A power of attorney is a legal document that must be signed, witnessed, and notarized pursuant to law, and it authorizes another individual to make decisions on your behalf. When you give power of attorney to someone in writing, you are allowing that person to act on your behalf. The document will clearly and specifically say what powers the person can exercise. The power of attorney can be limited to healthcare decisions, limited to accessing your bank accounts, investments, or other assets, or the Power of Attorney can be all-encompassing and allow someone to do all of the above and more. The person who is given the power of attorney must be someone that can be trusted and someone that will always make the decision that is best for you. This person will be able to act on your behalf in whatever situation the power of attorney specifically says. The power of attorney should be used when a loved one becomes incapacitated and cannot handle his or her own affairs. However, the power of attorney must be prepared and signed before your loved one becomes incapacitated. It must be signed while they have the mental capacity to understand what they are signing. Without a power of attorney, if your loved one becomes incapacitated, a guardianship will be required to make asset and financial decisions. In order to prepare the documentation so that you have Power of Attorney contact a Miami Power of Attorney lawyer or Ft. Lauderdale Power of Attorney lawyer today.