Explore Some Unique Gift Ideas for This Holiday Season

Trying to come up with unique gifts for everyone on your list this holiday season is an exercise in creativity. While you could always give another mug or blanket, the truth is that the people you care about deserve something special. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend hours dreaming up gift ideas when you can use this list to find the perfect present that anyone will love.

Choose a Special Candle

Scented candles are always a safe option for giving to people you don’t know well. Yet, you can also turn this gift into one that shows you know them personally. You can find candles that melt to reveal a birthstone, ones that look like a bowl of your friend’s favorite cereal and even ones that smell like specific states.

Create Personalized Photo Socks

Socks might be a gift that is jokingly left up to the grandparents to give, but not when you use personalization to make them unique. You can have socks custom printed with the image of someone’s pet, favorite food or even their own face. Having a fun pair of socks that represents their personality is a great idea for anyone who has a sense of humor.

Give Them Better Beauty Sleep With a Silk Pillow

Many people think about buying a silk pillow, but they never get around to buying themselves this luxury. A silk pillow has known benefits for rest and beauty such as reducing hair breakage. This gift is a great option for young adults and teens who are obsessed with their hair health, but it also works for people who are any age.

Pair a Pillow With Silk Pajamas

If you prefer to give a bigger gift than a pillowcase, then you can follow it up with a pair of silk pajamas. Clothing made from silk has a luxurious feel, and this is the perfect gift to give to your houseguests if you’re hosting this season. To increase the appeal, you can also have a set monogrammed to create a truly personalized present.

Honor Someone With a Challenge Coin

The military has used challenge coins for more than a century to reward hard work and inspire a sense of pride and belonging. Today, people are also using challenge coins to enhance friendships, work partnerships and other special relationships. If you’re trying to come up with a gift for a group, then handing out challenge coins is a fun way to highlight your relationships with each other. The coins can be displayed, but they are also fun to carry to challenge everyone who has one to produce it on command.

Hand Out Multitools

If you dislike the idea of giving a gift that just gathers dust, then a multitool is certain to get used. You can find card-style multitools that fit in a person’s wallet, or you might opt for a foldable tool that is easy to carry in a pocket. Either way, this is a great gift to give to a group of people who are just starting out such as your adult grandkids.

Encourage Screen-Free Time With a Neck Reading Light

Knowing which book to give the avid reader in your life can be challenging, especially when they seem to have read through an entire series. However, you can still give a gift that taps into their hobby without doubling up on something they’ve already read. A neck reading light also encourages your loved one to get off their phone and read a paperback, which can promote more restful sleep.

Help Them Hit Goals With a Scratch-Off Poster

Scratch-off posters come in a variety of styles that you can pick from based on your loved one’s hobbies. Watch as they get excited to scratch off the movies they watch over the upcoming year. Or, your loved one might want to scratch off all of the national parks they visit. This gift gives them something to work on over the new year, which is great for people who enjoy making resolutions.

The best gifts are ones that show you put genuine thought and care into their selection. Selecting a gift that shows something special about the recipient is the ideal way to make them smile. Once you’ve found and wrapped the perfect present, you can sail through the holidays with excitement as you look forward to seeing their face during your upcoming gift exchange.

By: Katherine Robinson, a writer for Challenge Coins

/0 Comments/by

Camas’ Hometown Holidays, Christmas Tree Lighting Set for Dec. 6

Camas, WA -– The City of Camas’ Hometown Holidays, which draws thousands to downtown Camas, will take place Friday, Dec. 6, from 5 pm– 8 pm.  This festive event will include a full slate of activities, including the popular tree lighting ceremony.

Residents and visitors will once again enjoy a bustling downtown Camas, filled with school and community choirs, bands and dancers, photos with Santa (bring your camera!), crafts for the kids, street food vendors, and downtown restaurants and shops open for business.  The tree-lighting ceremony will kick off the event at 5 pm, thanks to the coordination and sponsorship by the Downtown Camas Association and the Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce.  Hometown Holidays is coordinated and hosted by Camas Parks & Recreation and coincides with Downtown Camas Association’s First Friday.

