Preparing for disability or incapacity

If you become unable to manage your own affairs, a court could appoint a guardian or conservator to handle some or all of these affairs for you. A court appointed guardianship and conservatorship, however, is more expensive and time consuming than one designated specifically by you. Therefore, you can prepare for your future by designating someone with the power and authority to act on your behalf, by use of a durable power of attorney. You can also appoint a health care representative to make health care decisions for you in the event that you are ever physically or mentally unable to do so. State laws govern the validity of such documents so you should consult with an attorney to determine your rights under the law of your state.