This article is being written to conclude and recap our series on whether a conservatorship or a power of attorney is appropriate for a given situation. We felt it was necessary to address this topic since individuals are often not sure as to which instrument is appropriate for their circumstances. It is important to understand the different roles that each of these instruments play as they involve important decision-making authority. An experienced attorney can assist you with developing a plan for your situation. If you are in need of assistance, then contact us today to speak with a Hartford estate planning lawyer.
We have addressed multiple topics over our recent articles. Issues which we have analyzed include:
- When to choose a conservatorship or a power of attorney
- Limitations of both conservatorships and powers of attorney
- How powers of attorney can avoid the need for a conservatorship
There are multiple reasons why we chose to address these topics. First, it is important to understand the differences between these two instruments. Conservatorship is for situations in which an individual can no longer make choices for themselves due to mental or physical incapacity. In such instances, the Probate Court chooses the decision maker. A Power of Attorney (POA), by contrast, allows one to choose who will make decisions for them when they can no longer make their own choices. Second, there are limitations to each of these instruments. The limitations of a conservatorship will be defined by the Court while the limitations of a Power of Attorney (POA) will be defined by the individual delegating the authority. Finally, by keeping a power of attorney up to date you can avoid the potential need for a conservatorship.
One point we stressed in each of these articles is the need to contact qualified counsel for assistance with your situation. An attorney will help you to understand all the aspects of your case and will help to prepare you for all eventualities. Our Hartford estate planning lawyers are able to assist with such matters and we take great pride in the level of service which we provide. Contact us online or by telephone to schedule an initial consultation. We also service the Connecticut areas of Wethersfield, New Britain, Rocky Hill, East and West Hartford, Bristol, Glastonbury, and Manchester, as well as the Middlesex County cities of Middletown and Cromwell.
