Glossary
Power of attorney
Power of attorney: A power of attorney is a legal document that lets a person you choose act for you in financial or legal matters; a durable one stays in effect if you become incapacitated.
Updated February 1, 2027
An example
Your daughter paying your bills and talking to your bank while you are in the hospital.
Why it matters to you
Without it, your family cannot act for you without going to court. Every adult should have one, and every adult child should know where their parents' is.
Where to go next
See also
- Healthcare proxy
A healthcare proxy (or healthcare power of attorney) is a document naming the person who makes medical decisions for you if you cannot.