There are however many types of power of attorney depending on the nature of the contract, the scope of the power and the period that it is valid. The most common is of course the general power of attorney which authorizes the agent to act on your behalf and to represent you in dealings and other matters. Use of the Power of Attorney Power of attorney is used within corporations where executives have tightly packed schedules that require them to travel in three different countries in a span of three days. This can either be physically impossible or at best, physically tiring. Thus, the power of attorney serves to lift the burden from the executives, allowing them to become more productive. The agent is showing problems with managing their own finances, then it may not be a good idea to trust your own finances to them. Work experience. It may be important to choose an agent or an attorney-in-fact that has experience or level of expertise in finances or in legal matters. Organization and documentation skills. 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. In a situation when the principal could not handle a transaction, then this type may be more suitable. The right type to choose depends on the extent of power you want to bestow on your agent. It also depends on when you prefer to start appointing such power to your agent as well as when you want the power terminated. 1. General - This legal document allows the attorney-in-fact to act for the principal in almost every aspect of his or her life. 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. If you want something to happen in a specific situation in the future, your agent must follow your orders even if it is against their will to keep you alive despite your health condition.