Name: Power of Attorney Form
SKU: 4639
Price: 120.00 EUR
Availability: InStock

What is Power of Attorney?

Power of attorney is the legal authority to act for someone else. An individual (the “principal”) chooses another person (the “agent” or “attorney-in-fact”) to have the power to make certain decisions for them.

For example, elderly or sick parents may give power of attorney to a child or loved one, so this trusted person can carry out their financial affairs, handle estate planning, and make medical decisions if they become unable to (e.g., if they get dementia or become terminally ill).

How Do I Get Power of Attorney?

Here’s how to obtain power of attorney:

First, the principal decides whether they want to give someone power of attorney, and if so, who do they want their agent to be. At this stage, it’s important for both parties to communicate fully, and for the principal to understand the consequences of giving legal power to a representative.
Next, the principal defines what the power of attorney is for, and whether it is general, medical, or for specific tasks. They also need to clarify when they wish the agent to start (and stop) acting on their behalf.
To set up power of attorney, both parties fill out a power of attorney form and sign.

Where Can I Get a Power of Attorney Form?

You can get a power of attorney form from the following places:

your state government offices or websites (e.g., the Department of Health Services)
your lawyer
our selection of state-specific power of attorney forms
our online power of attorney form builder

You can also pick up a power of attorney form from your local bank. Many banks and financial institutions have durable power of attorney forms available.

2. How to Fill Out a Blank Power of Attorney Form

Follow these steps to learn how to write a power of attorney form using our general/financial power of attorney document as an example, and complete all your power of attorney paperwork by yourself without hiring a lawyer:

Step 1: Designate an Agent

First, write your name and address at the top of the general power of attorney form (you are the principal). Then, write the name and address of the trusted individual you choose to be your agent/attorney-in-fact.

On this part of the form, you can also nominate a second person to be your agent if the first is unwilling or unable to.

Step 2: Grant General Authority and Specific Authority

The second part of the document allows you to choose which powers you give your agent and decide which decisions they can make for you.

First, write your initials next to the subjects you’d like to give general authority over, allowing your agent to make overall decisions on your behalf:

Next, initial the subjects you’d like to give specific authority over. This means that your agent cannot handle these important and sensitive affairs unless you initial them here:

Underneath, you can also include special instructions. For example, explaining how you want to limit the power you are giving to your agent.

Step 3: Set the Duration of Power of Attorney

Our general/financial power of attorney form lets you decide whether the power of authority stops if you become incapacitated and unable to make decisions, or if it continues after.

On the form under “Termination,” choose regular (non-durable) or durable:

If the power of attorney is non-durable, you can also nominate a guardian in advance to handle your affairs if you become incapacitated. This step is unnecessary if the power of attorney is durable.

Step 4: Sign the Power of Attorney Form

The final step is to sign and date your POA paperwork.

Depending on your state, the power of attorney may need to be signed by up to 2 witnesses and/or a notary.

3. Frequently Asked Questions About Power of Attorney

What is a Power of Attorney Form?

A power of attorney form is a document you can use to give a person you trust “power of attorney,” and the authority to make important legal decisions on your behalf.

You’ll sometimes see this form referred to as a letter of attorney, or a power of attorney letter. The abbreviation POA is also commonly used.

Does a Power of Attorney Need to be Notarized?

Yes, a power of attorney needs to be notarized. In many states, a power of attorney form needs to be notarized by a notary public to be legally binding. Check your state laws to find out if your form needs to be notarized before you can give power of attorney to an agent.

How Do I Revoke Power of Attorney?

You revoke power of attorney by:

preparing a revocation of power of attorney
destroying the POA document (and its copies) that you wish to revoke
following any termination procedures mentioned in the POA document

You can revoke power of attorney at any time (as long as you are legally competent). You should also notify banks, businesses, and other institutions affected by the revocation.

Does Power of Attorney End at Death?

Yes, power of attorney ends at death.

You can’t use a power of attorney after death because it expires when the principal dies. At this point, a last will and testament becomes effective.Does Power of Attorney Expire?

Yes, power of attorney expires.

You can set the date that power of attorney finishes when completing the form. If an expiration date is not written on the document, the power of attorney expires when either:

the principal dies
the principal becomes incapacitated (unless the POA is durable)
the agent dies or is declared legally incompetent and no alternate agent is named in the POA

Can a Power of Attorney be Changed Without Consent?

No, a power of attorney cannot be changed without consent. The principal must agree to change the powers given to the agent, and then create a new power of attorney.

Can a Power of Attorney Change a Will?

No, a power of attorney cannot change a will. A POA gives an agent authority to make legal decisions on behalf of the principal that are in their best interest, but it doesn’t override a last will and testament.