Who Would You Trust to Step In?
A medical power of attorney concerns who can speak for you when you cannot make medical decisions. A financial power of attorney concerns authority to help with your financial affairs. The person you trust and what you want them to understand belong in both conversations.
Without a power of attorney in place for medical decisions and financial affairs, you run a very serious risk that these important decisions can fall into the wrong hands in the event you become incapacitated.
The forms to have someone appointed as your medical or durable power of attorney can be very simple, but they vary from state to state.
If not properly drafted, you may believe you have a legally valid document when, in fact, you do not.
Storage of those important documents is a consideration as well. Tell the person you choose where the documents are kept and make sure they can be found when needed.