A Power of Attorney is a legal document in which you give another person legal authority to act for you. The Power of Attorney can cover simple tasks like writing or endorsing checks. It can also involve more complex matters like selling real estate. The Power of Attorney can be very specific or very general. You can authorize just one task, like selling a car. Or, you can give your agent the power to do everything you can now do for yourself. Your attorney will be able to help you understand how you can tailor the Power of Attorney to fit your wishes and needs.
A power of attorney is a document in which you state that you give someone else (usually a relative or friend) the authority to make certain decisions and act on your behalf. The person to whom you give these powers is called an "agent" or "attorney-in-fact." You are called the "principal." Just because the word attorney is used does not mean that the person you give authority to has to be a lawyer.
Executing a power of attorney does not mean that you can no longer make decisions; it just means that another person can act for you also. For example, you may be hospitalized for a brief period of time and need someone to deposit your checks in the bank or pay your bills. As long as you are capable of making decisions, the other person must follow your directions. You are simply sharing your power with someone else. You can revoke the agent's authority under the power of attorney at any time if you become dissatisfied with what they are doing.
A Power of Attorney is just a document on which you authorise someone to do something for you when you are not able to do it for yourself. There are different types of Power of Attorney - General, Enduring, & Medical Treatment. (There is also a Guardianship appointment, which some people consider a power of attorney.)
