Durable Power of Attorney Forms

A power of attorney form is a legal document that enables an individual, who is referred to as the principal, to appoint an agent, who is called the attorney-in-fact, to act on their behalf. The agent can handle a broad range of tasks, such as making financial, medical, guardianship, or tax-related decisions, depending on the authorities granted to them.

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Last updated May 20th, 2024

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A power of attorney form is a legal document that enables an individual, who is referred to as the principal, to appoint an agent, who is called the attorney-in-fact, to act on their behalf. The agent can handle a broad range of tasks, such as making financial, medical, guardianship, or tax-related decisions, depending on the authorities granted to them.

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A power of attorney form is a legal document that allows a person (called the agent’) to make decisions, both legally and medically, over the person whom created the document (known as the ‘principal’).

Medical Power of Attorney Forms – PDF

Form Options by State

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas
California Colorado Connecticut Delaware
Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho
Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas
Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland
Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi
Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada
New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York
North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma
Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina

 

Power of Attorney Form Types

  • General – Gives the agent broad powers over the Principal.
  • Limited – Typically for highly specific purposes and/or specific time frames.
  • Durable (most common) – A power of attorney that consists of language that allows the agent to make decisions on behalf of the Principal if in an incapacitated state.
  • Medical – Only allows the agent to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the Principal.
  • Springing – A power of attorney that only comes into effect if a circumstance is triggered.

Where to Get a Power of Attorney Form?

A power of attorney form can be obtained online or by a professional attorney that can customize the language in the form to the Principal’s specific needs.

Obtaining a Power of Attorney Online

  • To be able to choose from templates in multiple formats and customize your power of attorney is more cost-friendly than hiring a professional.
  • Easily fill out the template and download within minutes, especially if one is in an urgent matter.

Obtaining a Power of Attorney Through a Professional Lawyer

  • For situations where the risks are high, inquiring a power of attorney through a professional is recommended.
  • Estate planning usually incorporates an attorney.

What is the Definition of “Power of Attorney”?

Definition by the Uniform Power of Attorney Act:

“A “Power of attorney” is a document that gives an agent the authority to act on behalf of the principal.”

Source: Section 102(7)

Power of Attorney Flow Chart

POA-Flow-Chart

Follow these simple steps when writing a Power of Attorney Form.

Step 1:  Choose an Agent Wisely

Choosing someone to make decisions on your behalf should be someone who you can trust when you need them most.

Step 2: Level of Authority

Outline in writing exactly what you will give your agent powers to do on your behalf.

Step 3: Type of POA Form

Select the POA form that is based on your needs. The most common types are general and limited.

Step 4: Creating the Document

Download free POA template of your choice and fill in the blanks, sign, and get the form notarized.

Step 5: Final Step

Make copies of the signed POA form and give to all members included in the form.

Preview an Example of the Power of Attorney Form PDF Template

Sample:

Power Of Attorney