THE IMPORTANCE OF A GENERAL POWER OF ATTORNEY...

A will only takes effect after one is deceased, however, if one is unable to act for oneself due to injury or disease while still alive, a general enduring power of attorney may be necessary. If one does not have a general enduring power of attorney or has a limited form of power of attorney provided by a financial institution, then a committeeship may be required, (this is expensive - avoid it if you can!).