Life does not pause for paperwork. A signed power of attorney ensures bills are paid, accounts are managed, and important decisions are made when you are traveling, recovering, or need help with daily finances. At DuPont Law Group, our trust and estate administration attorneys listen first, explain options in simple terms, and draft documents that match your goals.
Our Dublin, OH power of attorney lawyers offer comprehensive guidance based on financial-planner training, helping to address legal and financial questions together. You could decide who acts, when authority begins, and how broad those powers should be, while we draft language that banks recognize, set practical duties for your agent, and outline clear steps for record-keeping. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more.
What is the Purpose of a Power of Attorney?
A financial power of attorney designates an agent to manage financial matters and property on behalf of the principal. As the principal, you choose the scope of your agent’s responsibilities, including:
- Bill paying
- Banking
- Managing investments
- Taxes
- Managing real estate
- Handling business interests
Most clients prefer a durable power of attorney, which allows the agent to act if you become incapacitated. You may also choose when powers start, whether it be immediately at signing or when a designated future event occurs. During your consultation, our Dublin, OH attorney could explain the tradeoffs involved in crafting your power of attorney, so you can make an informed decision and ensure activation does not stall when your family needs it most.
Our lawyers follow Ohio Revised Code § 1337.60 to ensure the required institutions recognize the power of attorneys drafted by our law firm. For example, a notarized signature and current wording help reduce delays at banks and brokerages.
Different Types of Power of Attorney
Financial and medical decisions involved in drafting a power of attorney require different documents. A financial power of attorney covers property, accounts, and contracts, while a health care power of attorney names someone to speak with doctors when you cannot. Many clients also sign a living will to express their preferences regarding life-sustaining treatment. Our power of attorney lawyers based in Dublin, OH could prepare these documents as a coordinated set to support each other and avoid conflicts at a hospital or pharmacy.
Picking the Right Agent for Your Power of Attorney
When selecting an agent, it is important to choose someone who is organized, trustworthy, and available. Our Dublin, OH lawyers could set your power of attorney up for success by tailoring authority to your needs, naming successors to avoid gaps, and deciding whether co-agents must act together or separately.
We could also prepare a simple starter packet, including a short cover letter to banks listing key powers, an agent certification page for institutions that request it, and a first-tasks checklist explaining who to notify, where accounts sit, and how bills are paid. Taking these steps ensures your agent does not have to guess when fulfilling their responsibilities.
Avoiding Common Power of Attorney Problems
Most power of attorney issues arise from outdated documents that are unclear or complicated to use. Our team could address this by updating your materials according to the current Ohio language, adding missing authorities, such as digital assets or real estate, and making signatures easy to validate. If a third party hesitates, our Dublin, OH lawyers could provide a brief explanation tied to the statutory form and coordinate follow-up, so your power of attorney agent is never left in the dark.
Banking, Brokerage, and Everyday Use
Even a well-drafted power of attorney can fail if no one knows where it is. Our attorneys keep the originals in a safe place, store scanned copies, and could inform your agent and primary bank of their location. We align authority with your actual accounts and investment strategy and note any tax or transfer implications, so your agent’s records match what your Certified Public Accountant expects. Practical setup now saves hours later.
Contact Our Dedicated Lawyers If You Need a Power of Attorney in Dublin, Ohio
You deserve documents that institutions accept and an agent setup that works on the first try. Our knowledgeable lawyers could review your goals, draft the proper scope, and coordinate financial and health-care directives in one sitting. Contact our team at DuPont Law Group to meet with a Dublin, OH power of attorney lawyer and put the proper authority in the right hands.
Greg DuPont, JD, CFP®, is a well-respected estate attorney, financial advisor, public speaker, and published author. He centers his multiple businesses around education, guidance, and relationship-building. This comprehensive combination gives him, and his team, the opportunity to effectively serve both individuals and their families. He is a life-long resident of Central Ohio and spends the majority of his time with his wife, Julia, and daughter, Sophie.