Hometown Holidays and the events are free and open to all, thanks to the financial support of Columbia Credit Union, Windermere Camas/Crest Realty, iQ Credit Union, Downtown Camas Association, Lutz Hardware and in-kind donors and volunteers. In addition, various restaurants and food vendors will be open to purchase food. Visitors can also use the opportunity to shop for their holiday gifts in Camas’ well-known historic downtown.  

The free parking shuttle, courtesy of the Camas School District, will run its easy-to-park & ride event shuttles from 4:30 – 8:30 pm. Four color-coded parking lots within 1-mile of downtown Camas will be incorporated into one continuous shuttle route.  The shuttle route will stop at each of the parking lots and will drop off riders on the street between Camas City Hall and the Camas Public Library.  The shuttle is free; details can be found at www.cityofcamas.us/parksrec; and click on the “Special Events” tab.

A few suggestions before venturing out this year, please leave dogs at home; this event is not a good fit, as it will feature very large crowds. Visitors can park their strollers at the Festival Information Tent, located at 4th & Cedar St.; and Journey Church will also be hosting a quiet room to allow diaper changing and nursing mothers. 

For event locations and other event details, visit

https://www.cityofcamas.us/parksrec/page/hometown-holidays-2024

/0 Comments/by
, ,

Navigating End-of-Life Care: Lessons from a Daughter’s Tragic Experience

In an aging society, you might face difficult end-of-life decisions for your loved ones sooner than expected. And when you do, you’ll realize the journey through end-of-life care is rarely straightforward. A recent and heartbreaking story from Maggie Schneider Huston in Newsweek illustrates this. In this article, I’ll highlight key insights from Maggie’s experience and offer practical advice for your situation.

First, know that an advance directive is a legal document that outlines your wishes for medical care if you cannot decide for yourself. In most states, it also gives authority to a person or people you choose to act on your behalf and ensure your wishes are fulfilled. With that, let’s dive into Maggie’s story. As you read, consider how you might prepare for similar situations in your life or the lives of your aging relatives.

What Happened?

Maggie’s story begins in 2023. Her mom died, and shortly after, Maggie’s father, Terry, revised his will and created an advance directive. He wanted to be entirely prepared for a planned heart surgery he was to have less than three months later.

His advance directive reflected his desires that he’d been clear about – that he did not want to suffer when his life was coming to an end. He did not want machines to keep him alive. He only wanted to be comfortable. Maggie and her siblings understood and supported their father’s wishes. They gave one of his doctors a copy of his advance directive before the surgery. That doctor later admitted that he hadn’t read it. Terry’s other two doctors did not know he had an advance directive.

After Terry’s heart surgery, his health declined rapidly. As he was lying in the hospital bed, his doctors arguing that he could live with the assistance of machines, he told them that’s not what he wanted. He repeatedly asked for hospice care. Despite Terry’s wishes, his doctors would not order hospice care for him.

Maggie and her siblings quickly got involved and read Terry’s advance directive to the doctors. And after repeated requests, the doctors finally relented. He died shortly after. Even though Terry’s wishes were finally honored, it wasn’t without frustration and heartache for Terry and his family.

It’s easy to see why the doctors insisted on keeping Terry alive. Their job, after all, isn’t to facilitate death but to promote life (no doubt the fear of being sued for medical malpractice was a factor, too). So it’s not a leap to think that if Terry didn’t have an advance directive, he would still be alive today, subsisting on the assistance of machines at an extreme cost to the family.

So, as Maggie’s story illustrates, having an advance directive is just the first step. You must also ensure that the advance directive is readily available and that your chosen advocates are prepared to fight for your wishes if necessary. It also helps to have a trusted lawyer by your side.

Advocating for Your Loved Ones

Maggie’s experience with her father shows how important advocacy can be. If you find yourself in Maggie’s situation with a parent or other loved one, here are some strategies you can take to ensure their wishes are honored:

Be prepared to speak up and ask questions. If you need help understanding something, ask for clarification. Don’t be intimidated by medical jargon or embarrassed about asking for explanations.

Ensure that all medical team members have read and understood the advance directive. Don’t assume that because one doctor has seen it, all of them have.

