1) Trust and Confidence:

The principal appoints an agent as their Power of Attorney, indicating a high level of trust and confidence in their abilities. Being chosen as an agent demonstrates that the principal believes in your competence, judgment, and ability to act in their best interests.

5) Advocacy and Communication:

As an agent, you serve as the principal’s advocate and representative. You interact with third parties, such as financial institutions, healthcare providers, and legal professionals, to ensure the principal’s rights and interests are protected. Effective communication skills and the ability to articulate the principal’s wishes and needs are key values as an agent.

2) Acting in the Principal’s Best Interests:

As an agent, your primary duty is to act in the best interests of the principal. This entails making decisions and taking actions that align with their wishes, values, and overall well-being. By fulfilling this responsibility, you provide peace of mind to the principal, knowing that their interests are being protected and advocated for.

6) Managing Challenging Situations:

Being a Power of Attorney’s agent often involves navigating complex and challenging situations. This may include family dynamics, legal intricacies, healthcare crises, or financial complications. Your role as an agent provides valuable support to the principal and helps alleviate the stress and burden, they may face in managing these difficult circumstances.

3) Managing Financial and Legal Affairs:

One of the main roles of a Power of Attorney’s agent is to manage the principal’s financial and legal affairs. This may include tasks such as paying bills, managing investments, filing taxes, handling property transactions, and executing legal documents. By effectively handling these responsibilities, you ensure the principal’s financial stability and protect their assets.

7) Continuity and Consistency:

Serving as a Power of Attorney’s agent ensures continuity and consistency in decision-making. By having a designated agent, the principal can have confidence that their affairs will be managed consistently even if they become incapacitated or are unable to make decisions independently. This provides stability and a sense of security for the principal and their loved ones.

4) Making Healthcare Decisions:

In cases where the Power of Attorney includes healthcare decisions (known as a Healthcare Power of Attorney or Medical Power of Attorney), an agent plays a crucial role in making healthcare choices on behalf of the principal. This includes decisions related to medical treatment, long-term care, end-of-life care, and other healthcare matters. By making informed decisions aligned with the principal’s wishes, you provide comfort and ensure their medical needs are addressed.

It’s important to note that a power of attorney grants significant authority to the appointed person, so careful consideration should be given to selecting a trusted individual. Additionally, the scope and duration of the power of attorney can vary based on the individual’s needs and preferences.