Budgeting Financial Planning Estate Planning What Is Springing Power of Attorney? By Lora Shinn Lora Shinn Website Lora Shinn has been writing about personal finance for more than 12 years. Her articles have also been published by CNN Money, U.S. News & World Report, and Bankrate, among others. learn about our editorial policies Published on August 4, 2022 Fact checked by J.R. Duren In This Article View All In This Article How a Springing Power of Attorney Works How To Choose Who Gets Power of Attorney Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Photo: damircudic / Getty Images Definition A springing power of attorney is a legal tool that gives someone power over your dealings when an event, condition, or date is triggered. Typically, this event is mental incapacity or an inability to make decisions for yourself. Key Takeaways Springing power of attorney is a type of power of attorney that gives you more control over when your power of attorney can take the reins.A springing power of attorney is triggered by a predetermined situation, such as mental incapacity, but can take time to prove.Springing power of attorney may not be as good as a power of attorney bestowed to someone you trust. How a Springing Power of Attorney Works Springing power of attorney is a legal form that outlines when and how someone else you appoint (the agent) may act on your behalf. The power of attorney “springs” into action by an event, date, or situation in the future. For example, your agent can only work for you if you can’t because of an incapacity. Typically, you outline how you want the incapacity proven—such as through a physician’s or psychologist’s examination. The form may include: Whom you appoint as an agent for your affairsAn alternate agent if the first is not availableA date, condition, or event that triggers the springing power of attorneyRequirements for proving the event or condition—such as doctors or psychologistsConditions or restrictions on the agentRevocations of any previous powers of attorneyWitnesses’ signatures The event that triggers a springing power of attorney is usually related to a condition that inhibits your ability to make sound decisions. Those conditions could include: DementiaBrain injuryAlcohol or drug useMental health issuesComa As a result of your condition, you may have trouble communicating, understanding, and remembering information necessary to carry out financial, health, and other transactions. "Most people who want a springing power of attorney use it as a little extra control,” Michigan-based estate planning attorney Julie A. Paquette told The Balance in a phone interview. “It gives you extra protection, and prevents someone from accessing your accounts when you still have the capacity.” Paquette said that springing power of attorney is not commonly used. That’s because a springing power of attorney’s requirements places severe limitations on a power of attorney, which can hamper your agent’s ability to respond to challenging situations. “Sometimes, when there are pressing needs, your agent must act fast,” Paquette said, and circumstances out of your control can complicate the situation and process further. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding two separate physicians to meet with and certify mental incapacity may have been almost impossible, Paquette noted. In the meantime, some financial issues may not wait for certification—such as a house closing. “If you have a closing the next day to sell your house, you need an agent to stand in your place at closing to make sure it happens,” Paquette said. “You can’t wait and find physicians. It adds difficulty, where the power of attorney helps the situation progress smoothly.” An Example of Springing Power of Attorney Imagine your aunt suffers from dementia and can no longer pay her bills. She names you as the agent of her estate, and has a springing power of attorney in her estate documents that requires a physician to agree that she is mentally incapacitated. You will need to meet the outlined requirements of her springing power of attorney before you can take charge of her affairs. Note Generally speaking, power of attorney can terminate in multiple ways, including after the principal’s death, on a date set forth in the power of attorney documents, or when the principal revokes it. How To Choose Who Gets Power of Attorney Power of attorney is a vital tool, so consider empowering someone who will have your best interests at heart as your agent. After all, someone acting as your agent may be able to dispose of and sell anything that belongs to you, among other actions. “If you’re nominating someone who might steal from you, that’s a terrible situation all around,” Paquette said. “Anyone you choose to act on your behalf can clean out your accounts, so you should choose someone extremely trustworthy.” Be deliberate about your choices, she suggested. “Some clients put down their firstborn as their first-choice agent, but the firstborn lives across the country. The secondborn lives next door. Who will take care of things? Don't choose a child on order of birth. Think about practicalities for incapacity and who can be relied on.” If a loved one has included a springing power of attorney and named you as an agent, consult with a lawyer, Paquette suggested. “If someone is acting as an agent, they need legal advice,” she said. “Make sure you’re represented as to what your duties are and what you can and can’t do, because you don’t want to be in hot water or facing personal liability if you mismanaged the estate.” Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What is a springing provision? A springing provision is a requirement in a power of attorney that specifies when a power of attorney “springs” into effect. What is the opposite of springing power of attorney? Generally speaking, a durable power of attorney is the opposite of springing power of attorney. Whereas a springing power of attorney springs into action when you’re incapacitated, a durable power of attorney goes into effect when you sign it and endures even when you become incapacitated. Want to read more content like this? Sign up for The Balance’s newsletter for daily insights, analysis, and financial tips, all delivered straight to your inbox every morning! Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources The Balance uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Alaska Court System. “Power of Attorney,” Page 3. Virginia Poverty Law Center. “Power of Attorney,” Page 1. Alaska Court System. “Power of Attorney,” Pages 5-8. JMR Solicitors. “Lack Mental Capacity for Power of Attorney.” Virginia Poverty Law Center. “Power of Attorney,” Page 2. Laribee & Hetrick, LLP. “Power of Attorney: When Does It Terminate?” Alaska Court System. “Power of Attorney,” Page 2. Virginia Poverty Law Center. “Power of Attorney,” Page 1. Union Bank Investment Services. “What You Need To Know About Updating Your Power of Attorney Now.”