Although the word attorney is a synonym to a lawyer, in United States, it is mostly used to refer to these people who are given the power of attorney. They are also called agents because they also serve as liaison officers and go-between or more formally, attorney-in-fact because they are only licensed by a common person. However, nothing is complex or incomprehensible about it. The term refers to a legal document that allows you to appoint someone who can make important choices for yourself when time comes you can no longer do it for your own. The person you appoint may be a family member, a relative, or a friend whom you are confident enough to make the best choices for you, especially when it comes to decisions regarding your health and finances. While it is much easier to put off getting a power of attorney than to create one, you should not take any chances. Before it is too late, you have to designate a trusted person to act and make decisions on your behalf. Should you wait until you become mentally or physically disabled and regret later for not doing it earlier? There are situations when the attorney-in-fact could be challenged. The principal should be prepared in case the power of attorney is confronted. It would help to have a video document stating with the principal stating the power of attorney or have several witnesses present to testify that the principal is mentally and psychologically competent when the document was signed. Trust Your level of trust matters a lot when deciding whom you will authorize to make important decisions on your behalf. Ideally, this person should be someone whom you trust your life with. Comfort The person you will choose to be your agent must be someone who you are comfortable dealing with. On the process of drafting the power-of-attorney document, you will have to discuss all the terms in it, and it is important that the agent won t be too much of a headache for you. It even authorizes the agent to gain access to the principal s safety deposit boxes or to handle all the properties of the principal. The effectivity of this document ends when the principal dies or becomes mentally disabled. Because of its seemingly unlimited nature, the general power must be considered thoroughly before it is given to another person.