A power of attorney is a document you can include in your estate plan that appoints someone to make decisions on your behalf when you cannot. In many cases, this would come into effect if a severe injury incapacitates you or if an illness affects your decision-making ability such as in the case of dementia or Alzheimer’s.

It may be difficult to think about such situations but estate plans are not only meant to be executed at the time of your passing; they also allow you to plan for the unexpected. By including a power of attorney in your estate plan, you can choose someone you would highly trust in a situation like the examples above.