Generally speaking, there are five different types of power of attorney in Texas to be aware of. It's best to discuss your personal situation with your Ft. Worth estate planning attorney or the law firm drafting your documents. These include:
Limited Power of Attorney - The agent only has the authority to handle a specific matter, or a matter that is time-sensitive.
General Power of Attorney - The agent has the authority to act in a widely encompassing range of matters. This power of attorney ends if the principal becomes mentally or physically disabled or otherwise incapacitated.
Texas Durable Power of Attorney - The same guidelines as a general power of attorney, but this power of attorney continues even if the principal becomes mentally or physically disabled. In Texas, this is referred to as Texas Statutory Durable Power of Attorney.
Springing Power of Attorney - The agent has authority only if and when the principal becomes incapacitated.
Medical Power of Attorney - The agent has authority to make medical decisions for the principal if the principal becomes mentally or physically unable to make the decisions for themselves. In Texas, this is referred to as Texas Medical Power of Attorney. Of course, there are also medicaid asset protections in Texas to also be aware of, and one reason this discussion often arises with the discussion of financial decisions.