What is Power of Attorney?

A power of attorney is a document by which you appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf. The person appointed in a Power of Attorney is often referred to as an “Agent” or an “Attorney-in-Fact.”

There are generally two types of powers of attorney: 

• Medical Power of Attorney
  A medical power of attorney names agents to make healthcare and medical decisions on your behalf. In some states, the medical power of attorney may be a part of a living will or health care directive.
• Financial Power of Attorney
  A financial power of attorney names agents to handle financial and business decisions on your behalf. Financial powers of attorney may be broad and apply to nearly any non-medical decision.