A power of attorney is a document that allows a person to appoint an individual or organization to manage their affairs if they become unable to do so. There are different types of powers of attorney. Each different type gives the attorney-in-fact a different level of control.

A general power of attorney includes broad powers such as handling financial and business transactions, buying life insurance, handling claims, operating business interests, making gifts and employing help.

With a special power of attorney, a person can specify exactly what powers an agent may exercise. This is often used when a person cannot handle certain affairs because of health reasons or other commitments. These can include selling property, handling real estate matters, collecting debts and managing business transactions.

A power of attorney for healthcare allows the authorized agent to make medical decisions for a person if they are unconscious, mentally incompetent or unable to make decisions on their own.

A durable power of attorney is a general, special or health care power of attorney that has a durability provision to keep the current power of attorney in effect. These are used to prepare for the possibility of becoming mentally incompetent due to illness or injury.