A durable power of attorney for finance allows you to choose someone to manage your assets and pay your bills in the event of your disability or incapacity. Otherwise, if you become incapacitated, someone must petition the court to obtain the power to provide these services for you, known as a guardianship.

A power of attorney for health care allows you to authorize another individual, your health care agent, to make medical decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated.  The document also may be used to make or refuse to make anatomical gifts (donations of all or part of the human body to take effect upon the death of the donor).