Alive but unable
The gap these documents fill.
All tracks and lessons
Financial and medical powers of attorney
If you cannot act for yourself, these documents name who can — for money and for health decisions.
In this lesson you will
- Explain financial and healthcare powers of attorney
- Know what “durable” means
- Choose and brief agents
A will covers what happens after death. Powers of attorney cover what happens if you are alive but unable to make decisions — after an accident or during a serious illness.
Financial power of attorney
Names an agent who can manage money on your behalf — paying bills, handling accounts, dealing with taxes. A “durable” power of attorney stays in effect if you become incapacitated.
Healthcare power of attorney and directives
A healthcare power of attorney (or healthcare proxy) names someone to make medical decisions for you. A living will or advance directive records your wishes about treatment.
Why they matter
- Without them, family may need a court process to gain authority.
- Spouses do not automatically have authority over each other’s individual accounts.
- Adult children’s medical information may be private even from parents.
Choose carefully
Pick people you trust, ask them first, and name backups. Store documents where they can be found. Rules vary by state — this is general education, not legal advice.
By the GetGuac team · Editorial policy
Three ideas to keep
Durable means it lasts
Through incapacity.
Family is not automatic
Authority needs paperwork.
Do it in 4 steps
Choose agents and backups
Money and health.
Talk to them
About your wishes.
Prepare state-valid documents
With an attorney.
Store and share copies
Where they can be found.
Who can act, with and without documents
General illustration; state rules vary.
| Situation | With documents | Without documents |
|---|---|---|
| Pay your bills from your account | Your financial agent | May need a court-appointed guardian or conservator |
| Discuss treatment with doctors | Your healthcare agent | Depends on state law and hospital policy |
| Follow your treatment wishes | Guided by your directive | Others must guess |
A few documents spare family a court process at a hard time.
Where this usually goes wrong
- Assuming a spouse can automatically act
- Not telling agents where documents are
- Naming no backup
Write the names of the people you would want as your financial and healthcare agents.
Tools and guides for this lesson
Quick quiz
1. A durable power of attorney…
2. Who makes medical decisions if you cannot?
3. Can a spouse automatically manage your individual accounts?
0 of 3 answered
Puzzle
You name 1 primary and 2 backup agents for money, and 1 primary and 1 backup for health. How many people do you need to brief?
Show the answer
Up to 5 (fewer if someone holds both roles)
3 + 2 = 5 roles.