A Power of Attorney is a document under which you, as the "Principal," give legal permission to another person or entity (an "Attorney-in-Fact" or "Agent") to act on your behalf. You sign a Power of Attorney document so that your Agent will be able to handle your affairs during a period of time when you are unavailable or unable to do so. An Agent is not required to be a lawyer.

You may create a "Durable" Power of Attorney, which means it will remain in effect even if you become incompetent or incapable of handling your affairs. If you do not want the Power of Attorney to remain in effect during these times, then the document may be made "non-durable."

Let’s take a look at some of the provisions or issues you might encounter as you make your own Durable Power of Attorney.