Power of Attorney Form

Key Elements of a Power of Attorney

• Specifies the granting of authority to the agent from the principal to act on their behalf.
• Lists the powers of the agent, which can include managing finances or making important healthcare decisions, as well as any restrictions.
• Specifies the dates when the agent’s authority begins and ends or if it ends after completing a specific task.
• Explains if the power of attorney stays in effect if you (the principal) become incapacitated.
• Includes necessary elements such as signatures, statements, and notarizations if needed.

Power of Attorney Documents by State

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• District of Columbia
• 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
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Types of Power of Attorney

Depending on your needs and circumstances, one power of attorney form may be better than another. Below are the main types of POA documents that you can create:

• General power of attorney: Grants authority over matters related to finances, business, property, or other legal matters.
• Durable power of attorney: Stays in effect if the principal becomes incapacitated; however, durability does not allow the agent to continue acting after the principal’s death.
• Limited power of attorney: Allows agents to perform a specific task for a defined period, such as for real estate transactions.
• Springing power of attorney: Takes effect only after a specified event and is typically a determination that the principal is incapacitated.
• Financial power of attorney: Authorizes an agent to manage financial tasks, such as paying bills, filing taxes, managing property, or handling bank accounts.
• Medical power of attorney: Gives an agent the authority to make healthcare decisions if the principal becomes unable to make or communicate their choices.

What Is a Power of Attorney (POA)?

A power of attorney is a legal document that you can use to authorize another individual, known as an agent or attorney-in-fact, to act on your behalf.

The power granted depends on the terms of the power of attorney document. The agent may be allowed to manage a single transaction, manage a number of financial matters, or make critical healthcare choices. However, the agent cannot act beyond the permissions granted by the power of attorney document.

The principal can still make their own decisions even if the POA form has been signed and they have the mental capacity. The principal must also have the legal capacity to sign the document.

What Is the Purpose of a Power of Attorney?

The main reason to use a POA is to let you decide who can act for you and establish exactly what that individual is allowed to do. The document can provide practical support during travel, military deployment, illness, surgery, limited mobility, or planning for long-term incapacity.

Depending on the type of power of attorney you created, it can help you:

• Authorize someone to pay bills or manage your finances.
• Complete a property, vehicle, or business transaction in your place.
• Manage taxes, insurance, investments, or government benefits.
• Arrange for someone to make healthcare decisions if you cannot speak.
• Set limits on the agent's authority.
• Name a successor agent in the event your first choice is unable to serve.

How to Get a Power of Attorney

You can create a power of attorney online by filling out Lumr’s power of attorney template and following the steps below.

1. 1

   Select the correct state and POA type

   Choose the POA template that corresponds to your state, then select if it will be general, limited, or another type of form.

2. 2

   Choose your agent

   Appoint an adult you trust to follow your instructions, protect your interests, and keep accurate records. You may also name a successor agent in case your first choice cannot or can no longer serve. If you appoint co-agents, mention if they can act separately or must act together.

3. 3

   Define the agent’s powers

   Specify which decisions and transactions your agent can be in charge of. You can grant broad authority or limit the agent to particular accounts, assets, or tasks. Powers involving gifts, trusts, beneficiary changes, or transfers to the agent may need to be expressly authorized.

4. 4

   Set the effective date and duration

   Decide if the authority begins immediately or after a specified event, such as incapacity. Also specify if the POA is durable and identify any expiration date.

5. 5

   Complete the power of attorney form

   Use Lumr’s online power of attorney template to provide every party’s information, granted powers, restrictions, and relevant dates. Then review the form carefully and have it reviewed by a legal professional if you need extra support.

6. 6

   Sign the document

   Sign the document according to your state’s requirements. As the principal, you may need to sign before a notary, witnesses, or both, depending on your state’s law.

7. 7

   Store and distribute copies

   Once signed, keep the original document in a safe place. Give copies to the agent and any relevant banks, healthcare providers, or institutions. Make sure to also review your POA after any major life changes such as marriage or relocation.