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Legal BriefsIs a Power of Attorney Valid after Death?IBy Kathleen Cassidy Goodman, PLLCn my opinion, the most commonly misunderstood legal document is a “Power of Attorney”. Time after time,I hear from someone after their loved one has passed away, “I can tend to all of his financial matters because I am his power of attorney.” This mistaken understanding regarding a Power of Attorney leads to many unforseen consequences. Frequently, someone does not understand the “power” of this document and entrusts their agent with specific instructions to follow after their death. But, because the power of attorney “dies” when the person who signed the document dies, their expectations will never be fulfilled.While the Power of Attorney does not survive death, it is a very powerful document. A Texas Statutory Durable Power of Attorney allows a person to designate a family member or close friend as their agent to manage their financial affairs. The Texas format offers two options.One option allows the agent’s powers to become effective immediately and the other option requires a physician determine the person is mentally incapacitated before the agent’s power becomes valid. Normally, most spouses are able to manage the bank accounts for each other and tend to each other’s financial affairs, But, even married couples need a Power of Attorney. Consider the situation where one spouse becomes incapacitated and because of the incapacity, the other spouse needs to downsize, sellSCHOOL HometownYour Pet Deserves The BestBackToSPECIALSGET A CHOICE OF...30% off Initial Cleaning $160 - 4 Hour Priority Clean43 Years of Stirring Up Fun At The Medina Lake Cajun FestivalTBy Ron Clarkehe Medina Lake Cajun Festival keeps on rolling out the good times, bringing the music, foodand culture of Louisiana to the Texas Hill Country for fun the whole family can enjoy. Visitors can listen and dance to topnotchLouisiana Cajun and Zydeco music, taste the best homemade Cajun food this side of Louisiana, and sample gumbos in the Great Gumbo Cook-off.The festival is Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, 11:00 am to 10:00 pm at the LakehillsSoil MixesCompostBaseSandTopsoilSeptember 2024www.stoneoakhighlights.com15the house, and move to assisted living. The incapacitated spouse is not able to sign the documents to sell the house. However, if the incapacitated spouse has a power of attorney, then there is no problem. A power of Attorney alleviates the need for a guardianship in many instances. As with all legal documents, the person signing the Power of Attorney must have mental capacity to sign the document. Frequently, a son or daughter will recognize they need to help Mom or Dad out with their financial matters only after their parent’s Dementia or Alzheimer’s becomes severe – and it it too late. Everyone needs to plan ahead and execute a Power of Attorney before the need arises.• Daycare • Overnight Boarding • Grooming • Cattery • Beach Club • Dock Diving • Pet Bakery • Award Winning TrainingBack To School Special10% OFF any In House Training Session during Daycare or Boarding. Advance Reservation NecessaryMust mention this ad. Exp. 9/30/24k9countryclub.net830-980-8476 31305 Oakview Dr., Bulverde, TX 78163We Pledge To Adhere To The Highest Industry Standards• Pedicures • Manicures • Dipping Powder• Solar Nails • Waxing • Complimentary DrinksKathleen Cassidy Goodman is an attorney20% O on all services over $50! Valid til September 30, 2024Cleaning Services FREE Estimates!Call Today! 210-438-7359 www.hometowncleaningtx.comMon-Sat: 9:00am-7:30 pm ~ Sun: 11am-6:30pmIn Trader Joe’s Shopping Center427 North Loop 1604 W, Suite 111 San Antonio, TX 78258SEPTEMBER SPECIALSouth Texas Blend RockMulch(210) 999-5419in areas of estate planning, starsstripesnailssanantonio.comprobate, civil litigation,and business law. She can Decomposed be reached at her office inHelotes at (210) 949-1000 Graniteor for more information,visit www.bexarlaw.comCommunity Center. Admission is $15, and children 10 and under enter free. There is free parking and shuttle service. For more information visit www.cajunfestival- medinalake.com , call 830-460-0600 or 210- 885-6435 or e-mail bengel@lhcctx.org Press Inquiries: 830-460-0600 or 210-885- 6435 or e-mail bengel@lhcctx.orgWebsite: www.cajunfestival medinalake.com www. facebookmedinalakecajunfestival.com Instagram:MedinaLakeCajunFestival830-438-580331767 Blanco Road, Bulverde, TX 78163 Hours: Mon- Fri-8am-5pm • Sat. 8am- 3pmwww.BlancoRdMulch.com43rd AnnualRain or ShineBring in ad for Buy 1/Get 1 at GateSaturday - Sept 28thLakehills Community Center 11225 Park Road 37Gates Open 11am-10pmNEW! Zydeco Party FREE admission after 8pmHome of the Great Gumbo CookoffAdvance Admission & Multi-Pack Discounts www.cajunfestival-medinalake.comor scan the QR codeLakehills TX