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A power of attorney (POA) is an authority imposed on an agent by the principal allowing the said agent to make decisions on his/her behalf. The agent can receive limited or absolute authority to act on the principal's behalf on decisions relating to health, property, or finances.

If a person does not have capacity to sign a power of attorney,the only way for someone to obtain this legal authority is by filing a petition for guardianship and/or conservatorship, which begins a court proceeding.

The specific guidelines and restrictions are different by state; however, in Alabama, your Power of Attorney will need to be signed by two witnesses. Witnesses cannot be anyone who is responsible for the cost of your medical care, nor should they be a spouse/relative, heir or any other beneficiary.

Common documents include a will, durable power of attorney for finances, and a living trust. A will specifies how your estate ? your property, money, and other assets ? will be distributed and managed when you die.

Financial documents ?If a family member cannot locate important documents like tax returns or bank account information, it could delay care or even cause a senior to be denied insurance like Medicaid or veterans benefits,? says Tiffany Wise, senior director of customer development at A Place for Mom.

In Alabama, the power of attorney is ?durable,? meaning that it will not be affected by the principal's incompetency, incapacity, or disability. If the principal does want the power to cease when he or she becomes incapacitated, the document must clearly state this.