Whether you’re going to be unavailable, or you want to prepare for unexpected illness or incapacity, creating a Power of Attorney will make sure the right person is able to make decisions for you.  A power of attorney is a legal document that gives someone you choose the power to act on your behalf. In case you ever become mentally incapacitated, you’ll need what are known as “durable” powers of attorney. A durable power of attorney simply means that the document stays in effect if you become incapacitated and unable to handle matters on your own.  Ordinary, or “nondurable,” powers of attorney automatically end if the person who authorizes them becomes incapacitated.

With a valid power of attorney, the trusted person you name will be legally permitted to take care of important matters for you — for example, paying your bills, managing your investments, or directing your business activity — if you are unable to do so yourself.

Taking the time to make these documents is well worth the small effort it will take.  It is very important that these documents are created by competent professionals to ensure they cannot be challenged and accurately grant the proper authority.  If you haven’t made durable powers of attorney and something happens to you, your loved ones may have to go to court to get the authority to handle your affairs, which can take a lot of time and be very costly.