A durable power of attorney is a form that is used as a legal way to appoint some one to act on your behalf if you become incapacitated. To get one you can go down to your county's courthouse and pay a 'print fee' for a copy for one. An even easier way to get one though is by going online and finding a durable POA form you can fill out at home on your PC then print out yourself; theirs many sites out there that offer these kind of fillable forms.

There are a few things you should know though once you've gotten a hold of a fillable durable power of attorney form. The person making the document, which is the person who appoints the representative to represent their interests when they become incapacitated, is called the 'principal'. The person appointed by the principal is called the agent or attorney-in-fact. Besides understanding these two terms there is nothing else you need to know to finish filling out your durable POA.

Once you've created a solid durable power of attorney then its time to get it signed and notarized. As soon as a durable POA is signed it is in effect, but notarizing it will give your county a record of it and therefore will provide evidence that it is legal if disputes arise later. Once your durable POA form is notarized then you’re all done, and you have just filed a durable POA form on your own without a lawyer.

At anytime the principal may revoke a durable power of attorney they've made. This is done by first informing the agent in writing then second you fill out and notarize a revocation of power of attorney. Many lawyers will also suggest that you even should inform anyone that has done business with the agent and tell him or her that your agent will no longer represent you.