If your loved one’s wishes are ignored, don’t hesitate to escalate the issue to hospital administration or patient advocacy groups. Remember, you’re not just a visitor but an essential part of your loved one’s care team.

Keep a journal or log of all interactions with healthcare providers. Document who you spoke to, what was discussed, and any decisions made. This can be invaluable if there are disagreements or misunderstandings later.

Build relationships with the nursing staff. The nursing staff spends the most time with patients and can be powerful allies in advocating for your loved one’s care.

Consider bringing in outside help if needed. If you feel your loved one’s rights are being violated, this could be a patient advocate, a social worker, or even a lawyer. Read on, and I’ll show you how to get my help and support.

Take care of yourself during this process. Advocating can be exhausting and emotionally draining. Eat well, get enough sleep, and take breaks when needed.

Your role as an advocate can be challenging, but it’s crucial to ensure your loved one’s wishes are respected. You can also prepare for your future so your loved ones have the support they need to advocate for you if the time comes.

How to Help Your Loved Ones Avoid Similar Outcomes

To help your family avoid the challenges faced by Maggie and her siblings, consider the following steps:

Create a comprehensive advance directive and designate a healthcare proxy. This crucial first step involves clearly outlining your wishes for end-of-life care in a thorough Life & Legacy Plan. When you work with me to create your Life & Legacy Plan, I can help you get clear on specific treatments you do or do not want, choose the right people to be your representatives, and ensure they understand and are willing to advocate for your wishes. All these considerations are critically important.

Communicate your wishes openly and distribute your advance directive. Have frank discussions with your family members about your end-of-life preferences. Ensure all relevant family members understand and respect your decisions, proactively addressing concerns or disagreements. Once your wishes are clear, provide copies of your advance directive to your representatives, family members, and primary care physician. I will maintain a copy of your advance directive when you work with me. This wide distribution helps ensure your wishes are known and can be quickly accessed when needed.

Regularly review and update your Life & Legacy Plan. Life circumstances and health conditions can change, potentially affecting end-of-life care preferences. That’s why my Life & Legacy Planning process includes regular reviews of your plan so we can update your plan if needed. This ongoing process of review and update helps ensure that your end-of-life care plans always accurately reflect your current wishes and circumstances and that your plan will work when you and your loved ones need it to.

Finally, remember, end-of-life care isn’t just about how we die – it’s about how we live our final days, weeks, or months. Planning and being prepared to advocate can ensure that this time is as meaningful and comfortable as possible, aligned with your values and wishes. In doing so, you’re providing a final act of love and respect, honoring a life well-lived right up to its very end.

How We Help You Navigate End-of-Life Care

As Maggie’s story clearly illustrates, end-of-life situations can be complex and emotionally challenging. The best time to prepare for these difficult moments is now. We help you create a comprehensive Life & Legacy Plan that ensures your end-of-life wishes are respected, your loved ones are empowered to advocate for you, and your care aligns with your values when needed. Don’t leave your end-of-life care to chance. Let us help you create a plan that works when you and your loved ones need it most.

Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation to learn more. Contact us today!

This article is a service of Res Nova Law, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session.

The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.

/0 Comments/by
, ,

New Military Art Exhibition at Columbia Gorge Museum Opens Nov. 23

The Columbia Gorge Museum is excited to unveil its new art exhibition, WALKING IN MY SHOES: A Perspective on Military Service by Charles Burt, opening on November 23, 2024. This exhibition will allow its viewers to experience a unique perspective on the military and the lives of its members. 

After 20 years of active-duty service Burt retired from the Army but had a tough time adjusting to civilian culture. Seeking a way to connect with other disciplined and dedicated people, he met artists who shared his work ethic and a strong drive to succeed.

From this spark, he started taking art courses at the local community college and completed five years of intensive fine art atelier training at Gage Academy of Art in Seattle. During his last two years of atelier training, Burt began a series of paintings titled Seven Army Values. These are invitations for civilians to find new ways of thinking about military service.

After retiring from the Army, he developed a tremor in his dominant hand and was later diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Painting fine art pieces while battling a tremor is another challenge that he faces head-on.

He hopes his art and his life story inspire other veterans to work toward their own goals even after they leave the supportive structures of the military.

