What a POA Really Empowered Decision-Makers?
What if we included clauses that protected us today and our decision-makers in the future?
What if a durable Power of Attorney truly empowered those who will make decisions on our behalf?
Last week, I hosted a conversation about a family dispute recently featured in The New York Times Magazine. The dispute ended up costing $400,000 because of the 8 attorneys who ultimately became involved. The toll on the family, though, was too high to tally.
During last week's conversation, I wondered:
1. What if our durable POA also included a clause that ensures a POA can only be revoked under certain circumstances? With this clause, we ensure we remain protected from unscrupulous characters and from decisions we may make when a disease process impairs our judgement.
2. What if our durable POA included our belief statements about our values and priorities which can guide our POA who may be faced with tough decisions about our treatments, living situations and quality of life?
3. What if our durable POA acted like a checks and balance to help prevent family conflict over decisions related to treatments and money?
4. What if we are required to complete a durable POA as part of a high school course on life skills? (As part of this course, we receive guidance on how often to update our durable POA to ensure its relevance throughout our life.)
Life at end of life can be really complicated. We need tools, like a durable POA, that can both protect us and speak effectively for us.
You'll find a link to our archived discussion, which I found really helpful and enlightening, in our Resources section.
What clauses have you added in your durable POA? (I'd also love to hear from any attorneys about adding these kinds of clauses.)
Resources
Archive: Disruptive Dynamics and Difficult Caregiving Disputes
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(Image by 3D Animation Production Company from Pixabay)