--- title: Power of Attorney vs. Health Care Directive description: The power of attorney document is similar, but different from a health care directive. Both are extremely good to have and can save both a lot of money and a lot of stress. --- [Dan's Desk](https://www.gallatin-law.com/blog/author/dan-gallatin) - [lawyer](https://www.gallatin-law.com/blog/tag/lawyer) - [hugo](https://www.gallatin-law.com/blog/tag/hugo) - [MN](https://www.gallatin-law.com/blog/tag/mn) - [law](https://www.gallatin-law.com/blog/tag/law) - [attorney](https://www.gallatin-law.com/blog/tag/attorney) - [legal](https://www.gallatin-law.com/blog/tag/legal) [Subscribe](https://www.gallatin-law.com/blog/power-of-attorney-vs-health-care-directive#) 05/17/2017 # Power of Attorney vs. Health Care Directive - - - - - [mailto:?subject=Power%20of%20Attorney%20vs.%20Health%20Care%20Directive&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gallatin-law.com%2Fblog%2Fpower-of-attorney-vs-health-care-directive](mailto:?subject=Power%20of%20Attorney%20vs.%20Health%20Care%20Directive&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gallatin-law.com%2Fblog%2Fpower-of-attorney-vs-health-care-directive) The power of attorney document is similar, but different from a health care directive. Both are extremely good to have and can save both a lot of money and a lot of stress. A power of attorney document grants someone authority to engage in financial transactions for you. This authority is effective immediately upon the document being signed. This document does not permit decisions to be made by the power of attorney with respect to things such as where you live or your health care. A health care directive grants someone authority to make decisions regarding your body and health care. This document gives your health care agent authority to act on your behalf only if you cannot communicate your own wishes. That is, so long as you can communicate with your health care providers, your health care agent cannot. These documents are very inexpensive to obtain. But, filing a petition with the court to being appointed to have these powers can be expensive and take time away from helping a loved one in a dire situation. Your best course of action is to take control of who is making decisions for you, providing guidance on the decisions being made for you, and eliminating future stress. The material contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice, nor is it a substitute for obtaining legal advice from an attorney. Each situation is unique, and you should not act or rely on any information contained herein without seeking the advice of an experienced attorney. 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Born in St. Paul, Dan spent many of his formative years growing up there before moving to White Bear Lake. After graduating from White Bear Lake, Dan spent four glorious years at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, earning a degree in two majors. Dan worked as a Senior Investigator at the Minnesota Department of Commerce for several years after graduating from college. During his final years Dan attended William Mitchell College of Law while still working full-time. During this exhausting 3 ½ year period Dan honed his skills in becoming an efficient, to-the-point legal practitioner. While at Madison Dan met his wife, Tonya, and together they moved to Minnesota to plant their roots. Dan and Tonya have two amazing, unique children and reside in Hugo. ### CONNECT WITH ME - ## Related Posts [03/15/2017 Multiple Offers in Real Estate Transactions: Maximize, Don't Jeopardize The benefits of a hot real estate market nationally, and locally in Forest Lake and White Bear Lake and the surrounding towns are both big… Read Post ](https://www.gallatin-law.com/blog/multiple-offers-in-real-estate-transactions-maximize-dont-jeopardize) [05/31/2017 Rules vs. Statutes: What's the Difference? Minnesota has both rules and statutes. Both are laws that govern Minnesota residents and employers. 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