Power of Attorney

St. Louis Power of Attorney Lawyers

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a key tool in protecting your family and financial affairs. At Gilkerson Bowman, we help families in St. Louis, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Springfield, and Kansas City create powers of attorney that clarify who can act on your behalf if life takes an unexpected turn.

With over 70 years of joint experience, our team pairs careful planning with a relationship-focused approach, offering virtual consultations and bi-annual reviews to keep plans aligned with life changes. We provide the right structures, so your family isn’t left guessing during difficult times.

Start your Power of Attorney today. Call (314) 866-7781 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Understanding Powers of Attorney

A Power of Attorney allows you to authorize one or more individuals to manage your financial, personal, and healthcare matters. For estate planning purposes, a durable power of attorney is essential because it survives incapacitation, meaning it remains valid if you are unable to make decisions due to age, illness, or injury.

Without this document, no one is automatically authorized to pay your bills, collect your checks, or make sure you are cared for. More importantly, a Power of Attorney allows you to specifically limit the authority of the person you appoint and instruct them on how to act on your behalf, keeping you in control even when you cannot speak for yourself.

What Is the Effect of Death on a Power of Attorney?

A common misconception is that this document remains valid after the principal passes away. In Missouri, it generally terminates immediately upon death.

Once a person passes, the authority to manage their assets shifts from the agent to the Personal Representative or Executor named in their Last Will and Testament. The only exceptions are specific powers regarding burial decisions (known as the Right of Sepulcher). This is why a complete estate plan requires both protections while you are alive and a Will or Trust for management after you pass.

Types of Power of Attorney Documents

Financial Powers of Attorney (General or Limited)

This document authorizes an agent to manage your money and property, including banking, taxes, and business operations.

The scope of authority depends on your needs:

General POA. Grants broad authority to manage day-to-day affairs. This is best for those who need comprehensive help due to age or extended travel.
Limited POA. Tailored for a single transaction or time period. For example, you might authorize an agent solely to sign closing documents for a property while you are out of town, ensuring the deal stays on track without granting access to your other accounts.

Healthcare Powers of Attorney

Authorizes a trusted individual to make medical decisions if you cannot. This includes consenting to treatments, coordinating with doctors, and managing end-of-life care. Discussing your wishes in advance is key to relieving stress on loved ones during a health crisis.

Scope of Authority: Durable vs. Non-Durable

For any POA, you must define when it is active:

Durable POA. Remains in effect if you become incapacitated. This provides long-term protection, ensuring your family can pay bills and manage affairs during a serious illness without court intervention.
Non-Durable POA. Terminates immediately if you become incapacitated. This is typically used for temporary convenience (like a business trip) rather than long-term planning.

Choosing Your Agent

Selecting the right agent is a critical step. This person should be trustworthy, available, and capable of handling responsibilities with care. It is often a family member or close friend, but the choice depends on your unique circumstances. We help you discuss expectations and potential scenarios to prevent confusion later.

Start Your Power of Attorney Today

Creating a POA provides guidance and stability for your family, protecting your interests when you cannot act. Let Gilkerson Bowman help you craft a plan that aligns with your priorities.

Call (314) 866-7781 or contact us online to schedule a virtual consultation.

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We Make It Easy

Virtual Consultations

We offer transparent pricing and the option of fully remote virtual consultations so you can plan from the comfort of your home if you’d prefer to avoid the drive to one of our Missouri offices.
Extensive Experience

Our team brings more than 70 years of combined experience and operates as a boutique firm to help with even the most complicated estates.
Free Bi-Annual Check-Ins

Your legal fee pays for ALL updates to your estate plan for 3 years!! We check in with you every 6 months (or as often as you need) to see if your life has materially changed, updating your estate at no charge.

Contact Us Today

Plan Today, Protect Tomorrow

Long-term guidance is at the heart of our work. As children grow, careers shift, or homes change, estate plans may need updates. To ensure your plan never becomes outdated, we offer bi-annual check-ins as a structured way to revisit documents and confirm they still reflect your wishes. This ongoing relationship helps families maintain planning continuity without restarting the process from scratch.

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13321 North Outer 40 Road
Suite 500
Town and Country, 63017

Map & Directions

Start Building Your Plan With Us 314-866-7781