Glossary

Springing Power of Attorney

Definition
A power of attorney that takes effect only when a specific triggering event occurs — usually a determination that the principal is incapacitated.

Springing POAs sound safer to a parent who doesn't want to hand over control immediately. In practice they create delays: banks demand proof of incapacity, doctors hesitate to sign capacity letters, and agents can lose months when speed matters.

Most elder law attorneys recommend an immediate durable POA with a trusted agent and oversight from co-agents or family rather than a springing POA.

See also

Related terms

  • DPOA (Durable Power of Attorney) — A power of attorney that remains in effect if the principal becomes incapacitated. The 'durable' designation is what makes it useful for elder care planning.

Sandwich is a directory and information site. This glossary is not legal, medical, or financial advice. For decisions that affect your family, consult a licensed professional. Editorial policy.

[{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.joinsandwich.com"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Glossary","item":"https://www.joinsandwich.com/glossary"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Springing Power of Attorney","item":"https://www.joinsandwich.com/glossary/springing-poa"}]},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"DefinedTerm","@id":"https://www.joinsandwich.com/glossary/springing-poa#term","name":"Springing Power of Attorney","description":"A power of attorney that takes effect only when a specific triggering event occurs — usually a determination that the principal is incapacitated.","url":"https://www.joinsandwich.com/glossary/springing-poa","inDefinedTermSet":{"@type":"DefinedTermSet","name":"Sandwich Care Planning Glossary","url":"https://www.joinsandwich.com/glossary"},"isPartOf":{"@id":"https://www.joinsandwich.com#website"}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.joinsandwich.com/glossary/springing-poa#webpage","url":"https://www.joinsandwich.com/glossary/springing-poa","name":"Springing Power of Attorney — Care Planning Glossary","description":"A power of attorney that takes effect only when a specific triggering event occurs — usually a determination that the principal is incapacitated.","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://www.joinsandwich.com#website"},"about":{"@id":"https://www.joinsandwich.com#organization"}}]