Why You Need a Durable Power of Attorney

As we get older, we realize that it’s time to start planning for someone to take care of us if we become mentally or physically unable to make proper decisions. A power of attorney (POA) authorizes someone else to handle certain matters on your behalf. These matters are often financial or medical care and expire when a person is no longer mentally able to make legal decisions. But a Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) remains in effect when you become incapacitated, either through an illness or an accident, and cannot make decisions for yourself. The DPOA remains until your death or until you revoke it in writing.

According to the State Bar of Georgia, a durable power of attorney includes authorization to require, withhold or withdraw any medical treatment or procedure.