What happens to our valuables and loved ones when we are unable to attend our duties due to unforeseen circumstances? We would be thinking of a Will, which allows you to make decisions on your estates and personal properties to be handled down to another person. However, a Will can only extend as far as protecting tangible assets. What about the other decisions that needed to be made? 

Most people may not be aware of this simple document which would help you appoint someone to handle specific decisions. A simple power of attorney can be conducted orally but preferably written. This allows you, the Principle to authorize certain powers to the person you assigned, who is the Agent to act on your behalf to conduct legal and financial affairs. 

There are a few types of power of attorney depending on the situation and powers you assigned them to. The non-durable version would temporarily give the permission to your Agent, which is useful for handling affairs while you are away for the time being, for example if you are on a vacation or a long business trip. Then, there is the durable version which is in effect immediately when the Principle is unable to mentally or physically make the decisions. 

A general power of attorney is used for a many situations with a various extension powers. There is also the special power of attorney for specific situation depending on certain circumstances. For health situations, there is the health power of attorney. A principle can also apply for a revocation of power of attorney to revoke the power of attorney document. 

So why is power of attorney an important legal document? It allows you the flexibility to decide on how your money is spent, without the interference of the government. It also lets you control the power you delegate to your Agent. That would allow you to limit certain duties and specifically decide who gets the authority, such as spouse authority, financial authority for payments and also estate authority. 

How can you write a simple power of attorney? With many online templates to choose from, you are able to write your own one in no time. In a power of attorney, you would require to provide your full name and address. Then designate certain powers to your Agent, their full name and address. Describe the powers based on specific needs and take the document to a notary public. Have a witness official signatures and you will be able to get your document notarized.