What is a Springing Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney (POA) is written authorization for someone to act on your behalf and make decisions about your property, finances or medical care. You can appoint an agent to handle your choices. A power of attorney takes effect immediately upon signature and notarized.
A Springing Power of Attorney takes effect (or springs into action) only after certain conditions are met. According to the Legal Information Institute, “A power of attorney is springing when it takes place at some time in the future after signing.” It is most common for a springing power of attorney to occur when a person becomes incapacitated, whether from an accident or mental degeneration. But, it can be used when a person is leaving the country, is deployed in the military or for other reasons.