The forms you will use for preparing the power-of-attorney document Use the power-of-attorney forms available online as your model or starting point. Before you consult with a lawyer, it is best to view several POA forms and understand fully the terms specified on them. That way, you can see the various possibilities before you head over to a lawyer s office. So if you are thinking of giving a power of attorney, read on. Because of the sensitive nature of this, power of attorneys are often only given to people that the principal ( the person giving the power of attorney to the agent) absolutely trusts. This can be a son or daughter, a parent or other close relations. Another advantage of a power of attorney is its importance in making healthcare decisions. A power of attorney can also be given to people, authorizing them to refuse or allow medical care to the principal if they become incapable of making decisions for themselves. This also includes making the decision to pull the plug in cases when only a machine is keeping the principal alive. These sites may allow you to download their power-of-attorney forms. 2. Decide which type of POA you need. Your general options are the general and limited powers of attorney. The first type grants an attorney-in-fact an unlimited control over your finances or health care without a predetermined period. As a result, you can get the money necessary for paying your bills. 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. 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.