Comparison: Durable Powers of Attorney
A durable power of attorney for financial matters permits an individual to name someone else as the person authorized to handle one's finances. The durable power of attorney for financial matters remains operative when the individual who created it becomes incapacitated. But, the durable power of attorney for financial matters expires upon the death of the person who created it.
The durable power of attorney for health care permits an individual to name another person who will express the individual's wishes as to his or her health care, if the person who created the durable power is unable to do so due to incapacity. The durable power of attorney for health care describes the individual's wishes concerning treatment if he or she becomes terminally ill. The individual may state that no life support measures are to be taken, or, alternatively may request that all medical means be used to prolong life.