For POA - do I really need an attorney?

[Anonymous]

My mom is in her 80s and "slipping" mentally and physically. She's always been disorganized, but is at the point where she would like help in managing her finances and medical care. We recently moved her into a senior living place. I found templates for the state she's living in to complete durable power of attorney for medical and another for financial. My siblings support me going forward with establishing this and being the agent. They are listed as the successors. Do I really need an attorney to do anything at this point or can I find a notary public, witnesses, and get this completed on my own without an attorney? I ask because my mom is super cheap, has a modest income, and if I hire an attorney it will 100% my expense without any of my siblings or family chipping in. Thoughts? Any risk to skipping the attorney?

[Anonymous]

I tried to DIY and it was incredibly frustrating. Tried many different ways (reading books, free consultations, legal zoom was awful). It must be done properly for your state obviously and it was hard to find out what the proper way was.

Thank goodness I discovered a free attorney to make POA, living will, medical directive, etc, was covered by my spouse’s benefits. You should check if this is a free benefit in your mom’s case. If not, I do recommend a lawyer. The amount they charge can be astronomical and they try to scare you into thinking you need them. But really they are just filling out templates. Hopefully someone here can help point out low cost resources for your mom’s state. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I tried to DIY and it was incredibly frustrating. Tried many different ways (reading books, free consultations, legal zoom was awful). It must be done properly for your state obviously and it was hard to find out what the proper way was.

Thank goodness I discovered a free attorney to make POA, living will, medical directive, etc, was covered by my spouse’s benefits. You should check if this is a free benefit in your mom’s case. If not, I do recommend a lawyer. The amount they charge can be astronomical and they try to scare you into thinking you need them. But really they are just filling out templates. Hopefully someone here can help point out low cost resources for your mom’s state. Good luck.

I just noticed you found templates—that’s great! I think it’s good for an attorney to take a look at it to make sure you’re not missing anything.

[Anonymous]

If your mom is deemed by a doctor to have capacity, then all you need are the forms and a notary/witness present while she and you sign.