Nolo's Durable Power of Attorney

What is a Durable Power of Attorney for Finances?

Learn what a durable power of attorney for finances is, what it is used for, and how to create one.

What a Durable Power of Attorney for Finances Cannot Do

Learn the limitations of the durable power of attorney for finances.

When Your Power of Attorney Takes Effect

Learn how and when the signed durable power of attorney document takes legal effect.

Entering Information About Yourself

Learn what personal information is required to make your durable power of attorney for finances.

The Attorney-in-Fact's Job

Learn the responsibilities your attorney-in-fact will have toward you and your property.

Choosing an Attorney-in-Fact

Tips on how to choose an attorney-in-fact.

Naming Alternates and Co-Attorneys-in-Fact

As you give some thought to who to name as your attorney-in-fact, you’ll also need to consider whether you want to name more than one person to serve and who should serve as alternates in case your first choice cannot do the job. Appointing More Than One Person Make Decisions Together or Independently

Specific Financial Powers, Part 1

Learn what specific powers you are able to delegate to your attorney-in-fact with this durable financial power of attorney.

Specific Financial Powers, Part 2

Here is the second half of the list of powers you can give your attorney-in-fact in Nolo’s Durable Power of Attorney for Finances. Insurance and Annuity Transactions Estate, Trust, and Other Beneficiary Transactions Transferring Property to Your Living Trust Legal Actions Personal and Family

The Power to Make Gifts

This financial power allows your attorney-in-fact to make gifts of your property. Learn the scope of this power and whether or not it is right for you.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities of Attorney-in-Fact

Learn what responsibilities you can assign to your attorney-in-fact and the possible repercussions of doing so.

Finalizing Your Durable Power of Attorney for Finances

Follow these steps to finalize your durable power of attorney for finances to ensure that it is legally binding.

After You Sign Your Durable Power of Attorney for Finances

Learn what to do with your durable power of attorney once it has been signed and made legal.

Revoking Your Durable Power of Attorney for Finances

Learn how to revoke a durable power of attorney and the common circumstances in which you would want to.

When Your Durable Power of Attorney for Finances Ends

A durable power of attorney for finances is valid until you revoke it, you die or there is no one to serve as your attorney-in-fact.

Possible Challenges to Your Documents

Learn what precautions you can take to ensure your durable power of attorney is adhered to.

Conservatorships and Durable Powers of Attorney for Finances

A conservator is a person assigned by a court to handle another person’s finances. Learn how a durable power of attorney can help avoid conservatorships.