in alaska what circumstances are necessary for an individual with a power of attorney to use it

by Dr. Columbus Bashirian MD 7 min read

There are many reasons why someone would use an Alaska power of attorney form to give someone the authority to make decisions related to their tangible personal property, financial institution transactions, tax matters, or their well-being. Some of those reasons include: Age, mental health reasons, and illnesses.

Full Answer

What are the limitations of a power of attorney?

Some powers of attorney are limited. For instance, the POA could merely empower someone to represent you at a real estate closing in another city. Also, note that even when a general POA contains no such limiting language, it usually only operates while the person conveying the power, called “the principal,” has full capacity.

Do you need a power of attorney for incapacity?

Incapacity isn't the only reason someone might need a POA, though. Expatriates workers and families need to set a POA for their affairs in America while doing their work overseas. Younger people who travel a great deal might set up a POA so that someone can handle their affairs in their absence, especially if they have no spouse to do so.

Can an already incompetent person grant a durable power of attorney?

Likewise, an already incompetent person cannot grant a durable power of attorney. In the case of gradual incapacitation, such as Alzheimer's disease, an elderly person usually appoints a legal guardian who will take care of them and manage all their affairs after incapacitation.

When does a power of attorney become non-durable?

If the document does not contain language saying the power of attorney is durable, then the power of attorney is considered non-durable and it becomes invalid as soon as the principal becomes incapacitated.

What are your responsibilities if you have power of attorney?

If you are appointed a Power of Attorney, you have a duty to act in the best interest of the person in question, ensuring their financial security and prevent undoing the original agreement.

Does a power of attorney need to be notarized in Alaska?

All power of attorney documents in Alaska must be signed in the presence of a notary public or to (2) witnesses. After the form has been signed, it can be used and must be presented each time the agent performs on behalf of the principal.

Does a special power of attorney need to be notarized?

The general rule is the Special Power of Attorney need not be notarized to be valid but the effect of the notarization of a private document like an SPA is to convert the said document into a public one and renders it admissible in evidence in court without further proof of its authenticity and due execution.

Where can I get power of attorney in Alaska?

The law allows you to fill out this form on your own. This booklet contains general information to assist you. However, if you have questions, please contact an attorney. The Alaska Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service can provide you with a list of attorneys (272-0352 or 1-800-770- 9999 outside Anchorage).

How do you write a living will in Alaska?

Steps to Create a Will in AlaskaDecide what property to include in your will.Decide who will inherit your property.Choose an executor to handle your estate.Choose a guardian for your children.Choose someone to manage children's property.Make your will.Sign your will in front of witnesses.Store your will safely.

How do I revoke power of attorney in Alaska?

How to Write1 – Setting Up The Paperwork. Find the power of attorney document that you would like to cancel and make a photocopy of it. ... 2 – Select the Document Being Revoked. ... 3 – Supply the Required Information. ... 4 – Sign, Notarize, and Present.

What is difference between general power of attorney and special power of attorney?

Difference Between General And Special Power Of Attorney The GPA always confers a general power of performing while the Special power of Attorney confers only a specific power to perform any particular act or task. The GPA covers a wide range of powers and is not restricted to any particular work.

Who can override a power of attorney?

principalA power of attorney (POA) is a legal contract that gives a person (agent) the ability to act on behalf of someone (principal) and make decisions for them. Short answer: The principal who is still of sound mind can always override a power of attorney.

Can a power of attorney transfer money to themselves?

As a general rule, a power of attorney cannot transfer money, personal property, real estate or any other assets from the grantee to himself. Most, if not all, states have laws against this kind of self-dealing. It is generally governed as a fraudulent conveyance (that is, theft by fraud).

What does alternate agent mean?

An alternate agent is someone who can step in if the primary agent named is unable or unwilling to fulfill their POA duties. There is usually an option to name an alternate agent in a power of attorney form, which you can fill out online or under the guidance of an attorney.

What is a power of attorney in Alaska?

Alaska power of attorney allows a person to handle the needs of someone else for financial or medical reasons. All power of attorney documents in Alaska must be signed in the presence of a notary public, except needs for State tax purposes. After the form has been notarized, it can be used and must be presented every time ...

How long can a minor have a power of attorney?

Minor (Child) Power of Attorney – A parent may have another person handle the responsibility of their children with this form for a period of up to one (1) year.

What is limited power of attorney?

Limited (Financial) Power of Attorney – A principal that would like the agent to make decisions, conduct, or manage a clearly defined financial-related act.

What is the power of attorney form for Alaska?

The booklet includes instructions. By using this form, a person can designate an agent to act on his or her behalf regarding a variety of matters. Read More

What is a POA?

A Power of Attorney ( POA) is one type of advance directive that allows you to authorize another person to act on your behalf. POA's are not just for people who are sick or old. If something happened to you and you ended up in the hospital, how would your bills get paid, or your other personal business taken care of? This series goes over the Power of Attorney form, including the options allowed and walks through filling out each section Read More

Can you give instructions for your own health care?

