Power of Attorney

No — this covers financial and legal decisions (banking, property, contracts). Healthcare decision-making authority is typically a separate document (a healthcare POA or medical power of attorney), which some states combine with an Advance Directive — see our Living Will / Advance Directive service.

You choose — either immediately upon signing, or "springing," meaning it only takes effect once a doctor certifies you're incapacitated. We ask which you want during the questionnaire.

Yes, at any time while you're mentally competent, by executing a revocation and notifying your agent and any institutions relying on it.

In most states, no formal acceptance is required, though it's wise to tell the person you're naming and confirm they're willing to serve before you need them to act.

For a standard financial POA naming a trusted agent, most people don't. If you're granting unusually broad authority, have significant or complex assets, or there's family conflict around the choice of agent, an attorney's input is worth the cost — this is self-help document preparation, not legal advice on your specific situation.