A special public opening will be at 2 pm on November 23 where Charles Burt will be in attendance. For more details on the exhibition and to RSVP, please visit the Columbia Gorge Museum’s website.

The Columbia Gorge Museum is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in Stevenson, WA. It is known for collections honoring the tribal communities from the region, past and present, the largest rosary collection, as well as art and artifacts from industry and families throughout our history. It is open from 10 am to 5 pm daily. Every first Saturday of the month is free for Skamania County residents.

/1 Comment/by

CW Historical Society Invites All to Camas Mill Interpretive Center

Camas-Washougal, WA – The Camas-Washougal Historical Society is inviting members and the community to take a closer look at the fascinating history of the Camas Mill.  They are hosting a private access event at the Camas Mill Interpretive Center on Saturday, November 16 at 2 pm. The center opened around eight years ago and is located at 401 Adams Street, Camas.

Curator Ron Hawkins will host the presentation that includes a video featuring paper mill processes (as of six years ago) and an interview with local historian Virginia Warren.  Attendees will also learn about the Koch family and Georgia-Pacific as well as enjoy interactive displays.

Hawkins, a Washougal High School graduate, moved to the area in 1969 and worked 43 years at the paper mill. The last 20 years he was the senior environmental air technician, as well as a team leader for the technical operations group. He retired five years ago.

“I caught the (history) fever years ago by listening to the old timers talk about their experiences,” said Hawkins. “I researched for about a year to get the exact day they broke ground. I try to make some of the exhibits more interactive, so the youth enjoy the museum as well.  The mill was built six years before Washington became a state so there is a lot to talk about.”

Hawkins currently catalogs photos and documents and has collected over 1,000 issues of the original mill newsletters, “Making Paper,” which he hand-scanned at the Clark County Historical Museum.

The mill’s history dates back to 1883 when Henry Pittock, who owned The Oregonian weekly newspaper, formed a company called the Lacamas Colony Company. Under Pittock’s leadership, the business purchased 2,600 acres of land in and around what is now the town of Camas and began construction of a paper mill that would supply newsprint for the now daily Oregonian.

Crews began clearing land, building dams, and constructing a sawmill. During that same time, the town site of Lacamas was laid out and platted, and the town’s first store was opened for business. Camas was born!

At the November CWHS event, light refreshments provided by mill management will be served, and a short society business meeting will be held.

Mill
Mill
/0 Comments/by
,

The First Stevenson Mushroom Festival Shares Success

Festival Draws Mushroom Lovers and the Fungi-Curious of All Ages to the Columbia River Gorge

Stevenson, WA – In its inaugural year, The Stevenson Mushroom Festival captivated attendees of all ages with a celebration of the fascinating world of mushrooms. The weekend kicked off with the Mushroom Gala at the Columbia Gorge Museum, hosting 140 guests. Tickets sold out prior to the October 18th event. Gala attendees enjoyed a gourmet array of mushroom-themed small plates from Cherry City Catering, beer from Walking Man Brewing, regional wines and special adaptogenic cocktails. With a dress code described as “Fungi Flare,” partygoers were decked out in everything from mushroom prints to full fungi regalia. 

“The Stevenson Mushroom Festival brought kindness, creativity, and enthusiasm to our little town. Whether you were new to the soil, or a fully-fledged mycophile, there was always something fun to learn and a friend to share it with. Gala costumes dazzled, the carefully crafted fare was a delight, and the artistry and attention to detail showcased our shared love of community and nature,” shares festival attendee, Amy Collins. 

Festivities continued October 19th, with a curated family-friendly passport adventure throughout the scenic town of Stevenson, Washington.  The “Mushroom Hunt,” drew 350 participants to collect stamps from various locations and invited them to attend special events, presentations and demonstrations. Local restaurants created an array of special mushroom-centric dishes and “hunters” were encouraged to forage for discounts at local retailers.  

Angie Martin, Executive Director of the Skamania County Chamber of Commerce recounts, “The Mushroom Festival was a tremendous success, selling out entirely in its inaugural year! It was fun to watch families exploring downtown Stevenson, shopping, dining, and enjoying the variety of activities.  We heard great feedback from the local businesses about the increased foot traffic the event generated.  From residents to tourists, this festival invited attendees to experience all that Stevenson has to offer.  Hopefully this becomes an annual tradition – I know I will definitely attend again!”