You have the right to give instructions about your own health care. You also have the right to name someone else to make health care decisions for you. This form includes a durable power of attorney for health care, lets you give specific instructions for any aspect of your health care to the extent allowed by law, lets you express an intention to make an anatomical gift following your death, lets you make decisions in advance about certain types of mental health treatment , and lets you designate a physician to have primary responsibility for your health care. Content Detail

What is a power of attorney?

Updated November 27, 2020. A power of attorney is a legal document that gives someone else the rights that you would otherwise have to make decisions for you. You are the principal granting the powers, and the person who receives these powers is called your agent. In Alaska (AK), a power of attorney form is also sometimes referred ...

What happens if you don't state that your power of attorney is durable?

If you don’t state that the power of attorney is durable, it will be automatically revoked if you become incapacitated.

What is the name and address of the principal and agent?

The name and address of the principal and agent (s) The date of execution and the principal’s signature. What powers are given to the agent. When the agent’s powers start and end. If you assign multiple agents, the form must indicate whether they should act jointly or separately to make decisions.

Do you have capacity in Alaska?

You do not have “capacity” when you cannot effectively receive and evaluate information, make decisions, or communicate your health care decisions to your health care professional. As part of your Alaska medical power of attorney, you can allow someone to make all of your health care decisions, or you can limit their ability to address only ...

Can you have a durable power of attorney in Alaska?

A durable power of attorney will remain in effect even if you become incapacitated. As a rule, most powers of attorney documents are not durable in A laska unless you explicitly note within the document that they are durable. PDF Word.

Why do you need a power of attorney?

Choosing someone to hold your power of attorney and specifying that it will operate even if you lose capacity ensures that you have a plan in place for administering your financial and personal affairs if you are ever unable to do so.

Why do you need an attorney to draw up a POA?

Using an attorney to draw up the POA will help ensure that it conforms with state requirements. Since a POA may be questioned if an agent needs to invoke it with a bank or financial services company, you should ask an attorney about prior experience in drafting such powers. You want to select someone not only familiar with state requirements, but also with the issues that can arise when a power is invoked. This way, the attorney can use language that will make clear the full extent of the responsibilities that you wish to convey.

How long does a durable POA last?

A durable POA begins when it is signed but stays in effect for a lifetime unless you initiate the cancellation. Words in the document should specify that your agent's power should stay in effect even if you become incapacitated. Durable POAs are popular because the agent can manage affairs easily and inexpensively.

How does a POA work?

How a Power of Attorney (POA) Works. Certain circumstances may trigger the desire for a power of attorney (POA) for someone over the age of 18. For example, someone in the military might create a POA before deploying overseas so that another person can act on their behalf should they become incapacitated.

What is a POA in 2021?

A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document in which the principal (you) designates another person (called the agent or attorney-in-fact) to act on your behalf. The document authorizes the agent to make either a limited or broader set of decisions. The term "power of attorney" can also refer to the individual designated ...

How to get a POA?

How to Get a Power of Attorney (POA) The first thing to do if you want a power of attorney is to select someone you trust to handle your affairs if and when you cannot. Then you must decide what the agent can do on your behalf, and in what circumstances. For example, you could establish a POA that only happens when you are no longer capable ...

When does a POA come into play?

This POA comes into play only when a specific event occurs—your incapacitation, for instance. A springing power of attorney must be very carefully crafted to avoid any problems in identifying precisely when the triggering event has happened.

What is an example of a power of attorney?

An example would be if someone develops dementia as they age or is unconscious after having been in a car accident. If a valid power of attorney exists prior to the principal’s incapacitation, then the agent has full authority to make decisions on the principal’s behalf, to the extent they were granted in the power of attorney document.

What to do if you are unsure of the meaning of a power of attorney?

If you are at all unsure of the meaning or consequences of signing the document, consult with an attorney to clarify everything first. The attorney will ensure that the document you sign is legally binding and that it conveys all of the powers you want it to, but nothing more. As with any document, the person that is signing and granting power of attorney must have the mental capacity to do so and must know what they are signing, or the document will not be valid.

What is a power of attorney for health care?

Health Care: A health care power of attorney authorizes the agent to make medical decisions on behalf of the principal in the event that the principal is unconscious, or not mentally competent to make their own medical decisions.

Why is a power of attorney important?

A power of attorney is especially important in the event of incapacitation. Someone is considered legally incapacitated when their decision-making skills are either temporarily or permanently impaired due to injury, illness, or a disability.

What to do if you are unsure of the meaning of a document?

If you are at all unsure of the meaning or consequences of signing the document, consult with an attorney to clarify everything first. The attorney will ensure that the document you sign is legally binding and that it conveys all of the powers you want it to, but nothing more. As with any document, the person that is signing and granting power ...

Can a power of attorney be used after a principal's incapacitation?

Important to note is that in order for a power of attorney to remain valid after a principal’s incapacitation, it must be a durable power of attorney. To create a durable power of attorney, specific language confirming that to be the principal’s intent must be included in the document.

Is a power of attorney durable?

If the document does not contain language saying the power of attorney is durable, then the power of attorney is considered non-durable and it becomes invalid as soon as the principal becomes incapacitated.