- Call us today! 559-431-6800
- Call us today! 559-431-6800
Most of us don’t like to think about what might happen if we couldn’t make our own decisions. But life has a way of throwing curveballs—an accident, an illness, or even just aging can leave someone needing help managing daily affairs. That’s where a power of attorney comes in.
A power of attorney, often called a POA, lets you give someone you trust the authority to act on your behalf. It could be for financial matters, healthcare choices, or sometimes both. In Clovis, we’ve seen families breathe a sigh of relief when one is in place because it prevents so much confusion and conflict down the road. At Barrus and Roberts, PC, we’ve guided many local residents through setting one up, and you can always learn more directly through www.brlawyer.net.
Think of a power of attorney as a legal permission slip. You’re saying, “If I can’t handle this myself, here’s who I trust to step in.” Without one, families are often left scrambling, sometimes having to go through lengthy court proceedings just to handle simple tasks like paying bills or making medical decisions.
There are different types of powers of attorney. A general financial POA allows someone to manage money, pay bills, and deal with property. A healthcare POA, sometimes called an advance directive in California, lets someone make medical choices if you can’t. A durable POA stays in effect even if you become incapacitated, which is why it’s one of the most commonly used.
Clovis isn’t just another city—it’s a close-knit community where families often live near one another, and assets like homes, farms, or small businesses are passed down through generations. Having a power of attorney in place can be especially important here because so many people have property or financial responsibilities tied directly to family life.
I once met with a family in Clovis who thought they’d never need a power of attorney because “we all get along.” Then the father suffered a sudden stroke, and everyone realized no one had legal authority to manage his accounts or make healthcare decisions. They were forced into an emergency situation that added stress on top of an already emotional time. It’s a story I’ve heard in different versions more times than I can count.
There are countless examples of when a power of attorney makes life easier. A few that come up often in Clovis include:
Handling property. Maybe you own farmland outside town or a rental home in Clovis. If you’re unable to manage it yourself, a POA lets someone step in without delay.
Managing healthcare choices. If you’re in the hospital and can’t speak for yourself, your healthcare POA ensures your wishes are respected.
Paying bills and dealing with banks. Financial institutions are strict. Without the proper authority, even family members can hit roadblocks.
Avoiding court involvement. Without a POA, families may have to go through conservatorship proceedings, which can be costly and time-consuming.
What’s striking is how often families say, “I wish we had done this sooner.” That regret is common, but avoidable.
A lot of people think powers of attorney are only for the elderly, but that’s not true. Life can change suddenly at any age. We’ve worked with young parents who wanted a POA in place just in case, as well as business owners who needed someone to handle financial matters while they traveled.
Another misconception is that once you create a POA, you lose control. In reality, as long as you’re capable, you remain in charge. The person you name (your “agent”) only acts if you allow them to or if you can’t act for yourself.
And finally, some assume it’s a one-and-done document, but powers of attorney should be reviewed and updated over time. Life changes—marriages, divorces, new children, or moving to a different home can all affect your choices.
One of the hardest parts of creating a POA is deciding who to name. It needs to be someone you trust completely, whether that’s a spouse, child, sibling, or even a close friend. It’s not about who’s oldest or who lives closest—it’s about who can handle the responsibility.
I remember a Clovis resident who named her son as her agent, but later realized he lived out of state and had a demanding job that made it hard for him to help. She updated her POA to name her daughter, who lived nearby and had a better grasp of the day-to-day. That simple change made all the difference.
Because Clovis families often deal with unique assets—like farmland, orchards, or small businesses—POAs here may need to address more than just basic bank accounts. It’s important to think about who understands the family’s property and business interests.
And since any POA has to comply with California law, it’s not something you want to download off the internet and hope for the best. A generic form might miss details that matter in your situation, leaving your family scrambling later.
At Barrus and Roberts, PC, we take the time to listen to your situation and explain the different options in plain English. No jargon, no heavy-handed sales pitch—just clear guidance so you can make informed choices.
Some clients come in knowing exactly who they want to name and what they want the document to say. Others feel unsure and just need someone to walk them through the possibilities. Either way, our goal is to make the process less intimidating and give you peace of mind.
You can always reach us through www.brlawyer.net. Whether you’re thinking about setting up a POA for yourself or helping a loved one prepare, we’re here to help Clovis families feel prepared for whatever life brings.