The festival organized participation from thirteen brick and mortar businesses, three community locations, several local artists and a host of volunteers. Mycophiles Jordan Weiss, Julie Beeler and Michael Beug provided educational presentations and demonstrations.  ArtBliss Hotel, Hotel Stevenson and Wilder & Pine Riverside Cabins offered a discount for weekend stays. The Columbia Gorge Museum hosted free admission for passport holders and Gorge Photo Booths created a custom backdrop and props for visitors to capture themselves enjoying the weekend.

Participating Businesses, Locations & Community Partners: 

77 Cork & Tap Bistro, Aries Art NW, ArtBliss Hotel, Big River Grill, Bloomsbury Flower Shop, Cherry City Catering, City of Stevenson, Clark & Lewie’s Traveler’s Rest Saloon & Grill, Columbia Ace Hardware, Columbia Gorge Museum, Community Art Studio of Skamania, DJ FRACTAL, El Rio Texicantina, Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Gorge Photo Booths, Gorge-Us Face Painting & Airbrushing, Heart to Hearth Bakery, Hotel Stevenson, Jordan Weiss, Julie Beeler, Michael Beug, Moon River Home & Living, North Bank Books, Out And About, Out On A Limb, Red Bluff Tap House, River Talk Weekly News, Skamania County Chamber of Commerce, Skamania Dance, Stevenson Downtown Association, Stevenson Community Library, Stevenson Farmer’s Market, Tom Sikora, Traverse PNW Market, Walking Man Brewing and Wilder & Pine Riverside Cabins.

The Stevenson Mushroom Festival was first conceptualized as a fun shoulder season event to highlight the vast array of mushroom-themed gifts, treasures and foraging gear available at Traverse PNW Market. The idea was to create an additional reason for mushroom enthusiasts to visit Stevenson. The concept grew to include educational elements and an opportunity for the entire town to participate.  

“As a Stevenson business owner for over a decade, I know the challenges small business owners face in the shoulder seasons. I wanted to create something that not only helped my businesses, but supported and uplifted the entire community,” said Tabatha Wiggins, Event Coordinator. “I am proud and excited The Stevenson Mushroom Festival brought so many locals and visitors together and for the benefit it provided to our town.  For me, that’s what success looks like. I want to thank everyone who participated; you brought this festival to life in 2024! I hope to see you all there in 2025!” 

For those that missed out on the festivities in 2024, Wiggins is hopeful to make The Stevenson Mushroom Festival an annual event.  Plans include ramping up attendance and adding to the list of family-focused events, educational presentations and vendors. Seasoned mycologists, blossoming enthusiasts and the fungi-curious of all ages can anticipate celebrating the enchanting world of mushrooms next fall in Stevenson, Washington. Dates for 2025 will be announced in the coming weeks.  

For future details and information about The Stevenson Mushroom Festival, including dates and happenings, please visit stevensonmushroomfestival.com.

About the Stevenson Mushroom Festival 

The Stevenson Mushroom Festival was designed to celebrate the enchanting world of mushrooms through education, events and promotions throughout Stevenson, Washington in the Columbia River Gorge. The 2024 festival was presented by Traverse PNW Market and sponsored by River Talk Weekly News, City of Stevenson, Columbia Gorge Museum, Stevenson Downtown Association and Skamania County Chamber of Commerce.  

/0 Comments/by

Election 2024: Rep. Perez Holds 4-Point Lead Over Challenger Kent

Vancouver, WA — Democratic U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez holds a four point lead over Republican Joe Kent on Tuesday in a re-match that has been watched nationally, with implications on which political party will control the U.S. House of Representatives.

Gluesenkamp Perez, who is seeking a second term representing the 3rd Congressional District in southwest Washington, led Kent 51.8% to 47.8% in votes tallied on Election night. An updated count is expected by 4 pm Wednesday.

