There are two main types of
durable powers of attorneys. The first is for health and is
commonly called a Living Will or an Advance Health Care Directive. The
second type is for finances and is commonly called a Financial Durable Power of
Attorney.
Living Wills (Advance Health Care Directives)
A living will is a legal
document that allows you to specify whether you would like to remain on life support in the event of a terminal illness should you become incapacitated and unable
to make those decisions for yourself.
In California, you are also able to
create an Advance Health Care Directive that goes one step further and not only
allows you to specify end-of-life decisions, such as whether you would like
to remain on life support in the event of a terminal illness, but also permits you to name an agent to make health care decisions for you in the event
you are incapacitated and unable to do so.
Financial Durable Power of Attorney
A financial durable power of
attorney is a legal document that allows you to name an agent who is authorized
to act on your behalf with respect to financial decisions in the event you
become incapacitated.
For example, if you become
incapacitated and are unable to make your own decisions, the person you have
listed to act as your agent on your behalf would have the authority to deal
directly with third-party financial institutions such as banks.
Alejandra Rodriguez is a California-licensed attorney who is
available to discuss with you how