What s the difference between a Power of Attorney, Durable Power of Attorney and Health Care Proxy?
A Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows named individuals to act in your place and on your behalf, under certain circumstances. Generally speaking, Powers of Attorney refer to matters involving finances and asset management. Unfortunately traditional powers of attorney expire upon the disability of the person granting the authority. In recent years, Powers of Attorney have evolved to a newer form called Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA). A DPOA is recognized in all 50 states and provides a paragraph that specifically indicates that the powers within the document are not affected by the subsequent disability and incapacity of the principal. Simply stated, a DPOA is viewed as one of the most important advanced directives that a person should consider in connection with eldercare planning issues. A Health Care Proxy is sometimes called a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care. It is a legal document that specifically authorizes the designated agent to make health care decisi
