Power of Attorney Form

• General — broad authority over financial and legal affairs; ends if the principal becomes incapacitated
• Durable — the same authority, but it stays in effect if the principal loses capacity
• Limited (special) — authority for one task or period, such as closing a home sale while abroad
• Springing — takes effect only when a stated event occurs, usually a doctor's finding of incapacity
• Healthcare — authority over medical decisions; a separate document in most states

The agent owes the principal a fiduciary duty: to act in the principal's best interest, keep funds separate, and keep records. Choose someone trustworthy, organized, and willing to serve. Naming a successor agent avoids a gap if the first choice cannot act.

Co-agents are allowed, but requiring both to sign every transaction can slow urgent matters. Many principals name one agent with a successor instead.

Execution requirements are strict and state-specific. Most states require notarization, and some also require one or two witnesses. Banks and title companies routinely reject powers of attorney that were not signed with the formalities their state requires.

If the agent will handle real estate, the document usually must be notarized and recorded with the county where the property sits.

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Easy Legal AI is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or attorney representation. This page and the documents it creates are self-help tools. Laws differ by state and change over time — for a high-value dispute or an unusual situation, have a licensed attorney in your state review the document before you rely on it.