No one likes thinking about incapacity. But if you become unable to manage your own affairs, even temporarily, someone needs legal authority to act on your behalf. That's what a power of attorney is for.
The Two Types You Need to Know
Durable Financial Power of Attorney
Grants your agent authority over financial decisions: bank accounts, bill payments, property transactions, and investments. "Durable" means it remains valid even if you become mentally incapacitated.
Healthcare Power of Attorney (Healthcare Proxy)
Authorizes someone to make medical decisions on your behalf when you cannot. In Arizona, this is governed by A.R.S. § 36-3221.
Who Should Be Your Agent?
Choose someone you trust completely , a spouse, adult child, or close friend. Critically, they must be:
- Willing to act in your interest, not their own
- Organized and financially responsible
- Available to act quickly if needed
Common Mistakes
- Waiting until a crisis: a POA must be signed while you have legal capacity
- Choosing the wrong agent: shared authority between multiple people often creates conflict
- Not updating it: major life changes (divorce, death of agent) require a new document
Arizona Requirements
Arizona POA documents must be signed before a notary public and two witnesses. Our template meets all state requirements.