This is a legal "must have" document in the world of estate planning. A "Power of Attorney" is a document wherein you appoint a person to act as your agent on all legal matters. Making a Power of Attorney "durable" means that it is still effective after your incapacity. A Durable Power of Attorney is primarily used to allow the person you appoint to help in the event of your illness or disability. It allows your appointed agent to handle all of your affairs including signing checks, paying bills, making deposits, managing your assets, dealing with benefit providers, your health insurance provider, and the like. If you don't have a Durable Power of Attorney, another person does not have the legal right to sign documents and speak for you, even if it is your spouse. Once you become incapacitated, it is too late to draft a Power of Attorney - - it must be drafted and signed in advance of any incapacity.