Powers of Attorney are instruments which allow a principal (person granting the powers) to delegate decision making authority to another person, called an agent. Durable powers of attorney continue to be valid if the principal becomes disabled. There is a power of attorney for property and assets and power of attorney for health care and medical decisions. The power under powers of attorneys become invalid once the principal is deceased. The agent under a health care power of attorney is authorized to make medical and health care related decisions and the agent under the power of attorney for property is authorized to make decisions with respect to financial assets, real estate and personal property. Depending on the terms of the power of attorney, the powers may become effective upon the document being executed by the principal or may become effective at a later dated. It is necessary that powers of attorney be executed when the principal is competent to avoid any need of court involvement or court appointments of guardians.
