It is impossible to underestimate the importance of POA. This legal document comes in handy when you incur an injury or develop a life-threatening disease, both of which render you incapable of making decisions on your own. In case you become physically or mentally incapacitated, how could you possibly pay your bills and mortgages or conduct transactions at the bank? For example, it could be buying and selling real estate property, bank transactions with or without U.S. securities involved, getting into contracts, tax returns filing, and handling other matters which deal with benefits coming from the government. Often, the principal would have two agents, one for the health care and the other for finance. In the same way, you could instantly revoke the authority you gave your agent anytime you like especially if you think you are dissatisfied and are dubious about his or her performance of the duty you gave him/her. There are instances when the power of attorney takes other functions. The authority usually provided by the legal services specifically for the elderly could be categorized as a durable power of attorney. The lawyer can draft the legal document and inform all the parties involved about the rights and duties stipulated in it. Once the draft is done, the lawyer will keep a copy of the document that will come in handy should legal disputes arise in the future. 7. Sign the document. All the parties, including at least two independent witnesses, must properly sign the form. It also depends on when you prefer to start appointing such power to your agent as well as when you want the power terminated. 1. General - This legal document allows the attorney-in-fact to act for the principal in almost every aspect of his or her life. 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 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. If you designate someone whom you trust as your agent, you can have peace of mind that the person can make decisions for you according to your best interest.