what states do i need a durable power of attorney

The following 28 States have adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act:

State	Year Enacted	Bill
Alabama	2011	SB 53
Arkansas	2011	SB 887
Colorado	2009	HB 09-1198
Colorado	2009	HB 09-1198

Jun 7 2022

Full Answer

Is a power of attorney valid in all states?

Many states have passed legislation accepting what's called a Uniform Power of Attorney, making a document that's valid in one state valid in any of the others. Not all states recognize the Uniform Power of Attorney, though, so you might need to adjust yours to the laws of a specific state. Uniform Power of Attorney Act

What is a durable power of attorney?

What Is a Durable Power of Attorney? What Is a Durable Power of Attorney? When power of attorney is made durable, it remains intact if you cannot make decisions for yourself. A power of attorney (POA) authorizes someone else to handle certain matters, such as finances or health care, on your behalf.

Which states require the principal to sign a power of attorney?

In these states, the major variations between jurisdictions can be seen in the requirements for Every state requires the principal to sign a POA, but California, New York, and Vermont demand that the agent signs as well.

Can a power of attorney be enforced in another state?

Some states have adopted the statutory forms contained in article three of the act, but every state allows POAs that were legally executed in other states to be enforced. If your state of residence has adopted the UPOAA forms, the principal should use them.

How to revoke a power of attorney before it expires?

In order to revoke, cancel, or end a power of attorney before it expires, the principal must sign a revocation of power of attorney and give a copy of the revocation to any person who might have or will possibly deal with the agent.

Why is a successor agent named in a power of attorney?

A successor agent may be named in the power of attorney to prevent it from lapsing if the first named agent dies or is unable to serve. There are various types of powers of attorney; they can be either general, durable or limited. Some states have also adopted a statutory power of attorney.

What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney is a legal document appointing another to act in the maker’s place when the maker is unable to take action personally. The maker is called the principal and the person authorized to act on the principal’s behalf is called the agent or attorney-in-fact. All powers of attorney terminate on the death of the principal. A principal may also revoke the power of attorney at any time as long as he or she is competent. A successor agent may be named in the power of attorney to prevent it from lapsing if the first named agent dies or is unable to serve.

What is a statutory power of attorney?

A statutory power of attorney copies the language in a state statute which includes an example of a form that may be used. State laws vary, but the states that have adopted a statutory form of power of attorney typically allow for other language to be used as long as it complies with the state law. A power of attorney may be created ...

Why give a copy of a revocation?

Giving a copy of the revocation to people the former attorney-in-fact dealt with is to avoid an apparent authority situation. A person has apparent authority as an agent when the principal, by his words or conduct ( e.g., having granted power of attorney to former attorney-in-fact), leads a third person to reasonably believe ...

Where should a revoked power of attorney be recorded?

If a principal revokes a power of attorney that is recorded in the real estate records of a county, a revocation of that power of attorney should also be recorded in the real estate records .

Can a spouse be a guardian without a power of attorney?

Without a power of attorney, a spouse, parent or other interested party must petition the appropriate court to be appointed as guardian or conservator of the incapacitated person, which can be a time-consuming and expensive process.

Why do we need a durable powers of attorney?

Durable powers of attorney help you plan for medical emergencies and declines in mental functioning and can ensure that your finances are taken care of. Having these documents in place helps eliminate confusion and uncertainty when family members have to make tough medical decisions.

What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney allows someone else to handle your legal, financial, or medical matters. General powers of attorney cover a wide range of transactions, while limited powers of attorney cover only specific situations, such as authorizing a car dealer to register your new vehicle for you.

What does POA stand for in power of attorney?

When power of attorney is made durable, it remains intact if you cannot make decisions for yourself. A power of attorney (POA) authorizes someone else to handle certain matters, such as finances or health care, on your behalf. If a power of attorney is durable, it remains in effect if you become incapacitated, such as due to illness or an accident. ...

