A power of attorney (POA) applies if you become incapacitated, or unable to care for your personal and financial affairs. In general, a POA takes affect when you are certified by a doctor to be incapacitated. It ceases to be effective on your death, or when you regain capacity. If you don’t have a POA and you become incapacitated, your family will need to go to court to have file for a conservatorship. This will probably cost several thousand dollars in fees and costs. And you loved ones will be under the scrutiny of the court in a public proceeding throughout your life. All of this can be avoided by executing a durable power of attorney. A simple document can allow a trusted agent to step in an manage your affairs for your benefit privately and without court involvement.