The attorney-in-fact would only perform duties specified in the document until the principal revokes the document. Aside from revoking, both general and specific power of attorney is discontinued upon the principal s incapacity and death. Non-durable power of attorney The clear characteristic of the non-durable power of attorney is that it is for short-term transactions only. Most military personnel would provide the power of attorney to their spouses especially if they are away in combat. A close relative could be work as an alternate. It does not always have to be relative or a family member, some would get a non-relative attorney-in-fact. If the principal is also a bit uncomfortable on assigning a lot of responsibilities on one agent, then h/she could get other co-agents. As the name suggests, health care durable powers of attorney authorize a person, who is called an agent or an attorney-in-fact, to make all the needed choices regarding health care and hospitalization on behalf of the principal. The decisions can be made by the agent once the principal is no longer able to do it for himself or herself. It would be wise to be more familiar about power of attorney to fully understand how it could be of best use for you. Do I need to appoint a lawyer as an agent? The agent is also usually called the attorney-in-fact. You could appoint a lawyer as your agent. However, it is not a requirement. In fact, you could appoint just about anyone (in legal age) as your attorney-in-fact. One of the most important considerations in creating a power of attorney is how much power you must grant your attorney-in-fact or agent to protect your properties, finances, and interests from abuse. Since the courts do not regulate powers of attorney, the powers may be misused by an attorney-in-fact. This is especially true with people who are gravely injured and cannot make decisions for themselves like for instance when they are under comatose or when they cannot speak, move or are invalid. Power of attorney is one of the ways that you can appoint a representative for you should something happen to you.