Antelope Valley estate planning law firm Thompson Von Tungeln advises California residents to review the different power of attorney options available to them. The power of attorney options include the General Power of Attorney, the Durable Power of Attorney, the Non-Durable Power of Attorney, and an Advanced Health Care Directive. Each has its uses, and a combination of them is essential to good estate planning.

Lancaster, California (PRWEB) January 5, 2010 — Antelope Valley estate planning law firm Thompson Von Tungeln recommends that California residents review the different power of attorney options available to them as part of their estate planning process.

“There are a number of different types of power of attorney vehicles available for use in estate plans,” said Kevin Von Tungeln, partner at Thompson Von Tungeln. “Each type has its uses, and can provide protection in the event of incapacitation. You should consult with your estate planning attorney to determine, which, if any, are necessary for your estate plan.”

A General Power of Attorney designates a person to handle the business, financial and legal affairs of another person, either for a specific function or for overall day-to-day needs. This basic estate planning document is necessary in the event you become incapacitated or unable to make decisions for yourself. A Durable Power of Attorney comes in two forms for estate planning purposes. It can be effective immediately or upon disability. Estate planning attorneys utilize the Durable Power of Attorney to designate someone to make financial, housing and other care decisions for someone who can no longer make them for his or her self.

An Advanced Healthcare Directive is an estate planning document that allows you to designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf. Your estate planning attorney can help you include your wishes on life-saving measures, end-of-life care, organ donation and choice of a physician into your directive. Another, less commonly used vehicle is the Non-Durable Power of Attorney.

“The time to review these with your estate planning attorney is when you are healthy and in the process of creating your estate plan,” said Von Tungeln. “Directives that are signed when a person is seriously ill are prone to being challenged in court if one of your loved ones believes you were not of sound mind and body when you signed the Power of Attorney form. Your estate planning attorney can review your options on which of these Power of Attorney forms to include in your estate plan.”