Free Durable Financial Power of Attorney

A durable financial power of attorney designates someone (your "agent") to handle your financial affairs on your behalf. The "durable" designation means it remains effective even if you become incapacitated.

Banking, investments, real estate, personal property, business operations, insurance, retirement accounts, tax matters, government benefits, digital assets, and more. You can grant all powers or select specific ones.

Most take effect immediately upon signing. Some states allow "springing" powers of attorney that become effective only upon your incapacity.

Someone you trust completely to handle your financial affairs. Your agent must be at least 18, responsible, and willing to serve. Naming successor agents is common.

A financial POA covers finances — banking, investments, property. A healthcare POA covers medical decisions. These are separate documents, and many people have both.

A power of attorney terminates at the principal's death (see e.g., Cal. Prob. Code § 4152 and equivalents in other states) — the agent's authority ends immediately and the estate's executor takes over. Before death, a POA can end by (1) revocation by the principal, (2) the expiration date stated in the document, (3) the death or resignation of the agent without a named successor, or (4) a court order. A durable POA remains in effect through the principal's incapacity but still ends at death.