UNDERSTAND YOUR ROLE

San Diego Agent Representation

At At Brierton, Jones & Jones, LLP, we represent agents under health care directives (a health care proxy) and powers of attorney to help them understand their duties and powers.

Health Care Proxy vs. Power of Attorney

A health care proxy is a legal document that gives an agent the authority to make medical decisions on another’s behalf should they be unable to speak for themselves (it can be immediately effective).

A health care proxy differs from a living will, which documents your health care wishes, but does not appoint someone to communicate those wishes on your behalf. Living wills are directed at unnamed family or friends, and hospitals and medical facilities.

A power of attorney is a legal document that gives an agent the authority to handle financial matters on another’s behalf for non-trust assets (such as retirement accounts, financial accounts, life insurance, and tax returns).

A person can choose one or more agents to serve jointly or in succession in either or both capacities. There are also options to identify backups.

How Do We Assist Agents?

We counsel agents on:

Whether they have the current authority to act
Whether an accounting is required
Whether the power of attorney must be recorded in the relevant county real property records

In some cases, we may analyze whether a conservatorship is needed based on the contents of the power of attorney and the extent of its authority.

We may also assist in enabling communication between the agent, financial and taxing authorities, or medical persons or institutions, and facilitating acceptance of the respective power of attorney or health care directory by third parties.

Understanding the Terminology

Here are the some of the terms that agents should know:

Advance Directive

Durable Power of Attorney

Limited Power of Attorney

Practice Areas

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When you need a San Diego estate planning attorney to help you put everything in order, Brierton, Jones & Jones, LLP is here for you.

(619) 485-5394

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Marked by Integrity

Over 30 years of practice in San Diego County and a reputation for professional excellence.

Driven By Excellence

Award-winning attorneys who resolve even the most complicated issues and cases.

Unmatched Expertise

One of the few San Diego firms that focuses exclusively on trust and estate matters.

Creative Problem Solving

A team that thinks outside the box to find the best solution to your problem.

Time-Tested

Our clients and their families return to us generation after generation.

Community Oriented

Our attorneys are actively involved in the local community and have been for over 30 years.

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BJ&J was a blessing to our family in a very critical time. A close family member was injured in an assault and incapacitated, which left our family scrambling for help at a very crucial time to save his business from going under. We appointed Courtney Bravo to represent us and guide us for an emergency conservatorship. She was very knowledgeable, friendly, and sensitive to our needs and timing. She explained the entire process thoroughly and was available for any questions we had along the way. Courtney was always present for our Zoom court hearings. I would definitely recommend BJ&J and Courtney Bravo for your estate/trust and conservatorship needs.

I had the pleasure of working with Hilary Vrem during a family probate case. It was a difficult time for me as I was dealing with a loss in the family and needed assistance tackling the legal process. She provided me with a clear understanding of what to expect and guided me through my best options and next steps. She went above and beyond throughout our correspondence. I would happily recommend BJJ, their attorneys, and Hilary to friends and family who are dealing with a similar situation.

BJ&J was a blessing to our family in a very critical time. A close family member was injured in an assault and incapacitated which left our family scrambling for help in a very crucial time to save his business from going under. We appointed Courtney Bravo to represent us and guide us for an emergency conservatorship. She was very knowledgeable, friendly, and sensitive to our needs and timing. She explained the entire process thoroughly and was available for any questions we had along the way. Courtney was always present for our zoom court hearings. I would definitely recommend BJ&J and Courtney Bravo for your estate/trust and conservatorship needs.

Courtney Bravo handled every step in the process of a rather complicated estate with complete competence during the covid pandemic lockdowns that caused rarely-seen delays in the courts. I wasn't living in California at the time, which made me rely even more on Courtney's appearances in court; she handled every detail with professionalism while working with me halfway across the country via emails and phone calls. I would not hesitate to get legal representation from Courtney again and recommend her to my family & friends.

BJ&J was a blessing to our family in a very critical time. A close family member was injured in an assault and incapacitated, which left our family scrambling for help at a very crucial time to save his business from going under. We appointed Courtney Bravo to represent us and guide us for an emergency conservatorship. She was very knowledgeable, friendly, and sensitive to our needs and timing. She explained the entire process thoroughly and was available for any questions we had along the way. Courtney was always present for our Zoom court hearings. I would definitely recommend BJ&J and Courtney Bravo for your estate/trust and conservatorship needs.