No one wants to think about a time when they might be unable to make decisions for themselves. Yet, life is unpredictable. A sudden illness, accident, or decline in mental capacity can leave families facing tough legal questions about who can step in and manage a loved one’s affairs. In Louisiana, two of the most common tools for handling these situations are the power of attorney and guardianship (also called interdiction in Louisiana law). Understanding how these two differ, and how one may help avoid the other, can make all the difference in planning for the future.
The Basics of a Power of Attorney in Louisiana
A power of attorney, or POA, is a legal document that allows you to appoint another person, called your agent or attorney-in-fact, to handle specific matters on your behalf. You can grant a POA for financial, medical, or personal decisions, and you can tailor it as broadly or narrowly as you like.
In Louisiana, many people choose to create a durable power of attorney, which remains valid even if you become incapacitated. This is an important feature because it allows your chosen agent to continue acting on your behalf without court involvement if you are no longer able to make decisions yourself.
What Is Guardianship (Interdiction)?
When someone becomes unable to manage their own affairs and has not executed a valid power of attorney, loved ones may need to petition the court for a guardianship, or interdiction, to protect that person’s welfare and property.
In an interdiction proceeding, the court determines whether the individual is incapable of caring for their person or managing their financial affairs. If the court finds that incapacity exists, it appoints a curator to make decisions on behalf of the interdicted person, who is referred to as the interdict. This process can be time-consuming, costly, and emotionally challenging for families. It also involves ongoing court oversight and periodic reporting requirements.
How a Power of Attorney Can Help Avoid Guardianship
A well-drafted durable power of attorney can often prevent the need for guardianship altogether. Because a POA allows someone you trust to step in and make decisions if you become incapacitated, there is usually no need for court intervention.
For example, if you suffer a stroke and cannot manage your bank accounts or pay bills, your agent under a durable financial power of attorney can immediately take action. Likewise, a medical power of attorney enables your agent to communicate with doctors and make treatment decisions according to your wishes.
This kind of planning gives you control over who will manage your affairs and reduces the emotional and financial burden on your loved ones. It also helps ensure that your preferences, not a court’s assumptions, guide your care and finances.
When a Power of Attorney May Not Be Enough
While a power of attorney is an excellent planning tool, it is not a perfect substitute for guardianship in every case. If a POA is too limited in scope, poorly drafted, or executed after questions of capacity arise, financial institutions or healthcare providers may reject it. In cases where no valid POA exists or where an agent abuses their authority, a court-ordered interdiction may still be necessary to protect the individual.
That is why it is critical to work with an experienced Louisiana estate planning attorney when preparing a power of attorney. A lawyer can ensure that your document meets all legal requirements under the Louisiana Civil Code and accurately reflects your intentions.
Take Control with Proper Planning
At Losavio & DeJean, LLC, we help individuals and families across Louisiana plan for life’s unexpected turns. Our attorneys can draft durable powers of attorney and other essential estate planning documents tailored to your unique needs. To learn more or schedule a consultation, contact Losavio & DeJean, LLC today.