Q: What’s the difference between a power of attorney and a conservatorship?

A: Although they both allow someone else to legally act on your behalf, the most important difference is that you get to pick your power of attorney whereas oftentimes the court will choose your conservator (and sometimes without your ability to participate i.e. if you are already incapacitated). For this reason, we always recommend that our clients sign their power of attorney while they still can – otherwise, someone else may be deciding for you!