Power of Attorney in Mississippi: Why Waiting Can Be Too Late

A power of attorney is one of those documents families often think they can handle later. The problem is that later may be too late.

A power of attorney is signed during life

A power of attorney allows someone to give another person authority to act on specified matters. It is not something a family member can simply create for another adult after that adult can no longer validly grant the authority.

Capacity matters

If a person has already lost the capacity required to execute the document, the family may need to consider a guardianship, conservatorship, or another court process depending on the circumstances.

Do not wait for the emergency

A hospitalization, dementia diagnosis, accident, or sudden decline is a difficult time to discover that no one has legal authority to access an account, sign necessary documents, or manage property.

Related Mississippi estate-planning guidance

Read Do I Need a Will...or do I Need a Trust? for the broader will-versus-trust comparison.

If real estate is part of your plan, read What Happens To My Home When I Die?.

Talk with a Mississippi estate-planning attorney

Visit our Probate & Estate Planning page to learn more, or call Seymour Law Firm at 228-697-3476 to discuss your family and goals.

This article provides general educational information and is not legal advice.