# Power of Attorney

*Everyday Money — Finicade finance glossary*

A power of attorney authorises someone to act on your behalf — financially, medically, or both. The word that matters is durable: a plain POA ends exactly when you lose mental capacity, which is when you need it most, so the durable version is the one worth having. Without it, a family facing incapacity must apply to a court for guardianship: months of delay and cost while bills go unpaid. The person you name is a fiduciary and must act in your interest, not theirs.

**Also known as:** POA, durable power of attorney, lasting power of attorney

**Related terms:** [Estate Planning](https://finicade.com/glossary/estate-planning), [Will](https://finicade.com/glossary/will), [Beneficiary](https://finicade.com/glossary/beneficiary), [Fiduciary Duty](https://finicade.com/glossary/fiduciary-duty)

Source: https://finicade.com/glossary/power-of-attorney