if something were to happen to you, and you could no longer handle financial matters, you would want someone else to be able to fill in for you.” when you’re away from home or you’re temporarily unavailable, a power of attorney gives another person the authority to sign documents or act on your behalf. a general power of attorney grants someone broad legal authority to act on your behalf. if you don’t feel comfortable granting someone a general power of attorney — or if you don’t need to grant someone a general power of attorney — you can give them a limited power of attorney.