Although many different situations can prompt a person to create a Power of Attorney document, POAs are used to allow someone to act on your behalf when you are not available or capable to act for yourself. You might want to consider making a POA if:
You travel out of the country often.
You work in a hazardous work environment.
You are diagnosed with a severe illness.
You have a business or property that needs maintenance when you’re unavailable.
You have children who would need to be provided for if you were to become incapacitated.
You want a specific person to be responsible for your affairs.
You want a specific person to uphold your rules about how you run your business, property, or life.
You are approaching old age and would like to designate a representative for yourself.
A Power of Attorney is critical to have in the event of unforeseen circumstances, and thus, is often a key document in one’s Estate Plan. For example, if you suddenly become ill or are involved in a serious accident, having a Durable Power of Attorney in place will allow your attorney-in-fact to manage your affairs until you are better.