General Durable Power of Attorney

A General Durable Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint a person you trust to act on your behalf and handle certain financial, property, and other personal affairs.

The person you appoint is commonly referred to as your agent or attorney-in-fact. Depending on the authority granted in the document, your agent may be able to assist with matters such as managing bank and financial accounts, handling property and real estate transactions, managing business or financial affairs, paying bills, and completing other authorized transactions on your behalf.

The durable nature of this type of Power of Attorney means that the authority can continue even if you later become unable to manage your own affairs. This can make a Durable Power of Attorney an important part of planning for unexpected illness, injury, incapacity, or other circumstances in which you may need someone you trust to assist with your affairs.

Choosing an agent is an important decision. You should select someone you trust to act responsibly and in accordance with your instructions and applicable law.

A General Durable Power of Attorney is generally used for financial and non-healthcare matters. Healthcare decisions are typically addressed through a separate healthcare-related document.

Plan ahead. Choose someone you trust. Protect your ability to manage life's unexpected circumstances.