Power of Attorney for Finances and Healthcare

There are two types of Powers of Attorney which everyone should have.

First, is the Financial Power of Attorney. This gives certain powers to an individual you name as your Agent to handle financial and business matters on your behalf if you become incapacitated or are otherwise unable to handle matters yourself.  Your Agent is also given the power to act as your Conservator, if needed, avoiding Court appointment.

The second type is a Healthcare and Mental Healthcare Power of Attorney. In this document, you are granting authority to your named Agent to make healthcare and mental healthcare  decisions for you if you are unable to make those decisions for yourself. Without this document, your loved ones would need to initiate Guardianship proceedings in Court.

Along with a Healthcare Power of Attorney, you may wish to have a Living Will.  This is written instruction of your desire not to be kept alive artificially or on machines, if you are determined to be in a permanent vegetative state.