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General and Advance Directives

Plan Ahead and Build Trust

An advance directive grants power of attorney through a legal transaction, establishing representation authority. Legally, the power of attorney is a form of representation. If a person can no longer care for themselves due to an accident, sudden severe illness, or age-related weakness, they will need the help of others. Effective representation requires the representative to act on behalf of and within the authority granted by the principal. Therefore, it is in the interest of both the principal and the agent to ensure the necessary preparations are made. A power of attorney ensures that a trusted person can handle necessary matters and act legally on their behalf.

Older individuals, whose health is deteriorating, should ensure they grant a power of attorney to a relative, spouse, or another close person while they are still able to do so. As long as one is healthy, they can decide who will represent their interests. Otherwise, others will make decisions for them later. Spouses can, of course, grant mutual power of attorney within the same document. The text must be appropriately modified and signed by both parties.

The principal can also specify that the power of attorney remains valid beyond their death. This allows the agent to act immediately in the event of death, taking necessary actions promptly. Especially when heirs are unknown or unavailable, it is beneficial for an authorized person to handle death and funeral arrangements, manage the estate, and pay ongoing bills and funeral expenses.

Expertise in Inheritance Law

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Bastian Ruge LL.M. Attorney | Specialist Attorney for Tax Law | Specialist Attorney for Inheritance Law

Bastian Ruge LL.M.

Attorney | Specialist Attorney for Tax Law | Specialist Attorney for Inheritance Law