A General (non-durable) Power of Attorney is only valid as long as the Donor is capable of acting for him or herself. A General Power of Attorney will end automatically when the Donor becomes mentally incapacitated or dies.
A Lasting (durable) Power of Attorney will remain in force even if the donor becomes mentally incompetent. The donor must be competent at the time the Lasting Power of Attorney is made. A Lasting Power of Attorney ends automatically when the donor dies or when revoked by the donor. A Lasting Power of Attorney for property or financial affairs will also end upon the bankruptcy of the donor or the donee.