Powers of attorney
Papers that let you help your parent, signed while they still can
A financial power of attorney and a health care power of attorney name who acts when your parent can’t. Without them, the family may need a court.
We meet your parent first, alone for part of the meeting, so the choices are theirs. Then we draft both documents, read them through together and hold the signing with two witnesses and a notary. If your parent is in the hospital or can’t travel, we bring the signing to them.
The flat fee for one person includes
A financial power of attorney
A health care power of attorney
A HIPAA release for doctors
The signing, with witnesses and a notary
Copies for the bank and the clinic
From the first call to the bank’s copy
Most families are done in three weeks. A hospital signing can happen in two days.
- 01
Step 1: A first meeting with your parent
An hour, at an office or at home. Part of it is just your parent and the lawyer.
- 02
Step 2: Drafts in a week
We mail or email both documents and call to go through them.
- 03
Step 3: The signing
Witnesses and a notary come with us. Your parent signs; you don’t need to be there.
- 04
Step 4: Copies where they’re needed
We send copies to the bank, the doctor and whoever your parent named.
What children ask us about powers of attorney
Can I set this up for my mother?
You can call us and come along, but your mother is the client. She decides who to name and what they can do, and she has to understand what she signs.
Mom has memory problems. Is it too late?
Not always. What matters is whether she understands the document on the day she signs. We talk with her first, and we may ask her doctor for a short note.
What happens if there’s no power of attorney?
If your parent can no longer decide, the family usually has to ask a court for a guardianship. That takes longer and costs more. See our guardianship page.
Does a power of attorney from another state work here?
Often, yes. Bring it to the first meeting and we’ll tell you whether a Wisconsin bank and hospital will accept it.
Sign them on a good day
Book an hour with your parent. We’ll quote the fee before the meeting and travel to them if that’s easier.