DPOA is the document you sign while you can. Guardianship is the court process that happens when you didn't. One costs $500. The other costs $5,000 and takes months. The contrast between the two is the cheapest legal lesson in eldercare.
| Durable Power of Attorney | Guardianship / Conservatorship | |
|---|---|---|
| When you set it up | Anytime, while competent | After incapacity, in court |
| Who decides who acts for you | You | A judge |
| Cost to set up | $300-$1,500 for a comprehensive package | $3,000-$10,000+ |
| Time to set up | A week | 2-6 months |
| Public record | No | Yes |
| Authority covers | Whatever you grant — narrow or broad | Whatever the court orders, often everything |
| Can be revoked by | You, while competent | Court order only |
| Annual reporting required | No | Yes — annual accounting to court |
Tell us what's going on. We'll help you sort the right next move — without the sales pitch.
Get a real opinionDepends on the type. Springing DPOAs activate only on incapacity (which then must be proven). Immediate DPOAs are effective on signing — most lawyers recommend immediate, with the document held until needed.
Yes, anytime while competent. In writing, signed, sent to anyone relying on the old version.
Then it's too late for DPOA. You'll need guardianship. Talk to an elder-law attorney immediately — the longer you wait, the more decisions get made by people without authority.