/0 Comments/by

Election 2024: Clark County Ballot Deposit Box Locations

Vancouver, WA — If you wish to return your voted ballot in person on or before Election Day take it to: Clark County Elections Office (1408 Franklin Street, Vancouver), available from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday and 7 am to 8 pm on Election Day.

Or return your voted ballot to one of the 22 red permanent ballot drop boxes, available 24 hours a day starting 18 days before an election until 8 pm on Election Day.

East County Locations:

Vancouver Locations:

Other Clark County Locations: 

/0 Comments/by
, ,

Washougal Student Award Winners Recognized by VFW Auxiliary

Washougal, WA — Washougal students earned a number of recognitions in several prestigious Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary competitions: the Illustrating America Art Contest and the Get Excited for the Red, White & Blue National Anthem Singing Contest. The awards reflect the efforts of Washougal students to beautifully share their understanding and appreciation of American values and democracy through performing and visual arts.

“Washougal students have so much talent as singers, writers, and artists. It’s inspiring to me to see our students using their talent to celebrate and honor those who have served our country and our democracy,” Interim Superintendent Aaron Hansen said.

VFW Auxiliary Historian/Media Relations chair Susan Bennett, who helped present the awards, said, “We are always so impressed by the art, singing, and essays that Camas and Washougal students submit. Members of the Auxiliary and VFW Post 4278 are excited to use these contests to encourage students to learn about our country and our democratic values. We encourage all students, including those who are not enrolled in art or music classes, to enter the contests.”

WHS Student Recognized Locally and at State Level for National Anthem Performance

Washougal High School student Catherine Yung earned first place in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Post 4278 “Get Excited for the Red, White & Blue National Anthem Singing Contest” for grades 9-12.  Yung’s performance of the Star Spangled Banner was also submitted to the state Auxiliary to The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States competition, and won second place for Washington State. 

VFW Post 4278 and Auxiliary members presented Yung with certificates from both the local and statewide competitions at Washougal High School, where they also shared her video submission. Yung received a cash prize from each organization as well. 

Cape Horn-Skye Elementary Students Win Illustration Contest

Cape Horn-Skye student Taylor Mayer was awarded third place in the Illustrating America Art Contest by the VFW Auxiliary Post 4278 for grades 3-5.  

Cape Horn-Skye student Emanuel Bolokhovskiy also created artwork for the Illustrating America Art Contest and was awarded third place by the VFW Auxiliary Post 4278, and was recognized by the state Auxiliary to The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States as well, for students in grades K-2.  

Middle School Students Recognized

Jemtegaard Middle School student Adelaide Kessinger was awarded first place in the “Get Excited for the Red, White & Blue National Anthem Singing Contest” for grades K-8 at the local level. 

Tia Linnik will be awarded first place for art she submitted to the Illustrating America Art Contest by the VFW Auxiliary Post 4278 for grades K-8 during the Columbia River Gorge Elementary Veterans Day assembly in November.  

Skyla Ostenson was awarded 2nd place for art she submitted to the Illustrating America Art Contest by the VFW Auxiliary Post 4278 for grades K-8.

VFW
Skyla Ostenson accepting her award.
VFW
Adelaide Kessinger accepts her award.
/0 Comments/by
, ,

A Power of Attorney May Not Be What You Think

If you’ve ever considered planning for your future or helped someone plan for theirs, you’ve probably heard the term “power of attorney.” But do you know what it is? The terms “power” and “attorney” carry weight but may not mean what you think. There are many misconceptions about what a power of attorney is and what authority it gives someone. And no, it doesn’t grant someone a temporary law degree. 

I’ll address the misconceptions about powers of attorney so you know what to do if someone appoints you as their power of attorney. Then, armed with this knowledge, you’ll understand your legal responsibilities so you don’t inadvertently make any mistakes or run afoul of the law.

Let’s start with some background info. If a power of attorney doesn’t confer attorney status, then why is it called that?

What is a Power of Attorney?

Generally speaking, a power of attorney is a legal document granting someone else the authority to act on your behalf regarding your financial life. The term “power of attorney” is a bit of a historical holdover. Originally, powers of attorney were primarily used to appoint lawyers to represent individuals in legal matters. However, the concept has expanded over time to include appointing someone to act on your behalf for various purposes.

