Legal & Care Planning
Powers of attorney and legal protection
A power of attorney is a legal paper that lets a person you choose handle money or legal matters for you. A health care power of attorney covers care choices. A financial power of attorney covers bills, bank accounts, and property. The rules differ by state, and a paper signed the wrong way may not work when your family needs it.
The guides here explain what each kind of power lets your agent do, what it never allows, and how a durable power of attorney keeps working if you become unable to act. You will also find how to find legal help you can afford, including free elder law services, and how to change or cancel a power of attorney if trust breaks down.
Guides in this category
Start here: Choosing a Trustworthy Financial Agent.
Continue on Care and Living Guide
Paying for care — See who pays for care — Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay.
Free local help
Three national programs connect you to help in your own community, at no cost: