Although it may not seem like the best idea to give another person power to handle your personal financial, medical, and legal affairs, the opposite may be true. Having a power of attorney is an important part of planning for an uncertain future. In the event that you are unavailable to act in the case of an emergency, it can be important to have a trusted agent.

When no power of attorney is designated in the estate plan, it often falls to the courts to determine who is the best qualified to act on your behalf. This can lead to undesirable outcomes, legal battles, family fighting, and other complications. It is wise to appoint a power of attorney that you trust while you are of sound mind and body.
 
Many people grant power of attorney to their spouse or grown children. You can name an agent as well as successors if your agent is unable to act. For example, if both you and your spouse were temporarily incapacitated, a successor would become the backup agent who could act on your behalf to pay your bills or manage financial matters for you.