Yes. Some people draw POAs off the computer. I find that banks will question them. They are often only notarized. A notary signing witnesses a signature only and doesn't attest to the mental capacity of the persons involved in doing the POA as either principal or assigned POA. You want a good solid document, whether it is one YOU want for yourself or one you want your relative to have. An attorney will also inform you as to how to set up accounts and how to sign checks and keep records. Does it cost money? As Cosmo said of copper plumbing in Moonstruck "It costs money. It costs money because it SAVES money".
When a person conferring POA is no longer competent these things cannot be "done over". See an attorney and do it right the first time.
To assess cognitive capacity to legally create a PoA, the lawyer will interview the person privately. Even if the person has mild short-term memory loss of the very early phase of dementia, the they may still be able as the bar for this is low.
I've done it both ways: taken my Aunts to do it through an attorney (and my own PoA), and also downloaded the forms and done it through Legalzoom.com for my Mom and MIL. Even online, I was able to ask questions that were pertinent to my home state with a lawyer. Personally I don't see the difference between the 2 methods except in price and convenience.
Your question is vague. Here are scenarios.. For yourself a lawyer's drawing up a POA will be more comprehensive than a boiler plate one off of the internet.
For your mom, if she is competent, ideally she should go on her own and make her own decisions and not under any influence.
If mom has dementia, then all bets are off the table. You have to go through probate for guardianship or conservatorship. This can cost thousands and you have to provide evidence. Without that document, you will have trouble accessing her bank account or Social Security unless she allows you on either account
Does it cost money? As Cosmo said of copper plumbing in Moonstruck "It costs money. It costs money because it SAVES money".
When a person conferring POA is no longer competent these things cannot be "done over". See an attorney and do it right the first time.
I've done it both ways: taken my Aunts to do it through an attorney (and my own PoA), and also downloaded the forms and done it through Legalzoom.com for my Mom and MIL. Even online, I was able to ask questions that were pertinent to my home state with a lawyer. Personally I don't see the difference between the 2 methods except in price and convenience.
For yourself a lawyer's drawing up a POA will be more comprehensive than a boiler plate one off of the internet.
For your mom, if she is competent, ideally she should go on her own and make her own decisions and not under any influence.
If mom has dementia, then all bets are off the table. You have to go through probate for guardianship or conservatorship. This can cost thousands and you have to provide evidence. Without that document, you will have trouble accessing her bank account or Social Security unless she allows you on either account