Life can change in an instant. An accident, illness, or unexpected medical condition could leave you unable to manage your own affairs. If that happens, who will step in to handle your finances, make medical decisions, or ensure you get the care you need?
That’s where a Power of Attorney (POA) comes in. This legal document allows you to appoint someone you trust to act on your behalf if you become unable to do so yourself. Without one, your loved ones may have to go through a complicated court process just to help you.
If you’re unsure of how to best protect your future, let us help. At Blake & Pulsifer, PLC, we walk you through the estate planning process. Whether you need a financial, healthcare, or mental healthcare power of attorney, our experienced Tempe estate planning lawyers will be here every step of the way.
What Are The Three Main Types Of Power Of Attorney In Arizona?
In Arizona, there are three main types of powers of attorney:
- Financial Power of Attorney – for managing money, property, and financial affairs.
- Healthcare Power of Attorney – for making medical decisions if you’re unable to do so.
- Mental Healthcare Power of Attorney – for handling decisions related to psychiatric care and mental health treatment.
Each serves a unique purpose, but together, they ensure your wishes are honored when it matters most.
Financial Power of Attorney
A Financial Power of Attorney allows someone—often a spouse, adult child, or trusted friend—to handle your financial affairs. This can include paying bills, managing bank accounts, handling investments, and even buying or selling property on your behalf.
Some people choose to make this POA effective immediately, allowing their agent to step in at any time. Others prefer to activate it only if they become incapacitated. Either way, having this document in place prevents financial chaos and ensures your affairs are handled smoothly.
Without a financial POA, your loved ones may have to go to court to gain control over your finances—a process that can be costly, stressful, and time-consuming.
Healthcare Power of Attorney
Medical emergencies can leave you unable to make decisions about your own care. A Healthcare Power of Attorney ensures that a trusted person—your “agent”—can step in and make choices on your behalf.
This could include decisions about surgeries, medications, treatments, and even end-of-life care. Without a designated agent, doctors may have to rely on hospital policies or next-of-kin laws to determine your treatment, which may not align with your personal wishes.
By setting up a healthcare POA, you stay in control of your medical future, even if you’re unable to communicate.
Mental Healthcare Power of Attorney
Mental health decisions require special consideration, which is why Arizona law requires a separate Mental Healthcare Power of Attorney for psychiatric treatment. This document allows your agent to approve or refuse mental health treatments, such as psychiatric medications, therapy, or even admission to a mental health facility.
This is especially important for individuals with conditions like dementia, Alzheimer’s, or severe depression. Without a mental healthcare POA, your loved ones may face legal barriers when trying to get you the care you need.
Why Every Adult Should Have a Power of Attorney
A power of attorney isn’t just for the elderly or those with serious health concerns—it’s a crucial legal tool for every adult. Life is unpredictable, and if you suddenly become incapacitated, even routine tasks—like paying your bills or making medical decisions—can become major legal hurdles.
Without a POA in place, your family may have to petition the court for guardianship (for healthcare decisions) or conservatorship (for financial decisions). This process can be expensive, stressful, and time-consuming. Worse, critical decisions about your health, finances, and well-being could be made by hospital administrators or court-appointed guardians who don’t know you or your wishes.
By setting up a power of attorney now, you take control of your future and spare your family unnecessary legal battles during an already difficult time.
What If I Need to Change My Power of Attorney?
Your power of attorney can be revoked or updated at any time as long as you are still mentally competent. Life circumstances change—relationships evolve, trusted individuals move away, or new needs arise—so it’s important to review your POA regularly.
To update your POA, you must:
- Sign a new document that reflects your updated wishes.
- Formally revoke the previous POA in writing.
- Notify any relevant parties (former agents, banks, healthcare providers, or financial institutions) of the change.
Failing to revoke an outdated POA could mean that someone you no longer trust still has legal authority over your affairs. An experienced estate planning attorney can help ensure the process is handled correctly.
Contact Our Arizona Estate Planning Law Firm
By working with an experienced Arizona estate planning law firm, you can create a customized plan that ensures your affairs are managed according to your wishes.
Take control of your future today. Contact Blake & Pulsifer, PLC to set up your powers of attorney and gain peace of mind knowing that you—and your loved ones—are protected. Contact us at 1-480-838-3000 or fill out our confidential contact form. We’ll help you safeguard what matters most—your health, finances, and peace of mind—so you and your loved ones are prepared for whatever the future holds.
Marc was born and raised right here in the Valley of the Sun. After taking a degree in English Literature, summa cum laude, from Arizona State University, he decided to stay close to home and enrolled at ASU’s College of Law. Since 1998, Marc has practiced in the areas of business transactions, real estate, estate planning, and estate and trust administration. He prides himself on his client centered approach to the law. By focusing on the client’s values and goals first, Marc designs and implements practical legal solutions tailored to the client’s individual needs. Read more>