Types of power of attorney come in several different forms.

Major Types of Power of Attorney

Limited Power of Attorney

A limited power of attorney is a power of attorney that only allows another person to take limited actions for you. For example, if you are travelling, you can sign a power of attorney to allow your friend to sign for you to sell your house while your are out of town. The limited power of attorney often has an expiration date.

Durable

Durable means the power of attorney continues to be active even when you can’t make sound, rational decisions (i.e. you are mentally incompetent). You can set an expiration date or expiration conditions on a durable power of attorney. Commonly, you set a condition that in case of a divorce, your ex-spouse loses their power over your affairs. In Arkansas, this type of power of attorney is the default. In some states, it isn’t. Check with a local attorney to find out the rules in your state.