Durable Power of Attorney

When it comes to making important decisions on the behalf of a loved one, there are many legal documents that can be used to provide the necessary authority. One of the most common documents used for this purpose is a durable power of attorney in Utah. This document enables a person to designate another individual to act on their behalf and make decisions for them when they are unable to do so. This article will provide an overview of what a durable power of attorney in Utah is and the legal requirements for creating one. It will also discuss the types of decisions that an attorney-in-fact can make, the risks associated with granting this power, and the various legal considerations that should be taken into account.

What is a Durable Power of Attorney in Utah?

A durable power of attorney in Utah is a legal document that allows a person, known as the principal, to grant the authority to another person, known as the attorney-in-fact, to make decisions and act on their behalf. This document is most commonly used when a person is unable to make decisions on their own due to illness, injury, or age. It is important to note that the durable power of attorney in Utah is different from a standard power of attorney that is used for short-term or specific purposes. Unlike a standard power of attorney, the durable power of attorney in Utah is effective even if the principal becomes incapacitated.

The durable power of attorney in Utah is created in accordance with Utah Code Section 75-5-502 and is generally valid until the principal dies or revokes the document. It is important to note that the durable power of attorney must be in writing and properly witnessed in order to be legally valid.

What Types of Decisions Can an Attorney-in-Fact Make?

The attorney-in-fact has the authority to make decisions on behalf of the principal. The types of decisions that an attorney-in-fact may be empowered to make will depend on the specific language of the durable power of attorney in Utah. Generally, an attorney-in-fact can make decisions related to financial matters, including paying bills, handling investments, managing real estate, making end-of-life decisions, and more.

Case Law

In the case of In re Estate of Gardner, 2015 UT App 256, the court addressed the issue of whether the durable power of attorney for health care was valid. In the case, the principal had executed a durable power of attorney for health care, appointing her son as her attorney-in-fact. The court held that the durable power of attorney was valid and enforced the document’s provisions. The court noted that the durable power of attorney must be in writing, properly witnessed, and must be executed in accordance with the requirements of Utah Code Section 75-5-502.

Risks Associated with Granting a Durable Power of Attorney

Although the durable power of attorney in Utah is a powerful document, it is important to understand the risks associated with granting this power. The most significant risk is that the attorney-in-fact may not act in the best interests of the principal. For this reason, it is important to choose an attorney-in-fact who is trustworthy and capable of making wise decisions. Additionally, it is important to understand that the attorney-in-fact has the power to make decisions on the principal’s behalf, even if the principal does not agree with the decision.

Legal Considerations

When creating a durable power of attorney in Utah, there are several legal considerations that should be taken into account. It is important to understand that the attorney-in-fact must be over the age of 18 and must not have been convicted of a felony. Additionally, the document should be executed in accordance with the requirements of Utah Code Section 75-5-502. Furthermore, it is important to understand that the durable power of attorney must be in writing and properly witnessed in order to be legally valid.

Creating a durable power of attorney in Utah is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. This document provides the necessary authority for an attorney-in-fact to make decisions on behalf of the principal. It is important to understand the legal requirements for creating a durable power of attorney in Utah, the types of decisions that an attorney-in-fact can make, the risks associated with granting this power, and the various legal considerations that should be taken into account.