A durable financial power of attorney remains in force after a person has become incapacitated.  The principal allows a trusted agent to pay bills on his behalf, transfer stock, or tend to a revocable trust’s property.  This power of attorney ends at death.  If you have not properly prepared a durable power of attorney, then a court conservatorship proceeding will be needed.  This is a public court proceeding to determine who may best care for your estate.  This proceeding may be the best course of action in cases where you don’t have a trusted person to administer your finances - a durable power of attorney is subject to abuse and is not reviewed for abuse until long after harmful decisions have been made.  Otherwise, a conservatorship may be a burden because the court appointed conservator must post a bond and make annual accountings to the court.