The One Document Americans Need Now: Power of Attorney

A financial power of attorney is the most useful document because of the possibility that you could be put out of commission for weeks if you fall ill.

There are ways to execute all of these legal documents remotely, at least in states now authorizing electronic notarizations. Jacob Lund/Shutterstock

NEW YORK—If you live in the United States and really want to be prepared for coronavirus, experts say you need a fully executed power of attorney, which designates a trusted person to take over your finances should you become incapacitated.

This is not something most people want to consider right now—or ever, for that matter.