Powers of attorney are essential for Nevada singles

There are no guarantees in life. Anyone can contract a debilitating illness or suffer serious injuries in an accident. During those times, someone may need to make decisions on behalf of that individual. Powers of attorney can make this process easier and are essential for single Nevada residents.

Medical directives outline a person’s wishes with regard to life-saving and end-of-life treatments. They can provide a starting point for the individual appointed in a medical power of attorney. The person appointed should be someone that the individual trusts. More than that, however, it should be someone that will respect the wishes of their friend or family member when the time comes.

At the same time that an individual may need someone to make health care decisions on his or her behalf, his or her personal affairs may also need attention, including financial matters. A durable power of attorney can give the agent broad or limited powers. Again, a trusted person should be appointed. This does not have to be the same person handling the medical decisions, but it can be.

Without powers of attorney, family members may be forced to go to the Nevada courts in order to obtain permission to handle both health care and financial issues on behalf of their family member. If a person is married, these duties often default to his or her spouse. However, this is not an option for a single person. In the absence of appropriate estate-planning documents, the delays could be disastrous for the ill or injured party.

Source: MarketWatch, “Estate planning for single people“, Douglas Rothermich, July 25, 2015