Power of Attorney (POA) and Guardianship are two legal terms that are often confused with one another. Although they both involve decision-making on behalf of another individual, there are some key differences between the two that should be understood before either is granted.
Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows an individual, known as the principal, to appoint someone else, known as the agent or attorney-in-fact, to act on their behalf. The agent is granted the authority to make decisions, sign documents, and handle the principal’s affairs in accordance with the terms of the power of attorney document. The principal is generally able to determine the level of authority granted to the agent, including the types of decisions that can be made and the duration of the POA.
The agent is usually a close friend or relative of the principal, although it is not required. The agent is legally obligated to act in the best interest of the principal and must follow the instructions outlined in the POA. In the event that the principal becomes incapacitated, the POA will remain in effect unless it is specifically revoked.
Guardianship, on the other hand, is a court-ordered arrangement in which a guardian is appointed to make decisions on behalf of an individual who has been deemed legally incapacitated. This individual is known as the ward and is typically a minor or elderly adult. The court will determine the scope of authority granted to the guardian and may also appoint a conservator to manage the ward’s finances. The guardian is legally obligated to act in the best interest of the ward and must report to the court on a regular basis.
Unlike a POA, guardianship can only be revoked by the court, and only if it can be proven that the ward is no longer incapacitated or that the guardianship is no longer in the best interest of the ward. Guardianship is a much more serious arrangement than a POA, as it can severely limit the ward’s freedom and autonomy.
In conclusion, Power of Attorney and Guardianship are two distinct legal arrangements that involve decision-making on behalf of another individual. The key differences between the two are the level of authority granted to the agent or guardian, who is appointed to make those decisions, and how the arrangement can be terminated. It is important to understand the differences between the two before either is granted, as they can have a significant impact on the individual’s freedom and autonomy.
What is Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document in which one person (the “principal”) grants authority to another person (the “agent”) to act on the principal’s behalf. The agent has the authority to make decisions on behalf of the principal, such as signing legal documents, accessing financial accounts, investing money, and making healthcare decisions. The principal must be at least 18 years old and have the mental capacity to make decisions at the time the POA is signed.
The POA can be general, which grants the agent broad powers, or it can be limited, granting the agent only certain powers. The POA is usually in effect for a specific period of time or until the principal dies. The POA can be revoked or terminated by the principal at any time.
What is Guardianship?
Guardianship is a legal relationship between a person (the “guardian”) and a person who is under the age of 18 or who is otherwise unable to manage their own affairs (the “ward”). The guardian has the legal authority and responsibility to make decisions on behalf of the ward. The guardian is typically appointed by a court and will have the authority to make decisions related to the ward’s care, education, living arrangements, medical decisions, and other matters.
The guardianship is usually in effect until the ward reaches the age of majority or until the court determines that the ward is capable of managing their own affairs. The court may also remove the guardian at any time if it determines that the guardian is not acting in the best interests of the ward.
Difference Between Power of Attorney and Guardianship
The main difference between a Power of Attorney and Guardianship is that a Power of Attorney is a legal document in which one person grants authority to another person to act on the principal’s behalf, while a Guardianship is a legal relationship between a person and a person who is under the age of 18 or who is otherwise unable to manage their own affairs.
The principal must be at least 18 years old and have the mental capacity to make decisions at the time the POA is signed, while the ward in a guardianship does not need to meet this requirement. The POA is usually in effect for a specific period of time or until the principal dies, while the guardianship is usually in effect until the ward reaches the age of majority or until the court determines that the ward is capable of managing their own affairs. The POA can be revoked or terminated by the principal at any time, while the court may also remove the guardian at any time if it determines that the guardian is not acting in the best interests of the ward.