The Real Cost of Probate in California: Fees, Delays, and Hidden Expenses
Discover probate costs in California. Learn about fees, delays, and hidden expenses, and how estate planning helps families avoid them.
Power of Attorney in California, Made Clear
If you’re ever unable to manage finances or make medical decisions, a Power of Attorney (POA) lets someone you trust step in, quickly and privately. At Hsiao Law, we explain your options in plain language and prepare documents that work in real life, not just on paper.
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What Is Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney is a legal document that authorizes a trusted person (your “agent”) to act on your behalf. In California, you can create POAs for money matters, like paying bills, managing accounts, or handling property, and for healthcare decisions if you can’t speak for yourself.
POAs are an essential part of a complete estate plan, working hand in hand with your will, trust, and other documents to protect you and your loved ones in every situation.
Power of Attorney vs. Guardianship
A properly executed POA lets your chosen agent help without court involvement. Guardianship (or conservatorship, for adults) requires court approval, ongoing oversight, and can limit your family’s privacy during an already stressful time.
Creating POAs in advance ensures that decisions stay in trusted hands and that your loved ones avoid unnecessary legal hurdles if you ever can’t act for yourself.
Types of Power of Attorney
Different situations call for different types of POA. At Hsiao Law, we help you choose the right one for your needs and ensure it meets California’s legal standards.
Durable Power of Attorney
Allows your chosen agent to manage financial and legal matters even if you become incapacitated.
Medical Power of Attorney
Let's someone you trust make healthcare decisions based on your wishes if you’re unable to communicate.
Limited or Special Power of Attorney
Grants authority for specific tasks, like selling a home or handling business transactions, for a set time or purpose.
Springing Power of Attorney
Takes effect only when a specific event occurs, such as a doctor declaring you incapacitated.
Why Power of Attorney Matters
A Power of Attorney isn’t just a legal form, it’s a safeguard for you and your loved ones. Without it, your family may have to go to court to gain permission to handle your affairs, a process that’s often slow, costly, and emotionally draining.
By naming a trusted agent ahead of time, you ensure your bills are paid, your healthcare wishes are respected, and your life stays on track even if the unexpected happens.
Creating Your Power of Attorney with Hsiao Law
At Hsiao Law, we make the process of setting up a Power of Attorney simple and reassuring. We explain each step clearly, help you choose the right type of POA, and ensure it works seamlessly with your overall estate plan.
Through our FamilyCare VIP Program, we also review your documents regularly, so your plan stays current as your life, finances, or relationships change.
Based on 34 reviews
Joe Perone
3 years ago
Outstanding firm. Associates and leader are simultaneously very sharp as well as incredibly empathetic to the estate planning process. Strongly recommend!
Cailin Fonseca
3 years ago
I attended a planning and informational session with Amy. She is very engaging, insightful and makes you really think about your Estate Planning needs!
Lyndsay Nelson
3 years ago
Amy is a very professionell and personable attorney. Very much enjoyed the knowledge she shared at her event. Knowledge is power!
Karla Rodriguez
3 years ago
Amy was so knowledgeable and presented information in digestible chunks. I am leaving this session feeling empowered! Thank you so much Amy!
Alexis
3 years ago
Amy was so informative!! I came in knowing nothing about any planning for the future and am leaving feeling so empowered and ready for the future. She made it all very easy to understand and exciting to think about when it’s usually very overwhelming. Will definitely recommend her to everyone!
Niki Jones
3 years ago
We have been working with Hsiao Law for 3 years and I was so thrilled to be an attendees at today’s Wine & Wills event. As a single mom, estate planning seems so scary and overwhelming. Amy is absolutely amazing. She speaks in a way that is so easy to understand and helps you understand difficult subjects what you need to do by providing actionable first steps!
Bob Giramma
2 years ago
Amy is very knowledgeable and articulate. We thoroughly enjoyed her talk.
Donnaly Atajar
2 years ago
Amy was so helpful and supportive in sharing the preliminary steps and options to getting my affairs in order. This process can be overwhelming, but she provides info in a digestible way to ensure I understood. I want to make the process as easy as possible for my kids/family in the event something happens to me and Amy is making that easy with no surprise fees.
Teresa Rivers
2 years ago
I have already recommended Amy and her team to my friends, family and co-workers. Amy, Ashlee and Nikko are all very professional and knowledgeable. I love the very organized process of getting our trust developed. I also like that it's a one-stop shop for wills, trust and health care directive and PoA. The price is worth the peace of mind.
Rachel Paxton
1 year ago
Amy and her team were organized and professional while also being warm and kind. We loved working with them!
What Peace of Mind Really Feels Like
True success isn’t just having documents in a binder, it’s the comfort of knowing your family is protected no matter what tomorrow brings. It’s your children cared for, your wishes honored, and your loved ones spared from conflict or confusion.
At Hsiao Law, we make sure your plan works in real life, so you can focus on living, loving, and enjoying the moments that matter most.
Common Questions About Power of Attorney
Can I have more than one Power of Attorney?
Yes. Many people have separate POAs for financial and medical matters, or name different agents for each.
When does a Power of Attorney take effect?
That depends on how it’s written. Some take effect immediately, while others (called springing POAs) activate only if you become incapacitated.
Can I change or revoke my Power of Attorney?
Absolutely. You can update or cancel your POA anytime, as long as you’re mentally capable of doing so.
What happens if I don’t have a Power of Attorney?
If you become unable to manage your affairs, a court may appoint someone to act on your behalf. This process can be stressful and time-consuming for your family.
Who should I choose as my agent?
Pick someone responsible, trustworthy, and familiar with your values. This person will be handling important financial or medical decisions on your behalf.
