Power of Attorney Lawyer in North & South Carolina — Protect Your Decisions Before It’s Too Late
A power of attorney is one of the most important documents you’ll ever sign — and one of the most misunderstood.
At Estate Planning of the Carolinas, we help families across North Carolina and South Carolina create durable powers of attorney that protect their finances, healthcare, and independence — all virtually, at a flat fee.
Why Power of Attorney Documents Matter More Than You Think
If you become incapacitated tomorrow — through an accident, stroke, or illness — who handles your bank accounts? Who makes your medical decisions? Without a power of attorney, your family may need a court order just to pay your bills.
At Estate Planning of the Carolinas, we help families across Charlotte, Raleigh, Gastonia, Greenville, and every corner of the Carolinas create powers of attorney that work when they’re needed most. Our experienced estate planning attorney will explain your options, draft the right documents, and make sure the people you trust have the authority to act on your behalf.
Our process is virtual and flat-fee — you’ll know your costs upfront and handle everything from home.
Protect Your Family NowTypes of Power of Attorney in North & South Carolina
North Carolina and South Carolina recognize several types of power of attorney, each serving a different purpose. Understanding the differences is key to protecting yourself and your family.
- Financial Power of Attorney: Authorizes a trusted person to manage your bank accounts, investments, real estate, taxes, and other financial matters on your behalf.
- Healthcare Power of Attorney: Designates someone you trust to make medical decisions for you when you can’t — including treatment options, hospital choices, and end-of-life care.
- Durable Power of Attorney: Remains effective even if you become mentally incapacitated. This is the most common and most important type — without it, your POA becomes useless right when you need it most.
- Limited Power of Attorney: Grants authority for a specific task or time period — like selling a property or managing finances while you’re traveling.
- Springing Power of Attorney: Only takes effect when a specific triggering event occurs, such as a physician certifying your incapacity.
We’ll help you choose the right combination of POA documents based on your family situation, financial complexity, and personal preferences.
Learn About POA OptionsWhen You Need a Power of Attorney
If you’re over 18, you need a power of attorney. It’s especially critical if:
- You’re a parent with minor children who depend on your income.
- You own a home, business, or investment accounts.
- You’re approaching retirement or have aging parents.
- You have a chronic health condition or upcoming medical procedure.
- You travel frequently or live apart from your spouse or family.
Without a POA, your family may need to petition a court for guardianship or conservatorship — a costly, time-consuming process that can take months. A POA avoids all of that.
Our Power of Attorney Services Include:
- Durable financial power of attorney drafting
- Healthcare power of attorney and living will preparation
- Limited and special purpose POA documents
- Agent selection guidance and fiduciary duty counseling
- POA updates, revocations, and amendments
- Coordination with financial institutions and healthcare providers
Our Virtual POA Process
Getting a power of attorney doesn’t have to mean complicated legal appointments.
Our virtual process makes it simple and secure for families across the Carolinas:
- Free Virtual Consultation: We discuss your family situation, financial picture, and what decisions you need covered.
- Custom POA Drafting: We draft your power of attorney documents based on North Carolina or South Carolina legal requirements.
- Review & Agent Guidance: You review the documents, and we explain your agent’s powers and responsibilities in plain English.
- Execution & Distribution: We guide you through proper signing and notarization, then help you distribute copies to your agent, bank, and healthcare providers.
All done from home, at your pace, with flat-fee pricing you know upfront.
Get Your POA StartedWhy Families Choose Estate Planning of the Carolinas
- Licensed in North Carolina & South Carolina – Experienced with estate planning laws in both states.
- Virtual Convenience – Meet, review, and sign documents from anywhere.
- Flat-Fee Transparency – Know your costs upfront.
- Clear Communication – We handle legal complexity in plain English.
- Compassionate Counsel – You’ll always be treated like family, not a file number.
Proudly serving clients in Charlotte, Raleigh, Gastonia, Greenville, Cary, Rock Hill, Concord, Huntersville, and across North and South Carolina — all through secure virtual meetings.
Power of Attorney FAQs
What’s the difference between a financial and healthcare power of attorney?
A financial power of attorney covers money matters — bank accounts, investments, bill payments, and property transactions. A healthcare power of attorney covers medical decisions when you can’t make them yourself. Most families need both.
Can I revoke a power of attorney?
Yes. As long as you’re mentally competent, you can revoke a power of attorney at any time by providing written notice to your agent and any institutions that have copies.
Does a power of attorney expire?
A durable power of attorney remains in effect until you revoke it or pass away. A limited or springing POA may have specific expiration dates or triggering conditions built in.
What happens if I don’t have a power of attorney?
If you become incapacitated without a POA, your family must petition the court for guardianship or conservatorship — a process that can take months, cost thousands, and may not result in the person you would have chosen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a power of attorney and why do I need one?
A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that gives someone you trust the authority to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so yourself. Without one, your family would need to go to court to obtain a guardianship or conservatorship — a process that is expensive, time-consuming, and stressful. A POA lets you choose who acts for you, on your terms.
What is the difference between a financial power of attorney and a healthcare power of attorney?
A financial (or durable) power of attorney authorizes your agent to handle money matters like paying bills, managing investments, filing taxes, and handling real estate transactions. A healthcare power of attorney authorizes your agent to make medical decisions on your behalf when you cannot communicate your wishes. Most estate plans include both.
When does a power of attorney take effect?
That depends on how it is drafted. A durable power of attorney takes effect immediately upon signing and remains in effect if you become incapacitated. A springing power of attorney only takes effect when a specific triggering event occurs, such as a doctor certifying that you are unable to manage your own affairs. We help you choose the right option based on your comfort level and family situation.
Can I revoke a power of attorney after signing it?
Yes. As long as you are mentally competent, you can revoke a power of attorney at any time by executing a written revocation and notifying your agent and any institutions that have a copy on file. If your circumstances or relationships change, updating your POA is a straightforward process.