Power of Attorney vs. Durable Power of Attorney

When you give someone your power of attorney, you give them the right to act on your behalf. You may authorize them, for example, to manage some or all your business affairs, sign legal documents or make charitable gifts for you.

A durable power of attorney is valid if you become incapacitated, while a power of attorney is not. A durable power of attorney gives someone the authority to make financial, business or legal decisions if you cannot make them yourself.  A medical power of attorney, also known as a durable power of attorney for health care, names someone who will make medical decisions for you if you cannot.

David Wingate is an elder law attorney at the Elder Law Office of David Wingate, LLC. The elder law office services clients with powers of attorneys, living wills, Wills, Trusts, Medicaid and asset protection. The Elder Law office has locations in Frederick and Montgomery Counties, Maryland.