Oklahoma City Power of Attorney Lawyer

Oklahoma City Power of Attorney

If you want to grant another individual the power to make important decisions in your life, you need to write a power of attorney (POA). Also called a durable designation of agent (DDOA), this is an official document that outlines the terms of the other person’s power. A trustworthy lawyer can help you set up such an arrangement.

Whether you just want to reduce your stress by letting another person manage your finances or you are in the depths of estate planning, a lawyer can help make sure that your power of attorney is constructed properly. At Stange Law Firm, our Oklahoma City power of attorney lawyers have years of experience helping clients draw up powers of attorney and are ready to help you too.

Why Do I Need a Power of Attorney?

There are all kinds of reasons why you might consider getting a power of attorney. For instance, if you are planning other aspects of your estate, like your last will and testament or a living trust, you could add a power of attorney to the list. This would help ensure that there is a person you know and trust who can make decisions about your life and assets if you can no longer do this yourself.

Drawing up this document can also be useful because it allows you to specify what exactly this person can and cannot do. Without a power of attorney, you might have someone you do not know or trust making decisions when you would not want them to have the power to do so.

While your power of attorney can give you a voice in a situation where you are incapacitated, these documents are not just for tragic medical situations. You might consider getting a power of attorney if you are going to a temporary stage of life where you will not be able to attend to certain affairs. For instance, situations in which you might benefit from having a power of attorney include those where you are:

• An active member of the military and are being deployed
• Traveling for an extended period of time for any reason
• Making a major real estate transaction but cannot be present for it
• A business owner who wants someone to take care of major transitions for you

How Do I Get a Power of Attorney in Oklahoma?

If you want a power of attorney in Oklahoma City, you can take several routes. You could, in theory, draw up the document on your own, and you (the principal) and the person you are giving power to (the agent) will both sign the form.

However, this can lead to all sorts of challenges down the line. For example, in 2022, Oklahoma dropped the requirement that powers of attorney had to be notarized. If you write your own document, it could be challenged one day, and you might end up with the wrong person making decisions on your behalf.

Another option is to hire a capable power of attorney lawyer to take care of all your legal needs. Your lawyer can carefully listen to your needs and your plans for your power of attorney. They can then work hard to clearly articulate your wishes in the document and make sure that all legal requirements are required so it is not disputable.

Your attorney has a strong understanding of the Oklahoma legal system and knows what is allowed and not allowed in powers of attorney. You can, therefore, rest assured that this transfer of power can happen seamlessly and effectively.

Power of Attorney Options in Oklahoma City

You might know that you want to grant decision-making power to another person, but the type of power of attorney that you need will depend on what types of decisions you want to be made and in what contexts. In Oklahoma, you can choose between several types of powers of attorney. These can either limit your agent’s power or not, and either expire upon incapacitation or not.

• General Power of Attorney: If you want a general power of attorney, you will give a person the power to make a wide range of decisions on your behalf. From making decisions about your property to closing your financial accounts, your agent will be able to make all sorts of choices for you with this broad power. Consulting legal professionals from Stange Law Firm can help you make informed decisions before getting a general power of attorney.
• Limited Power of Attorney: If you want your agent to only be able to make some decisions, you should get a power of attorney that places limits on their abilities. For instance, if you want them to be able to manage your property but not have the ability to mortgage certain properties, you could use a nuanced document that outlines the regulations surrounding their power. A power of attorney lawyer can help you write a detailed document that explains what you want in detail.
• Financial Power of Attorney: People often choose a power of attorney to handle their financial affairs. From making and managing investments to handling your taxes, your agent can make a long list of financial decisions for you. You might consider doing this indefinitely or just for a limited period of time. For example, if you are traveling overseas or preoccupied with a temporary emergency, you might want to make sure to have a trusted person taking care of your finances until you can give them the attention they need.
• Medical Power of Attorney: One of the most common reasons why people in Oklahoma City want a power of attorney is for medical purposes. If you are ill, worried about what will happen to you if you become ill, or want someone you can trust guiding you if you are incapacitated, you should make a power of attorney a central part of your estate planning process.
• Durable Power of Attorney: In Oklahoma, powers of attorney are always durable unless the document specifies that it is not. This means that it will remain effective even if you are incapacitated. This can help you rest assured that someone will be making decisions in your interest, even if you are no longer able to. You can also create a springing durable power of attorney that does not go into effect until you are incapacitated. This way, you retain control over your decisions until the moment you are no longer able to.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Power of Attorney in Oklahoma?

The amount that you will have to pay to get a power of attorney will vary depending on a variety of factors. For instance, if you do it yourself but decide to get it notarized for enhanced credibility, you will pay more than someone who does not. In addition, if you decide to hire an experienced attorney to provide legal advice and assist you in drawing up the documents, you might find yourself paying more for that secure, informed support.

While you might be hesitant to invest in legal support, you should bear in mind that the alternative route could mean that your power of attorney is not deemed credible. If that happens, someone whom you do not trust can end up making important life decisions on your behalf.

What Is the New Law for Powers of Attorney in Oklahoma?

In 2021, the Uniform Power of Attorney Act got rid of the ability to attain a healthcare power of attorney in the state of Oklahoma. Then, in 2022, the Oklahoma Legislature adopted Senate Bill 1596, which reinstated durable powers of attorney for healthcare decisions. However, it is important to note that there are a lot of nuanced requirements for a healthcare power of attorney in the state:

• Your agent must make decisions that align with your previously expressed interests or with your welfare in mind.
• Your agent can consent to or refuse care, select or discharge healthcare providers, and sign do-not-resuscitate orders.
• Your agent cannot make decisions that withhold life-sustain care, like nutrition.

The new legislation also lifted the requirement to get your healthcare power of attorney notarized, which it previously had to be. Your power of attorney lawyer can help you better understand the rules and regulations surrounding the new healthcare power of attorney law.