A power of attorney gives a person the ability to act as an agent on behalf of the creator. The powers can be broad or narrow, depending on the document. A person who holds the durable power of attorney for an individual during life might be named as executor in the will. The durable power of attorney expires at death but is still in effect if the creator is alive but does not have the mental capacity to act. The most common use of the durable power of attorney is to create a durable healthcare power.
