living facility. Your authority as the agent ends as soon as you've successfully completed the defined activity or reached the agreement's specified expiration date. And your powers do not extend to anything other than what is specified in the document.
Can a power of attorney be challenged?
In fact, a power of attorney can be challenged. Banks, investment firms, and medical providers frequently do this. After all, third parties don't want to be held liable for honoring powers of attorney that might be forged, invalid, revoked, expired, or the product of coercion.
What are the different types of power of attorney?
There are two main types of power of attorney: 1 Financial POA — A financial power of attorney is the standard POA form. It gives your Agent the authority to make financial decisions on your behalf. 2 Medical POA — A healthcare or medical power of attorney grants the Agent you appoint the authority to make decisions about your care if you are unable to do so.
What is a POA form?
There are two main types of power of attorney: Financial POA — A financial power of attorney is the standard POA form. It gives your Agent the authority to make financial decisions on your behalf. Medical POA — A healthcare or medical power of attorney grants the Agent you appoint the authority to make decisions about your care if you are unable ...
How to take power of attorney away from someone?
If you wish to take power of attorney away from someone due to abuse or negligence, review the document with your lawyer and follow these steps: Consult the Principal — If they’re of sound mind, explain your concerns about the Agent to the Principal. They can remove or change their Agent verbally, but it’s preferable if they fill out ...
Who is Zachary Vickers?
Zachary Vickers is a staff writer for Legal Templates. Previously, he served as an editor for a team of investigative and legal journalists. His legal advice has been featured across the web —...
Does a power of attorney expire?
A durable power of attorney doesn’t expire if the principal becomes incapacitated.
What are the rights of a power of attorney?
With power of attorney, your Agent can legally sign documents, make healthcare decisions, and perform financial transactions on your behalf. Your Agent is legally obligated to act in your best interest.
Can you use a power of attorney after death?
Even if your power of attorney form grants broad powers, your Agent cannot : Use power of attorney after your death to make decisions (unless they’re executor of your will)
What is a power of attorney?
Powers of attorney are key estate planning documents. In the unfortunate event that you become unable to care for yourself, it is crucial that you grant a trusted party the authority to effectively make legal, financial, and medical decisions on your behalf. Through two key estate planning documents — the durable power of attorney and ...
Can a convicted felon have a power of attorney in Texas?
Can a Convicted Felon Have Power of Attorney? Yes. Texas law does not prevent a convicted felon from having a power of attorney. A mentally competent person has the authority to select who they want to serve as their power of attorney.
Can you have multiple power of attorney?
Yes. You have the legal right to appoint multiple people as your power of attorney. You could even split your durable power of attorney and your medical power of attorney. The legal documents should state whether each agent has full, independent power or if they have to act jointly.
Can a durable power of attorney make medical decisions?
Can a Durable Power of Attorney Make Medical Decisions? No. A durable power of attorney is generally for legal decision making and financial decision making. To allow a trusted person to make health care decisions, grant them medical power of attorney.
1 attorney answer
If your son is wiling to make you his Agent under a Power of Attorney document, then he could sign a Financial Power of Attorney appointing you as his Agent. He could also sign a Health Care Power of Attorney document appointing you as his Agent for his health care.
Thomas B Burton
If your son is wiling to make you his Agent under a Power of Attorney document, then he could sign a Financial Power of Attorney appointing you as his Agent. He could also sign a Health Care Power of Attorney document appointing you as his Agent for his health care.