In estate planning, a durable power of attorney is often chosen as a way to plan for those times when you are incapacitated.

With a durable power of attorney, you are able to appoint an agent to manage your financial affairs, or conduct other business for you during your incapacitation.

A durable power of attorney may be general or limited. A general durable power of attorney may allow your agent to do every act which may legally be done by you. A limited durable power of attorney covers specific events, like selling property, making investments, or making health care decisions.

One of the most important parts of creating a durable power of attorney is choosing an agent. The agent is the person you choose to carry out the duties you have outlined in the durable power of attorney. The agent should be someone you trust to carry out your wishes, someone who will not take advantage of you when you are incapacitated, and someone who is willing to serve as your agent. The agent is usually a family member or a friend, but you can choose anyone.