Although you don’t necessarily need an attorney to prepare a power of attorney, it is highly advisable in view of the potential for error or unknown consequences.  You should know, however, that powers of attorney are required to be: in writing; signed by you in front of a notary public; dated appropriately; and clear on what powers are being granted.  If you want to create a durable power of attorney, you must include a statement such as, “This power of attorney shall not be affected by incapacity or incompetence of the principal.”  Some banks and brokerage companies have their own power of attorney forms.  If you want your attorney-in-fact to have an easy time with these institutions, you may need to prepare two (or more) durable powers of attorney, one using your own form and the forms provided by the institutions with which you do business.