The springing power of attorney document is a slightly different legal document than a durable power of attorney document. The abilities that you bestow in a springing POA are activated only when you (the grantor) become incompetent or medically disabled. A springing power of attorney document is an alternative to a durable power of attorney document. This means that your chosen representative can only start acting as your “attorney-in-fact” only after you are determined medically incompetent or disabled by a physician.

It is common that people may not feel comfortable bestowing wide range of capabilities to their chosen agent immediately after creating a power of attorney document that is why they choose this POA. This POA document doesn’t allow your chosen representative to make any health care or medical decisions for you. However, a springing POA can become an issue if there is disagreement between family members or doctors regarding the disabled state of the grantor. Continue reading →