What is a power of attorney?
Power of Attorney is the authority of another person to make decisions on your behalf. Despite its name, your appointed Agent doesn't need to be an attorney.
You can elect this power to take effect immediately, or upon the occurrence of some future event, like incapacity. However, this is not the same as a Health Care Proxy. It is an alternative. A Health Care Proxy only grants your agent the power to make decisions on medical treatment; a Power of Attorney allows an agent do almost anything on your behalf.
Through Power of Attorney, you can also appoint a guardian for your minor children, in the event both parents become incapacitated or die.
Your agent will not have the authority to decide where your property goes after death. For this, refer to a Power of Appointment.