Powers of Attorney

A power of attorney is a legal document that allows someone else to act on your behalf. BOTH a power of attorney for healthcare (healthcare proxy) and a power of attorney for finances need to be appointed. Many times, the power of attorney for healthcare and finance responsibilities are given to the same person.

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Durable Power of Attorney for Finances

A “durable power of attorney for finances” is a legal document in which you name someone to manage your financial affairs if you become unable to do so yourself. It is important to note that this person cannot make healthcare decisions.

Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare

A “durable power of attorney for healthcare” is a legal document in which you name someone who makes medical decisions for you at times when you are unable to do so for yourself. This is also known as a healthcare proxy. It is important to note that this person cannot make financial decisions.

If a power of attorney is durable, it remains valid and in effect even if you become unable to make decisions for yourself. If a power of attorney document does not explicitly say that the power is durable, it ends if you are unable to make decisions for yourself.

Anatomical gift

At the time of death, family members may be asked about organ donation. This information may be in the durable power of attorney for healthcare. Even if your driver's license contains an organ or tissue donor statement, the healthcare proxy needs to know your desire to become a donor.

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