Reading Power of Attorney
As you think about creating an estate plan, it’s important to consider the possibility that the day may come when injury or illness prevents you from communicating. If this happens, knowing that someone you trust is making decisions on your behalf is a major comfort. In order to legally give someone else the power to make decisions on your behalf, you’ll need to form a power of attorney. At the law office of van der Veen, Hartshorn and Levin, our lawyers are available to help with your Reading power of attorney.
Call us today to get started.
What Is a Power of Attorney?
A power of attorney is a signed, legal document that gives someone else the legal ability to make decisions on your behalf when you are unable to make those decisions yourself because you are incapacitated. There are two common types of powers of attorney:
- Healthcare power of attorney. A healthcare power of attorney gives another person the right to make decisions about your health and medical care when you have not otherwise specified what your wishes are. For example, if there is a question about whether or not to perform a certain surgery type or use feeding tubes, and you have not addressed those in other legal documents (i.e. your living will/advance directive), then the person to whom you’ve given power of attorney can make those decisions.
- A financial power of attorney. Similarly, a financial power of attorney can make decisions about your finances and other business matters. Say, for example, you are a business owner. During the time that you are incapacitated and unable to communicate, another company makes an offer to buy your business. Your financial power of attorney would be authorized to act on your behalf during that process.
Forming a Power of Attorney
Forming a power of attorney is a relatively easy process in Reading. All that needs to happen is that the principal–who is the person who is creating the power of attorney–needs to choose the agent–the person who is given power of attorney–and then sign and date the power of attorney document. The document signing should be witnessed by two people, as well as notarized. Oftentimes, a template exists that all parties will need to sign.
Much more difficult than forming the power of attorney itself, though, is choosing who you want to serve as your power of attorney. It’s important that you select someone who you trust to act within your best interests and to follow your wishes, as well as someone who’s generally reliable and dependable. In selecting someone, have an honest conversation about what your wishes are in the event that you are incapacitated or disabled.
Call Our Reading Estate Planning Attorneys Today
At the law office of van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin, our Reading estate planning and power of attorney lawyers can answer all of your questions about forming a power of attorney, as well as other documents that should be a part of your estate plan.
Please call our lawyers today for the legal support you need.

What Clients Say About Us
Caring Deeply About Our Clients and Their Families-
“Micheal van der Veen was my attorney and he did an outstanding job on my case. He really listens and cares about your situation no matter how big or small and also makes you feel right at home when your in his office.”
- Matt Swisher -
“The van der Veen team treats you as family. We win together. You are not just a client, but a family member when you choose this office.”
- Antonio Walker -
“It has been a real pleasure to work with Mr. van der Veen and his team. They really care not only about the case and the legal issues, but mainly about the person. The legal work is excellent and the result in our case was simply outstanding!”
- Nadia Hristova


Throughout the years, our firm and our individual attorneys have been recognized in both local and national media for our extensive legal knowledge, experience, and record of success. Our attorneys frequently appear in the media to provide insight and information on various legal matters, including high-profile cases.



Choosing the Right Firm Can Make All the Difference
-
Unrivaled Record of SuccessWe have won tens of millions of dollars for injured victims, and have achieved countless "not guilty" verdicts for clients faced with criminal charges.
-
No Challenge too BigOur firm has handled some of the biggest cases in country, including representing the President of the United States.
-
Personalized Representation
We understand that every case is unique. Therefore, we tailor our approach based on the facts of the case and the needs of our client.
-
Uncompromising PassionOur competitive nature is one of our strongest qualities. You can be confident that no other firm will outwork our team.
-
Holistic ApproachNot only do we want to excel legally for the client, but we also want to make sure we are strengthening their mind, body and spirt.
-
Supporting the CommunityOur team engages in many community events and regularly donates time and resources to many charitable organizations in Philadelphia.

Home to Philadelphia’s most accomplished attorneys, van der Veen, Hartshorn and Levin pairs diverse practice experience with a passion-driven, comprehensive law practice—all for the client’s benefit.