A power of attorney is a legally enforceable document in which you give someone else (an “attorney in fact”) authority to act on your behalf.
A “durable” power of attorney remains effective even if you later become legally incompetent for some reason.
Powers of attorney can be effective immediately or effective only upon disability. Powers of attorney can also be general, covering all types of decisions; or they can be specific, such as for medical decisions only.
Douglas N. Kiger, Attorney at Law
Blado Kiger Bolan, Tacoma, Wash.