Many people can handle their affairs for most of their lives.
Some, however, may need help because of injury, disease, or old age. Unfortunately, many people fail to prepare for the possibility that they may be unable to manage their financial and personal affairs. Preparing for possible future incompetency means giving someone the legal authority to act on your behalf if you are unable to handle your affairs, either temporarily or permanently. If you become incapacitated, either temporarily or permanently, your family, friends, business associates, creditors, or the state may need to petition the court to have you declared incompetent and to have a guardian appointed. This is particularly true if you have made no other arrangements for someone to handle your affairs.