We all make important decisions and engage in regular financial transactions without giving a second thought about our capacity to do so. But what if you suddenly lost the ability? What would happen?

Dear Mr. Premack: My father has been organized and proactive. He properly probated my mother's Will when she died so that he is recognized as full owner of all of their assets. He spoke with his ...

Power of attorney documents give one or more people the right to act as your agent when you're unavailable, incapacitated, or otherwise indisposed. Beyond more general types of POAs, specialized ...

Dear Jonathan: Can you please explain what the difference is between a financial durable power of attorney and a health care durable power of attorney. A non-springing financial durable power of ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Matthew F. Erskine is a trusts and estates attorney. Along with a Will and a Trust, the most common documents used in estate ...

A big document deserves big litigation. Your durable power of attorney is a big document. That is the paper you signed, as principal, naming someone to be your agent to handle financial matters on ...

A Massachusetts court case shows when agents under a power of attorney can make gifts to themselves and why wording matters.

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Christine Fletcher writes about managing trusts and estates. Many people are taking time during COVID-19 to update their power of ...

It's important to talk to the person you designate as agent in your durable power of attorney, as they will be entrusted to handle your financial affairs. AlexanderFord / Getty Images Always finish ...

With my mom, when she went to see the attorney to prepare legal docs, the attorney asked "who do she want as POA?" and mom answered, "my son the banker and my daughter the financial planner." So, the ...