Need a Power of Attorney

A power of attorney is exactly that - they have the power to act in your behalf, like an attorney, if you become unable to make your own decisions. These decisions include legal decisions, health decisions, financial decisions, or guardian decisions. There is a power of attorney form that is a legal form that gives another person authority, or power of attorney, to act as your representative. It is sometimes also called a letter of attorney. A power of attorney can either be a general power of attorney or limited power of attorney. It can also be a durable power of attorney or a non-durable power of attorney.

You may be wondering what exactly is a power of attorney and what do they do? The attorney in "power of attorney" may be confusing, because the person appointed as power of attorney cannot be an attorney - they are just a person that you trust. The person granting the power of attorney is known as the principal. Now, a general power of attorney can make any decisions that he/she feels is best for the principal, including financial affairs. This can be abused because the power of attorney can transfer money from the principal's account into their own if they want. If you, as the principal, sign away your decision making ability to a general power of attorney, they can make any decisions they want. They have health care power, deciding what type, where, and to what extent you receive health care. They decide what to do with all your financial affairs. They can make decisions that you make not even think about, including decisions about your real estate, your mental capacity, legal decisions, public guardian decisions, etc. There are many decisions to be made in your life, so if you sign the document to create a general power of attorney, it better be someone you trust with everything, including your life decisions.


The reason people sign the document or form to grant power of attorney to someone they trust is in case the unexpected happens. What if you became incapacitated because of an accident or some other reason, had a sudden illness, or just an unplanned absence? Who would take care of your bills, financial affairs, health care responsibilities, etc. People don't realize that without a power of attorney document signed, if a person (especially elderly), becomes unable to take care of their financial affairs or health care decisions, that the family has to start legal papers to appoint a public guardian for the disabled person. These legal affairs and proceedings cost time and money. This can all be prevented by signing a power of attorney.

If you feel that you or a loved one needs a power of attorney then the best thing to do would be to google "power of attorney," "power of attorney Salt Lake (or your local area)," or "power of attorney form." You will find power of attorney websites that contain detailed information about granting a power of attorney and the decisions you will need to make.

One type of power of attorney that is very important is a health care power of attorney. This lets the principal state their health care preferences in case of diminished mental capacity. They state decisions about life-support, and the power of attorney will relay your desires and preferences to the doctor in the situation where you may be unconscious or unable. A signed power of attorney document can put your mind at ease, knowing future decisions will be honored.

The reason people sign the document or form to grant power of attorney to someone they trust is in case the unexpected happens. What if you became incapacitated because of an accident.... Learn more at somekeyword and