Financial Power of Attorny - Virtual Estate Planning for Peace of Mind

Life can change in an instant. Whether it’s due to an illness, injury, or just the realities of aging, there may come a time when you’re unable to manage your financial affairs on your own. That’s where a Financial Power of Attorney comes in.

At Jenkins & Jenkins, Estate Planning Attorneys, we help individuals and families across San Diego and California create legally sound Powers of Attorney—entirely online, through secure video consultations. With this essential document in place, you’ll know that someone you trust can step in and act on your behalf when it matters most.

What Is a Financial Power of Attorney?

A Financial Power of Attorney (commonly referred to as a POA, durable power of attorney for finance, or just power of attorney) is a legal document that allows you to appoint another person—called your Agent or Attorney-in-Fact —to make financial decisions and manage your assets if you become unable to do so yourself.

You control:

• Who you name as your agent

• When the powers begin (immediately or upon incapacity)

• What financial tasks your agent is authorized to handle

You have a few different ways you can set this up. It can be an immediate power, or a springing power (only on incapacity). It can be a limited power or a general power (anywhere you can sign, they can sign for you). It can also be a durable power or non-durable power, meaning you control whether it extends beyond your incapacity or not.

Most often, a general, durable, immediate power of attorney will be utilized, but our Attorneys will guide you on what may work best for you depending on your unique needs and situation.

What Can Your Agent Do?

You can give your agent broad or limited authority, depending on your comfort level and what we’re planning around. Common powers include:

• Paying bills, rent, or mortgage

• Accessing bank and investment accounts

• Managing real estate or business interests

• Filing tax returns

• Applying for government benefits (Social Security, Medicare, etc.)

• Handling insurance claims

• Making legal or financial decisions on your behalf

Without a Power of Attorney, your loved ones may be forced to go through costly and time-consuming court proceedings to get control of your finances. These court proceedings, called a Conservatorship, aren’t just a one-time thing either – they will last for the duration of your incapacity.

Why You Need One - Even If You're Healthy

Many people assume they only need a Financial Power of Attorney when they’re elderly or ill. But incapacity can happen unexpectedly—due to an accident, surgery, or temporary illness.

Having a Power of Attorney in place ensures:

✅ You stay in control by choosing who acts for you

✅ Your bills, accounts, and obligations stay current

✅ Your family can avoid court-supervised conservatorship

✅ You get the help you need without delay or confusion

It’s an essential part of any complete estate plan—and one of the most practical ways to prepare for the unexpected. Never leave your future legal and financial stewardship to chance by not having a plan in place

Who Should Be Your Agent?

Choosing your agent is one of the most important parts of this process. You should choose someone who is:

• Trustworthy and responsible

• Financially savvy (or willing to learn / lean on experts as needed)

• Willing to act in your best interest

• Level headed and puts reason before emotion

• Readily available if something happens

You can name a backup agent as well; in case your first choice is unavailable or unable to serve.

Virtual Estate Planning - Designed for Real Life

At Jenkins & Jenkins, we’ve built a completely virtual legal experience to make estate planning easier than ever. We meet with you via secure video conference, so you can plan from the comfort and privacy of your own home—whether you're in San Diego or anywhere in California.

Our process includes:

1. Free Initial Consultation
We’ll discuss your goals and concerns, and explain how a Financial Power of Attorney fits into your overall plan.

2. Customized Drafting
Like the rest of your Estate Plan, your Power of Attorney is tailored to your specific needs and fine-tuned to fit cohesively in your overall plan.

3. Guided Video Review
Your Attorney will explain every aspect of your Will in a personalized video to ensure everything is clear, accurate, and exactly how you want it.

4. Mobile Notarization and Witnessing
We’ll have our mobile notary and a second witness come directly to you to sign the final versions – that way everything is executed exactly right according to California law.

5. Ongoing Support
Need to make changes later? We’re here when your life or preferences change

Serving San Diego and California, Virtually

Whether you’re in Pacific Beach, Mission Hills, Rancho Bernardo, or anywhere in California, we work with clients entirely by video conference. That means:

• No office visits
• No time off work
• No sitting in traffic or booking a sitter
• No stress—just clear, compassionate legal advice

We’ve helped busy professionals, retirees, caregivers, and young families across San Diego gain peace of mind through modern, accessible estate planning.

A Financial Power of Attorney is one of the most effective, affordable, and empowering tools you can add to your estate plan. It protects your finances and gives your loved ones the legal authority to help when you need it most.

Let’s create yours today—online, stress-free, and completely customized to you