Should you become legally incompetent, a durable power of attorney allows you to give a friend or relative permission to make decisions for you. One is deemed legally incompetent if he is physically or mentally unable to handle his personal, business and financial affairs.

Incompetence can arise from a number of causes including illness (such as Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia) stroke or serious injury. Such events can occur at any time and at any age. It is therefore very important that you have a durable power of attorney.