A power of attorney is a document that allows you to appoint a person or organization to control your health, personal or financial affairs in situations where you are unable to. You may need a power of attorney for situations where you are physically or mentally unable to manage your own affairs or simply for cases where you are traveling outside of the country and unable to manage your affairs. There are several different types of powers of attorney, including Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Power of Attorney, and Special Power of Attorney.