A power of attorney is a document you sign to give someone else the right to make legal decisions for you. Unlike a guardianship, you determine the decision makers' authority by the language used in the power of attorney form; you can limit it to health matters, financial issues, or any combination of powers that suits your needs. For example, if you are having heart surgery, you might consider appointing a family member with power of attorney over your health care, in case decisions need to be made and you aren't able to make them. Lawyers with expertise drafting power of attorney forms make sure the decision-making authority you are giving someone matches what you have in mind.
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