Idaho Power of Attorney
Idaho powers of attorney laws are similar to other states although the required forms may be slightly different. To find the correct form visit Legal Zoom for a complete list of power of attorney documents. The many types of powers of attorney can be very confusing without a little knowledge about what they are and what they can do for you. A power of attorney is a document that allows another person to make decisions for you, such as signing documents, filing your taxes or even opening your mail.
Special powers of attorney are very specific in their function. A vehicle power of attorney allows another person to transfer a title for you, but does not allow them to withdraw money from your bank account. A power of attorney for children might allow another person to request medical help for your child, if you are away, but that same person cannot cash your social security check. Special powers of attorney are available for just about any aspect of life that requires a signature.
General powers of attorney are just that, very general in nature. If you were going abroad and wanted to leave someone in charge to take care of anything that could possibly need taken care of this is probably what you would want. Unless of course you wanted to assign one person for opening mail and paying bills, another for taking care of the kids and another for tending to any business concerns. Then you would use several special powers of attorney.
If you have ever worked with an Idaho estate planning attorney you are probably aware of durable powers of attorney. These are documents that leave power to someone you choose only in the event you are mentally incapacitated. Of course, you never plan to use one of these things, but if you ever did, it could save your life. At any time a doctor declares you mentally unfit to make decisions someone you have appointed can step in immediately and take over. Without a durable medical power of attorney on file your spouse, or other trusted person, might have to waist valuable time in court to obtain this power.
A durable financial power of attorney acts much the same as a medical one. At any time you are unable to make decisions, someone that you trust can step in and take over. They could run your business, buy and sell stocks, pay bills and make bank deposits and transfers. The power granted in a durable financial power of attorney is very similar to a general power of attorney.
According to Idaho law your "agent" is the person you are giving power to. It is very common for your agent to be your spouse. If that is the case, and you get divorced, don't forget to change your powers of attorney. Some states will automatically void these documents when a divorce is finalized, but not in Idaho.
Some Idaho powers of attorney are probably best left to an attorney to take care of, while others are very simple to fill out and file. Don't hesitate to find help if you are unsure.
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