A power of attorney provides another individual, referred to as the agent, with the legal authority to act on another’s behalf, the principal. A power of attorney may be necessary if the principal becomes unable to make decisions based upon their own health care or financial decisions because of a medical condition or other stated circumstances. Each state has its own requirements regarding how to execute a valid power of attorney. To draft a power of attorney in Texas, the power of attorney must be in writing, signed by an adult and clearly name an agent or attorney in fact to act on the principal’s behalf. In addition, the document must also express whether the agent’s authority is to begin immediately, or whether the agent’s authority begins upon the occurrence of some event, like disability or incapacity. Finally, to be effective, a power of attorney must be signed by the principal. It is not necessary to have the power of attorney document notarized, but signing it before a notary may prevent subsequent challenges to the document’s authenticity in the future. Texas also does not require any witnesses to be present when you sign the document.  For more information about drafting a power of attorney in Texas, see http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/PB/htm/PB.XII.htm.