First, execution of the power you bestowed does not mean you no longer have to make the decisions. Take note that the power of attorney just mandates your agent to act for you. For instance, if you are suddenly hospitalized even for a short period and you need to continue your important banking transactions, you need to get a power of attorney and appoint anyone you trust to do errands for you. So you need someone who can act as your legal representative when you are unable to make legal decisions for yourself. For example, you need to obtain a mortgage to be able to borrow money to pay for your hospital and medical bills. If you appoint someone as your attorney-in-fact, that person can sign the mortgage on your behalf. Does the person know about handling finances? You are entrusting your money and assets to the person. It is important that you appoint an agent who is well skilled and knowledgeable in handling and managing finances. If he/she is not, at least he/she should be willing to seek appropriate help from the experts. Another thing to consider is determining the spouse as the attorney-in-fact. 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 nobody has powers of attorney to act on your behalf and you are already unconscious or mentally incapable, the courts will assign someone to make health care decisions for you. The second type of durable powers of attorney is financial in nature. It is defined as the full legal authority given to another individual to be responsible for all your finance-related affairs, including filing income tax returns and paying the bills. It is usually used to enable your appointed agent the power to handle your important transactions within a specified period when you are practically unable to do them personally. The special power of attorney provides your agent specific powers. You would decide on those specifics. Unlike the general power of attorney, the special power attorney does not give the agent a broad range of coverage.