A durable power of attorney stays in force after the person loses capacity, which is the point. A healthcare power of attorney, sometimes called a healthcare proxy, covers medical decisions; a financial one covers money and property.
The person must have capacity to sign, so it has to be done early. Without it, the family may need to go to court for guardianship.
Why it matters
It is the single document that most reduces conflict and delay later, and it costs little to do while it can still be done.
Power of attorney where you live
The local guide on this, for each city we cover.
- Baltimore, MD
- Boston, MA
- Buffalo, NY
- Charlotte, NC
- Chicago, IL
- Columbus, OH
- Dallas, TX
- Denver, CO
- Detroit, MI
- Houston, TX
- Los Angeles, CA
- Memphis, TN
- Milwaukee, WI
- New York, NY
- Philadelphia, PA
- Phoenix, AZ
- San Antonio, TX
- San Diego, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Tucson, AZ