2D. Power of Attorney

What is a power of attorney?

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a powerful legal document signed by an individual giving someone else the authority to act on their behalf.

Unlike a Medical Directive, a POA can apply to many areas of an individual’s life beyond healthcare.

The authority granted under a POA can be broad or severely limited. Depending on how you write and structure the document.

Of all the alternatives to guardianship covered today, a POA is the one you’ve most likely heard of before, given that it’s often referenced in legal battles in TV shows and movies.

Unlike a guardianship, there is no court oversite of the agent’s use of authority under a POA.