Written by Benjamin Kingsley

Do you have questions about or need assistance with a power of attorney? Please click here to email us at contact@legalandme.com.

Do you need a power of attorney form? We make a do-it-yourself power of attorney: finance power of attorney or healthcare power of attorney.

Yes, a financial power of attorney is different from a healthcare power of attorney.

A financial power of attorney grants an agent the authority to handle your financial affairs, such as managing your bank accounts, paying bills, filing taxes, and making investment decisions on your behalf. This document allows you to appoint someone you trust to take care of your financial matters if you become incapacitated or unable to manage them yourself.

On the other hand, a healthcare power of attorney, also known as a medical power of attorney, advance directive, or healthcare proxy, allows you to designate someone to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to do so yourself. This person, known as your healthcare agent or proxy, can make decisions about your medical treatment, including consenting to or refusing procedures, choosing doctors and facilities, and deciding whether to continue or discontinue life-sustaining measures.

It’s important to note that some U.S. states require a separate document specifically for medical decisions, distinct from a general power of attorney. For example, in California, you need to have an Advance Health Care Directive, which combines a power of attorney for healthcare and living will instructions. Similarly, in New York, you need a Health Care Proxy form in addition to a Power of Attorney for financial matters.

Do you have questions about or need assistance with a power of attorney? Please click here to email us at contact@legalandme.com.

Do you need a power of attorney form? We make a do-it-yourself power of attorney: finance power of attorney or healthcare power of attorney.