What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney is a document where you give another person the authority to act as your agent or attorney in fact. They can be used for a number of reasons. Some typical uses are to give someone authority to handle your affairs if you become disabled, to purchase property for you if you are not available, to handle your affairs as you age and you find it more difficult to handle things on your own. There also is a health care power of attorney that allows another person to make decisions regarding your medical treatment if you are unable to.