Getting married can result in a variety of benefits. Spouses who have children together benefit from a presumption of paternity. There are economic benefits to sharing households. Being able to divide housework and having the emotional support of a spouse can also be valuable.
In an emergency situation, a spouse’s support can prove invaluable for a vulnerable person. A variety of different unexpected experiences can render people incapacitated. A car crash or assault could cause a brain injury that leaves someone in a coma. A cardiac event may lead to medical professionals intentionally sedating an individual, leaving them incapable of communicating with others and managing their affairs.
In those unusual scenarios, the support of a spouse can be critical. The spouse of an incapacitated person can manage their resources, fulfill their financial obligations and make decisions about their treatment. Many people do not marry. Others may marry and then divorce. Those who do not have spouses to assist them in an emergency may want to expand their estate plans just in case.
Powers of attorney protect unmarried people
An adult cannot rely on their parents or siblings to manage their affairs. Without legal documents granting access to and control over a person’s resources or medical affairs, even close family members are powerless when a person is incapacitated and requires support.
After a person reaches adulthood, their spouse is the only person with the authority to make medical decisions or access their financial accounts. Unmarried and divorced individuals lack crucial protection in difficult circumstances. They can plan in advance for their own protection.
Powers of attorney can designate other adults to manage an individual’s affairs in specific circumstances. Powers of attorney can grant access to financial accounts and authorize one person to pay the bills of the other. The principal drafting documents can also name someone they trust to assume medical authority in an emergency scenario.
There are even durable powers of attorney that can empower one person to assume authority if an individual becomes permanently incapacitated. With powers of attorney in place, people no longer have to worry about going without key forms of support if they experience some kind of debilitating emergency.
Establishing basic estate planning documents, including powers of attorney, can be beneficial for people in a variety of circumstances. Unmarried adults may benefit from designating trusted agents in advance, in case of a sudden emergency.