In case you get sick or you go out of the country and there would be important errands or transactions to be done, you could be sure someone would appropriately takeover to make sure everything is in place. If you are considering getting a power of attorney, you should make sure you are appointing the right agent or attorney-in-fact (the person who would be given authority to make or execute decisions for you). These sites may allow you to download their power-of-attorney forms. 2. Decide which type of POA you need. Your general options are the general and limited powers of attorney. The first type grants an attorney-in-fact an unlimited control over your finances or health care without a predetermined period. When the principal uses the general power of attorney, the agent would find himself handling real estate, securities and large financial transactions. To avoid this problem, the power of attorney should be specific enough. Identify particular obligations or transactions that the agent or attorney-in-fact could handle. You must choose a person who is a lot younger than you are since he or she can carry out the responsibilities for a longer time compared to the older ones. Also, younger people are relatively healthier than their older counterparts, so you can be sure that they can handle your assets without much hassle. 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. The power of attorney is a legal document that authorizes a person or organization to act on financial and business matters affairs of a person referred to as the principal. The person or organization that receives authority is called the agent or the attorney-in-fact. The durable power of attorney is called such, since the attorney-in-fact would continue to have authority and act on behalf of the principal, even if the principal becomes incapacitated.