Thus, the money and properties involved must only be used for the benefit of the principal. If you need to establish a durable power of attorney, take note that you are providing your agent the following authority: withdrawing your money from bank accounts and spending it; selling your property; and pursuing legal actions and insurance claims. Younger people who have had an accident or are suffering from a health problem that renders them unconscious can also use these powers of attorney. In any case, you can choose a person who you trust the most to decide on your behalf according to the available information at that time. That person who you assign as your agent must perform whatever you require even if it runs contrary to his or her own wishes for you. You may also consider using separate powers of attorney to designate another person who will be responsible for your health care and finances. For example, a financial power of attorney allows the agent to perform certain tasks such as handling your properties or paying your bills when you cannot do it, such as when you are out of the country or hospitalized for a brief period. The healthcare power of attorney designates the agent as a person who should make proper healthcare decisions for you if you get mentally incompetent or unconscious. If you would not be able to make logical decisions due to health reasons, the agent would be authorized to do so in your behalf. However, take note that the healthcare power of attorney is not the same as a living will, which is a document to express your personal wishes in case you would need life-sustaining procedures. Getting a POA is a better choice compared to having a conservator, which is a guardian assigned to you by the local probate court. Probate hearings usually take time to complete, not to mention that you are going to incur more expenses than you would with a POA. Of course, why would you waste your time and money when there s a better alternative out there? Your agent can be your relative or trusted friend who can handle well all concerns regarding your finances and other affairs. However, if you are not confident about entrusting everything to someone else, you may consider giving a number of limited powers of attorney rather just one general power. As the term implies, limited powers of attorney grant limited and specific control of an attorney-in-fact over the estate of the principal.