how to tell if a power of attorney document is valid

In many states, a power of attorney must be notarized. The presence of a notary's stamp and signature is usually enough evidence that the power is a legitimate document. If you're concerned, run an internet search for the notary and ask him or her to verify that the stamp on the document is the notary's official seal.

Full Answer

Does a power of attorney need to be recorded in Florida?

A Power of Attorney, like a Trust, does not need to be registered or recorded in the public records in order to be effective. It does have to be in writing, signed, witnessed and notarized.

Does a power of attorney need to be recorded in Virginia?

A POA used for real estate purposes may need to be recorded: Virginia Code § 64.2- 1603 provides that “in order to be recordable [a POA] shall satisfy the requirements of § 55-106.” Recordation requirements as set forth in Virginia Code § 17.1-223 may require the surnames of the Principal and Agent be capitalized and ...

How long does a power of attorney last in Florida?

But as a general rule, a durable power of attorney does not have a fixed expiration date. Of course, as the principal, you are free to set an expiration date if that suits your particular needs. More commonly, if you want to terminate an agent's authority under a power of attorney, you are free to do so at any time.

How long is a power of attorney good for in Arizona?

In Arizona, powers of attorney do not have an automatic expiration date after five, ten, or twenty years. Unless you choose to put one in the document, they will last for the remainder of your life. Your agent only ceases to have signing power when you die.

What makes a POA valid in Virginia?

A power of attorney executed in the Commonwealth on or after July 1, 2010, is valid if its execution complies with § 64.2-1603. B. A power of attorney executed in the Commonwealth before July 1, 2010, is valid if its execution complied with the law of the Commonwealth as it existed at the time of execution.

How long does a power of attorney last in VA?

In Virginia, your power of attorney is automatically durable (meaning that it remains effective after your incapacitation) unless the document explicitly states otherwise. (Va. Code § 64.2-1602.)

Can a family member override a power of attorney?

If the agent is acting improperly, family members can file a petition in court challenging the agent. If the court finds the agent is not acting in the principal's best interest, the court can revoke the power of attorney and appoint a guardian.

Can power of attorney sell property before death in Florida?

Yes. If the Florida Power of Attorney authorizes the sale of the principal's homestead, the attorney-in-fact may sell it. If the principal is married, however, the attorney-in-fact must obtain the authorization of the spouse.

Does power of attorney override a will?

Can a Power of Attorney change a will? It's always best to make sure you have a will in place – especially when appointing a Power of Attorney. Your attorney can change an existing will, but only if you're not 'of sound mind' and are incapable to do it yourself. As ever, these changes should be made in your interest.

Does a power of attorney have to be recorded in Arizona?

The Power of Attorney does not need to be filed with the Court. Each person who is made your Agent should keep the original of his or her Power of Attorney form in a convenient place so that it can be located easily when needed.

Does a POA need to be notarized in Arizona?

In Arizona, in addition to other legal requirements, a health care power of attorney must be signed and either notarized or witnessed in writing by a person who affirms they were present at the signing and that the person signing the document appeared to be of sound mind and free from duress.

How often do you have to renew a power of attorney?

You should update your durable power of attorney at least every 10 years, if not sooner.

Does Virginia have a statutory power of attorney?

Virginia has adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act, Va Code § 65.2-1600 et seq. “Power of attorney” means a writing or other record that grants authority to an agent to act in the place of the principal, whether or not the term power of attorney is used.

Can a family member override a power of attorney?

If the agent is acting improperly, family members can file a petition in court challenging the agent. If the court finds the agent is not acting in the principal's best interest, the court can revoke the power of attorney and appoint a guardian.

What can a POA do and not do?

The POA cannot change or invalidate your Will or any other Estate Planning documents. The POA cannot change or violate the terms of the nominating documents -- otherwise they can be held legally responsible for fraud or negligence. The POA cannot act outside of the Principal's best interest.

How do you revoke a power of attorney in Virginia?

If you are competent and wish to revoke a power of attorney, you will need to send a signed notarized letter revoking the power of attorney to every place your agent used the power of attorney, as well as every place the agent might use the power of attorney.

How to verify a power of attorney?

Verify the authenticity of the power of attorney document presented to you. In many states, a power of attorney must be notarized. The presence of a notary's stamp and signature is usually enough evidence that the power is a legitimate document. If you're concerned, run an internet search for the notary and ask him or her to verify that the stamp on the document is the notary's official seal. Contacting witnesses is another avenue to explore. Often, powers of attorney bear the signature of an independent witness who watched the principal sign the power. See if you can contact the witness – the address should be written beneath the witness's signature – and ask if she remembers attending the signing.

Where to check power of attorney?

Check the power of attorney records at the register or recorder of deeds in the county where the individual who created the instrument resides. In some states a power of attorney can be filed with the register or recorder of deeds. However, this is not the common practice today.

What happens if a power of attorney is not authentic?

If a power of attorney does not appear authentic to you, and you cannot independently verify its authentic ity, do not transact business with the purported agent. If the power of attorney turns out to be fraudulent, you can be held liable for any losses sustained by the alleged grantor through the transaction.

What is a notary signature line?

Types of Notarial Acts. A power of attorney is an instrument that a person uses to grant authority to an agent to act on his or her behalf. The two different types of instruments are health care and financial powers of attorneys. A third party preparing to transact business or take action in reliance on a power ...

What does a third party need to know about a power of attorney?

A third party preparing to transact business or take action in reliance on a power of attorney needs to verify who really does have authority under such an instrument to make decisions for another person.

Who is the grantor of a power of attorney?

The grantor is the individual who drafted and executed the power of attorney. Though this might seem to defeat the purpose of designating an agent to act on behalf of a grantor via a power of attorney, the typical grantor appreciates a third party taking the time to confirm the authenticity of a power of attorney.

Do you have to review the original power of attorney?

A duly authorized agent named in a power of attorney should have the original instrument in his or her possession. If you are being asked to take action by an individual contending he or she is an agent authorized to make decisions through a power of attorney, you must review the original instrument.

How to tell if a LPA is registered?

You can tell if an LPA is registered by looking at the front page (reproduced here) of the document. Every version of a registered LPA will have a perforated stamp at the bottom of the front page, saying ‘Validated’. A stamp or box – or both – on the front page of the form will also show the date of registration.

What is the LPA form called?

Each version of the LPA includes one form for decisions about health and welfare (also called ‘personal welfare’ on the LPA PW form) and another for decisions about property and financial affairs (also called ‘property and affairs’ on the LPA PA form).

When did OPG release LPA forms?

OPG has released 3 versions of LPA forms since 2007, when they were introduced. You can find the version number of each form at the bottom of the front page.

What is an LPA?

An LPA is a legal instrument allowing someone (the ‘attorney’) to make decisions for another person (the ‘donor’) because that person lacks mental capacity or for another reason. LPAs must always be registered by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) before they can be used.

How many versions of LPA are there?

The 3 versions of the LPA, all shown on this page, are:

Is an LPA longer than a sample?

Note that an actual LPA will be longer than these samples. Always make sure you have the entire document when using or receiving an LPA, and verify the name of the donor and of the attorney (s) within the document. Some LPAs will also state specific powers for attorneys, or impose certain limits, beyond the general authority that standard LPAs provide.