A Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows an individual (called the Principal) to give another person or persons (called the agent or Attorney-in-Fact) the power to make important decisions for them in areas such as finances, healthcare, and mental health. This document is governed by the laws of Pennsylvania. It is important to note that the POA gives shared authority between the Principal and the agent(s).
The agent(s) may be appointed to act together, separately, or in combination, as the Principal designates. If the Principal does not specify, and multiple agents are appointed, they must act together. Successor agents may be appointed in the order named in the POA document. The Principal may also delegate to an original and/or successor POA the power to appoint successors.
A Durable Power of Attorney is a type of POA that remains in effect even if the Principal becomes incapacitated or disabled. The Principal can specify when the power will become effective or what events will trigger the power. Durable Powers of Attorney survive incapacity, but end at the time of the Principal’s death.
