This document allows a person to give legal authority to another to handle almost all matters that the person granting the authority has, with certain exceptions.  It is an important document for a person without a living trust, as, in the absence of a durable power of attorney, a Guardianship may be required if the grantor of the authority becomes incapacitated.  A Durable Power of Attorney is a relatively inexpensive tool which can preclude the need of a very expensive guardianship.