Reliable Power of Attorney Lawyer in Denver

Power Of Attorney

Powers of attorneys are important documents in estate planning. They help both the principal and their loved ones avoid unnecessary stress during difficult times. These documents can fill in the gaps in decision-making for matters that are not specified in the living will or the living trust.

Consult our seasoned estate planning lawyers for powers of attorney in Denver.

What Is a Power of Attorney?

A power of attorney gives one person (agent) the power to act and make decisions for another person (principal). These documents specify whether the agent has powers over the principal’s properties, finances, healthcare, or other aspects of the principal’s life.

Powers of attorney are most commonly used in situations where the principal is unable to make decisions themselves like when they become incapacitated after an accident or because of illness.

This power is usually given to a trusted confidant because it is assumed that they will act for the best interest of or according to the preferences of the principal.

This document is essential in estate planning because it covers decisions that may not be included in the other documents in the plan.

In Colorado, for example, the living or declaration of medical treatment will can only take effect if doctors deem death imminent. Meanwhile, a power of attorney can be used whether the principal’s incapacitated state is permanent or temporary.

Who Needs Power of Attorney in Denver?

Ideally, every adult should have not just a power of attorney, but an estate plan in place. The unpredictability of accidents and illnesses can become even more problematic without the right planning. In many cases, when one becomes incapable of managing their own affairs, it is already too late.

To avoid these instances, a well-written power of attorney will at least give you peace of mind knowing that someone will be able to make the important decisions for you.

What Is a Durable Power of Attorney?

A durable power of attorney basically means that the document can still take effect even after the principal becomes incapacitated. This is important because these are the situations when a power of attorney is truly useful.

Unless otherwise specified in the wording of the document, all powers of attorney in Colorado executed after January 1, 2010 are durable by default. For documents signed before this date, the wording should specify that it is in fact durable or else it will not be treated as such.

What Are the Types of Powers of Attorney?

There are generally two types of powers of attorney – a financial and a medical.

Financial powers of attorney give the agent powers over the principal’s finances, properties, assets, or whatever the document states. The authority of the agent can also be limited by the wording of the document. The agent can act in place of the principal in legal or financial transactions.

A medical or healthcare power of attorney is typically used when the principal is unable to make decisions regarding their health or treatment. The agent is entrusted with making these important decisions.

You can name just one person or two different people for these two important tasks. However, it is essential to choose people whom you know will prioritize your best interests. If you do name two people, it is also advisable that they can work together.

Both the medical and financial powers of attorney are key components of estate planning. They go together to make sure that all important decisions are attended to. This is also why it is integral that the wordings of these documents are thorough. Power of attorney lawyers can ensure this.

Are Powers of Attorney Revocable?

The principal can change or revoke a power of attorney anytime so long as have legal mental capacity. If this is in questions, the evaluation of a doctor may be necessary to prove the principal can still make these decisions.

In revoking a power of attorney, the principal needs to inform the agent, via letter, that the document is being revoked. The principal also needs to send a copy of that letter to the bank, medical facility, or any institution that is concerned with the power of attorney being revoked.

If the principal wishes to make changes in the wording of a document, they need to work with a lawyer for power of attorney to draft a new one to replace the old.

Choose Lewis & Matthews P.C.

Since we practice both estate planning and family law, we have the unique advantage of being able to better tailor your plans according to your preferences.

Whether you are considering drafting powers of attorney, establishing living trusts and wills, or other estate planning tasks, we can ensure that all your documents are carefully worded and that all the processes are streamlined.

Meet the Team

Meet the people running the Lewis & Matthews firm.

Jennifer Lewis

Jennifer Lewis – Managing partner Jennifer Lewis has been helping people with their family law, criminal law, estate planning and probate proceedings, personal injury and medical malpractice claims, zoning and land use planning, and general civil litigation concerns.

Ms. Lewis received her license in 1988. Since then, she has practiced law in both state and federal courts in Missouri, Colorado, and Kansas. Her practical, patient, and compassionate approach has helped clients navigate the challenges of family law.

Amanda Huber – As a legal assistant, Amanda helps with the daily tasks of sending legal correspondence and documents, preparing court filings, and scheduling, among other tasks. Amanda joined the firm in 2022 and has helped clients in all phases of their divorce.

Prior to joining Lewis & Matthews, Amanda worked at an upscale country club in San Diego, where she was born and raised.

Outside of work you can find Amanda wine tasting, gardening, and spending time with her beloved cat, Waffles.

Jackie_Flanagan

Jackie Flanagan – In the last five years, office manager Jackie Flanagan has been ensuring smooth day-to-day operations of the firm. She also offers her valuable insight as a long-term resident of the state of Colorado.

Get in touch with our team today for any questions or concerns about power of attorney documents.

Testimonials

Hear from our clients!

Kim ElliottKim Elliott
05:15 08 Jun 21
I'm so thankful for Jennifer and Christina. They helped get my child custody case settled BEFORE going through a long lengthy court battle. I had a bad experience with another law firm so I was hesitant but they completely diminished any doubt I had. Communication was the most important thing for me and they exceeded that expectation without taking advantage. I highly recommend them
Katie SicklesKatie Sickles
23:09 28 May 20
We utilized Jennifer Lewis & team to work with us on drafting up and executing a cohabitation agreement between myself and my long term boyfriend. We had initially met with her at the end of February. Because of the virus, our communication shifted to email conversations to finalize the agreement over the course of a few months. Ms. Lewis and her team were beyond professional, extremely responsive, and easy to work with regarding updates, changes, and questions. She even helped us to find and coordinated a remote notarization over Zoom with a certified notary to execute the agreement. I would absolutely use her again for any needs we had in the future.
Sonja GiguereSonja Giguere
03:48 14 Oct 19
At the onset of my divorce, I was scared, fragile, and anxious about what I was about to go through. Jennifer and her team helped to understand my needs and concerns and provided the tools that I needed to help me to feel prepared, supported, and understood. Jennifer and her team were warm, professional, and present throughout the entire process. While I don't wish divorce on anyone, if you must go through it, I couldn't imagine a better team than Lewis & Matthews, PC to be by your side.
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Counties We Serve

Start your estate planning and draft those powers of attorney with lawyers from Lewis & Matthews P.C. Here are the counties we serve around Colorado:


Greater Denver Metro Area


Address: 1325 S Colorado Blvd, Suite 503, Denver, CO 80222

(303) 329-3802


Summit County and Eagle County


Address: 114 Village Place, Suite 206, Dillon, CO 80435

Phone Number: (970) 468-0240