Legal assistance or help from a lawyer is very important to make sure that necessary steps are performed to avoid the document being challenged. The power is granted to an attorney-in-fact or agent that would have the authority to decide on different matters. The person who is granting the authority would, of course, identify the scope of the mandate. This is very common among executives of corporations especially those in the higher ups, who need to take care of business in all parts of the globe. If they cannot make it to one area, they usually send a representative with a power of attorney to sign their documents for them. In corporations, the grantee or the proxy (the one given the power of attorney) is often an attorney to keep things legal but in truth, anybody can be given a power of attorney, even those who are not lawyers. Four Main Types of Power of Attorney If you want to authorize anyone or any organization to properly handle your affairs while you are unable to do so or while you are unavailable, you should get a power of attorney. It is a document that summarizes and proves your agreement to give your appointed person (the agent or attorney-in-fact) the authority to act on your behalf. Because of its seemingly unlimited nature, the general power must be considered thoroughly before it is given to another person. It is advised that this type of power be used sparingly because it is prone to abuse and misuse of power by the agent. 2. Limited - This document, in contrast to the general type, authorizes the agent to make decisions for the principal on particular affairs for a limited time. In doing so, you can rest assured that everything goes smoothly as you planned when you are mentally incapacitated. Another power that you can grant to a trusted person concerns your health care. Health care powers of attorney refer to legal documents that designate someone to make financial decisions for your estate should you become disabled, in which case you cannot make decisions on your own. In general, it is a legal requirement that you be in a competent and normal state of mind when getting a power or attorney or appointing a person to be your attorney-in-fact. However, it could be very hard to prove that you are not well when you do so. It would be safe to get that document even if you are in the pink of health or even if you do not foresee any event that would make you unable to handle your affairs.