A power of attorney is a document that allows someone to delegate property management powers or certain health care decisions to another person.  A durable financial power of attorney is used to designate an agent to manage one's financial affairs should he or she become incapacitated or seriously disabled. A health care power of attorney is used to designate an agent to make health care decisions on one's behalf should he or she become incapacitated or seriously disabled. Both kinds of powers of attorney are limited to the specific powers and the intentions as expressed in the powers of attorney – in other words, an agent cannot act unilaterally or contrary to the principal's wishes. Both kinds of powers of attorney are critical for anyone in a committed, non-marital relationship who wants his or her partner to have the right to make important health care and financial decisions.

The attorneys at Balisle & Roberson, S.C. can help you express your wishes regarding property management in a durable financial power attorney and can help you express your wishes regarding heath care decisions in your health care power of attorney.