What is the purpose of a 'power of attorney'?

The purpose of a 'power of attorney' is to provide authority for one person to act on behalf of another. This legal document allows an individual (the principal) to designate another person (the agent or attorney-in-fact) to make decisions and take actions in various matters, such as financial transactions, legal decisions, or medical choices, depending on the scope defined in the document.

The primary function of a power of attorney is to ensure that someone can responsibly manage the affairs of the principal when they are unable to do so themselves, whether due to incapacitation or absence. This arrangement is crucial for ensuring that one's interests are maintained even when they cannot participate directly in decision-making.

The other choices address different legal concepts: appointing a lawyer to represent a client in court pertains to legal representation, drafting a last will and testament involves estate planning, and creating a financial budget for an estate relates to financial management rather than the delegation of authority. Each of these concepts serves a distinct purpose that does not align with the primary function of a power of attorney.