A Power of Attorney is a document under which you as the "Principal" authorize another person or entity (an "Attorney-in-Fact" or "Agent") to act on your behalf. You sign a Power of Attorney document so that your Agent will be able to handle your affairs during a period of time when you are unavailable or unable to do so. An Agent is not required to be a lawyer. A Power of Attorney may be either general or specific. A General Power of Attorney gives the Agent broad authority to act for you. A Special Power of Attorney grants the Agent limited authority to act only in specified situations. In addition, a Power of Attorney may be durable. That means it remains in effect even if you become incompetent or incapable of handling your affairs. If you do not want it to remain in effect, then the document can be made "non-durable." |