Durable Power of Attorney

What is a Durable Power of Attorney?

A Durable Power of Attorney is a legal document in which you appoint a person you trust, called an "Attorney-in-fact", to manage your money, property and financial matters if you become disabled or incapacitated and are unable to effectively manage your financial matters yourself. This legal document specifies the "powers" or authority you are giving to a trusted person to manage your financial matters. A Durable Power of Attorney is usually completed with the help of an attorney.

Here's how to create a Durable Power of Attorney

Review the informational fact sheets below in the blue boxes
It is recommended, but not required under law, that you compete a Durable Power of Attorney with a lawyer who can advise you given your personal financial matters
You can contact a lawyer in your area, or check the Community Partners in your region.

Download information about a Durable Power of Attorney

Information and Tools

Find information, links and tools in the boxes below.

Things to Know About a Durable Power of Attorney

Things to Know About A Durable Power of Attorney is a free downloadable informational fact sheet which provides answers to commonly asked questions. It's good to review before completing a legal document or contacting an attorney to help you complete the document.

It includes answers to:

What is a Durable Power of Attorney?
Who can complete a Durable Power of Attorney?
Who can be my Attorney-in-Fact, the trusted person I appoint?
How does a Durable Power of Attorney work?
What decision making authority can I give my Attorney-in-Fact?
Can I change my mind or cancel or revoke a Durable Power of Attorney?
How do I complete a Durable Power of Attorney?

Insider Tips on a Durable Power of Attorney

Why do I need a Durable Power of Attorney?

Attorney Timothy R. Loff contributes this informational article to help us understand why it’s important to appoint a person you trust to help you with tasks like paying your bills, selling your house, applying for public benefits, if you are not able to do those tasks yourself. Attorney Loff offers valuable information on commonly asked questions about the Durable Powers of Attorney. Read more and download "Insider Tips on A Durable Power of Attorney"

It’s Your Money: What’s Your Back-Up Plan?

"It's Your Money: What's in Your Back-up Plan?"

Attorney Elizabeth Baum says "It’s your money and you have the right to make all financial decisions about how to use it, as long as you have the mental ability to take care of your finances."Anyone of us may need help managing our finances, or become unexpectedly incapacitated because of an illness or a sudden accident. That’s why it is important to have a back-up plan in which you choose a person(s) to help with your financial affairs and give instructions on how you want your finances to be managed. It’s the best way to ensure that your choices about your financial future and care are known and honored. Read more and download "It's Your Money: What's in Your Back-up Plan?"

Did You Know?

An "Attorney in Fact", appointed in a Durable Power of Attorney, makes financial decisions on your behalf.

Starting at 18 yrs old, you direct how you want to manage your money and property. You can safeguard your money in a Durable Power of Attorney.