Also, it helps to assess your children to determine which ones can decide according to your best interest or your wishes. That means going for someone who will manage your finances and personal matters just as you would have. Trust Your level of trust matters a lot when deciding whom you will authorize to make important decisions on your behalf. The principal may need the attorney-in-fact to track and properly document the different transactions made whether it is for personal, business or government purposes. 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. In case you suddenly get mentally incapacitated while any of the three kinds of power of attorney is in effect, the durability provision of the document would allow the agent to stay as your attorney-in-fact indefinitely. In the durable power of attorney, you are acknowledging the possibility that you could become mentally or totally incompetent because of any accident or illness. Be reminded that it is your right to revoke any authority you provide a person through a power of attorney anytime. You should accomplish a revocation form and distribute copies to all institutions and agencies that could be concerned with transactions, including hospitals and banks. Your agent should also formally receive a copy of that revocation. Before we can discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using a power of attorney, you must first understand that exactly is the concept. Power of attorney is a document that gives people the authority to act on another person s behalf for a specific period and matter depending on what is stated on the paper. The person you appoint may be a family member, a relative, or a friend whom you are confident enough to make the best choices for you, especially when it comes to decisions regarding your health and finances. If you designate someone whom you trust as your agent, you can have peace of mind that the person can make decisions for you according to your best interest.