Nobody thinks they need a power of attorney until they do — and by then, it's usually too late to get one without a fight.
A power of attorney is a legal document that gives someone you trust the authority to make decisions on your behalf. It can cover financial matters, medical decisions, or both. Without one, your family has very few options if something happens to you and you can't speak for yourself.
What happens without one
Here's the scenario most families run into: a parent has a stroke, or an accident happens, or someone starts showing signs of memory loss — and suddenly there's no one legally authorized to pay their bills, manage their bank accounts, or make medical calls. Even a spouse can't always act on their partner's behalf without the right paperwork in place.
Getting the legal authority to act for someone who is already incapacitated requires going through the court system. That means time, money, and a process that can take months — all while the person who needs help is waiting.
A simple document signed before any of that happens would have prevented the whole situation.
Who needs one
Pretty much every adult. Not just older adults — anyone who could find themselves in a situation where they can't make their own decisions temporarily or permanently. That includes:
- Parents with minor children who want to make sure someone is authorized to act if they become unable to
- Adults helping aging parents get their affairs in order before a health situation changes things
- Anyone who owns property, has a bank account, or has financial obligations
- People in any kind of caretaking situation where decisions need to be made on someone else's behalf
What it actually covers
A power of attorney can be written broadly or narrowly depending on what you need. In North Carolina, the two most common types are:
Financial power of attorney — covers banking, bills, property, investments, and other financial matters. Useful if someone becomes ill or is traveling and can't manage accounts themselves.
Healthcare power of attorney — designates who can make medical decisions if you're incapacitated. This is different from a living will, which states your preferences directly. A healthcare POA names the person who speaks for you.
It has to be notarized
In North Carolina, a power of attorney must be signed in front of a notary public to be legally valid. That's where we come in.
You don't need to visit an office or a bank. We can notarize your power of attorney by secure video call from wherever you are — home, work, or anywhere else. The whole process usually takes less than 30 minutes once the document is ready.
If you already have a document drafted by an attorney, we handle the notarization. If you're not sure where to start, we can point you in the right direction.
The right time to do this
Before you need it. That's the honest answer. A power of attorney done in advance, while everyone is healthy and thinking clearly, is straightforward and inexpensive. One done in a hurry during a medical situation is complicated, stressful, and sometimes not possible at all.
If you've been putting this off — for yourself or for a parent — this is the nudge. It doesn't take long and it matters more than most people realize until it's too late.
Call us at (704) 862-9867 or use the contact form to schedule a notary appointment. We're available 365 days a year and can work around your schedule.