The following are examples of other circumstances under which a power of attorney document is no longer valid: The principal, who is mentally competent, chooses to revoke the power of attorney.

A financial power of attorney can be a powerful tool in your estate planning tool belt. But if you don't take careful consideration when creating this document, you could face serious consequences.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was originally published in the June 2009 issue of Kiplinger's Retirement Report. To subscribe, click here. You may think you have nothing in common with the late ...