So, while you don’t need to be an attorney to hold a power of attorney, the term has continued due to its historical origins. Granting power of attorney is a way to indicate that an appointed person has the authority to act as your agent or representative, similar to the way an attorney would act on your behalf.

There are times when it’s necessary to preserve your assets, especially if you reach a point in life when you are unable to manage your own financial, legal, or healthcare matters, whether from old age, a terrible accident, or simply being out of the country for an extended period. In each of these cases, it’s possible that if you don’t have someone acting on your behalf, problems could occur. Your financial institutions could charge extra fees on your accounts, a fraudster could drain them, and you wouldn’t know it happened; taxes could go unpaid, your property could go into foreclosure, or your credit could be ruined. So, to prevent these horrific outcomes, you want someone else to be able to maintain your financial life on your behalf.

Types of Powers of Attorney

We don’t need to get too much in the weeds here (if you want to get in the weeds, though, read to the end, and I’ll show you how to book a call with me); know that there are different types of powers of attorney, each with its specific purpose. Here are some examples:

General Power of Attorney: This grants the agent broad authority to act on your behalf, including managing your finances and signing legal documents, even if you can handle your affairs. It becomes effective as soon as you execute the document. When might you want this? Say you travel for work, and you and your spouse have decided to refinance your mortgage. You may want your spouse to sign the paperwork on your behalf rather than wait until you’re back in town.

Springing Power of Attorney: This also grants authority to someone to manage your financial and legal affairs. You can execute the document whenever you want, but it doesn’t kick in until you can no longer make your own decisions.

Durable Power of Attorney: This type of general power of attorney remains in effect even if you become incapacitated. Think of it as the General and Springing Powers of Attorney combined.

Limited Power of Attorney: This grants the agent authority to handle specific tasks only, such as managing your property or making healthcare decisions.

Healthcare Power of Attorney: This grants your named agent authority to make medical decisions on your behalf. 

Even though each of these documents operates differently, they all have one crucial thing in common: the agent’s power ends as soon as you die. 

What No One Told You About a Power of Attorney: It Ends With Death

You may mistakenly believe that a power of attorney gives someone the right to access your financial accounts indefinitely. However, a power of attorney is a temporary arrangement that ends when the person who granted the power dies. What does this mean, exactly?

Let’s say your aging mother can no longer manage her affairs, and she executed a Power of Attorney to give you the authority. While she’s living, you can access her bank accounts to ensure all her bills are paid and paid on time. But as soon as she dies, you no longer have the legal authority to access her accounts. If she had a Will or no estate plan, you would have to file paperwork with the probate court and wait for the case to make it through the court system until the judge grants you authority again. In the meantime, if you can’t afford to cover her bills along with your own, you may have to decide to let her bills go unpaid. If she still has a mortgage on her house, for instance, and you can’t pay her mortgage and yours, the bank could begin to foreclose, and you could lose any equity she had. This equity could have been a significant part of your inheritance. 

Going to court can be frustrating and time-consuming, and negative consequences can result if you haven’t planned appropriately. 

The Good News

With some careful planning ahead of time, you can ensure all your bills get paid, and your assets are preserved for your loved ones. The way to do that is by creating a Life & Legacy Plan with a living trust. A trust is a legal arrangement that allows you to transfer your assets to a trustee, who manages them to benefit your beneficiaries. Notably, a trust survives your death, so there’s no disruption in the ability of someone to manage your finances after you die.

You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to ensure your power of attorney, trust, and related estate planning tools are created correctly and updated over time and that you understand the benefits and consequences of your plan. 

How We Help You Preserve What Matters

Understanding the limitations of a power of attorney and the benefits of a trust is crucial for protecting your hard-earned assets. When you work with me to create a Life & Legacy Plan, I’ll empower you with the education you need so you can make the right choices for yourself and your family, that you fully understand how your plan works, and that your family has my support after you’re gone. Once your plan is in place, you can rest easy knowing that your wishes will be honored, your loved ones cared for, and your property protected.

Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation to learn more and start your journey toward a secure financial future. Contact us today!

This article is a service of Res Nova Law, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session.

The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.

/0 Comments/by