What is the purpose of a durable POA?

The purpose of a durable POA is to plan for medical emergencies, cognitive decline later in life, or other situations where you're no longer capable of making decisions.

What can an attorney in fact do?

An attorney-in-fact can handle many types of transactions, including: Buying and selling property. Managing bank accounts, bills, and investments. Filing tax returns. Applying for government benefits. If you become incapacitated and don't have a general durable power of attorney, your family may have to go to court and have you declared incompetent ...

What is a power of attorney for healthcare?

A healthcare power of attorney, on the other hand, names someone to make medical decisions any time you are unable to do it yourself, even if you are expected to make a full recovery.

Can a POA be effective if you are incapacitated?

The POA can take effect immediately or can become effective only if you are incapacitated. The person you appoint is known as your agent, or attorney-in-fact, although the individual or company doesn't have to be a lawyer. An attorney-in-fact can handle many types of transactions, including: Buying and selling property.

What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney is an instrument containing an authorization for one to act as the agent of the principal that terminates at some point in the future either by its terms or by operation of law such as death of the principal or agent. They are also called letters of attorney. The person appointed is usually called an Attorney-in-Fact. A power of attorney which does not provide for a successor attorney-in-fact to be appointed will terminate at the death of the attorney-in-fact. The person making the power of attorney appointment is called the principal. A power of attorney can be general, durable or limited. Some states have adopted a statutory power of attorney. Other specific types of power of attorneys include: Health Care Power of Attorney, Power of Attorney for Care and Custody of Children, Power of Attorney for Real Estate matters and Power of Attorney for the Sale of a Motor Vehicle. Power of attorney requirements vary by state, but typically are signed by the principal and need to be witnessed and notarized.

What is the name of the person appointed to a power of attorney?

The person appointed is usually called an Attorney-in-Fact. A power of attorney which does not provide for a successor attorney-in-fact to be appointed will terminate at the death of the attorney-in-fact. The person making the power of attorney appointment is called the principal. A power of attorney can be general, durable or limited.

Do you need a power of attorney to be notarized?

Power of attorney requirements vary by state, but typically are signed by the principal and need to be witnessed and notarized . Law relating to power of attorney varies from state to state. The laws of some of the states relating to power of attorney can be found at the following links.

Is there a durable power of attorney for multiple states?

My mom owns property in several states and we now need a durable power of attorney.

Answers

Generally speaking, a Power of Attorney that is validly executed in one state is valid as a durable Power of Attorney is all states. The requirements in all states are different but to be on the safe side, assume that the document should be notarized and witnessed to deal with transactions involving the conveyance of real property.

What is the purpose of the Uniform Power of Attorney Act?

Its goal is to set out a single, standard law covering powers of attorney, so that residents of each state – whether they wish to grant a power of attorney, or have been asked to act as an agent – can clearly understand their duties, obligations, and protections. Just over half of the states have either adopted the UPOAA, or have introduced bills to do so.#N#Read More: Power of Attorney Rules

What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney is a document giving one person, called the agent, authority to handle the affairs of another person, called the principal. Many states have passed legislation accepting what's called a Uniform Power of Attorney, making a document that's valid in one state valid in any of the others. Not all states recognize the Uniform Power of ...

Is a power of attorney valid in other states?

If the power of attorney is valid in the state where it's written and signed, and that state has passed legislation to adopt the the UPOAA, then it is also valid in every other state that adheres to the UPOAA. The named agent can carry out any action covered by the powers granted in the power of attorney document, just as if the action took place in the originating state. This also holds true if either the principal or the agent moves, after drafting the Power of Attorney document. As long as both parties still live in states using the UPOAA, the agreement is still valid. However, the document should be updated to reflect any new addresses.

Can a named agent carry out a power of attorney?

The named agent can carry out any action covered by the powers granted in the power of attorney document, just as if the action took place in the originating state. This also holds true if either the principal or the agent moves, after drafting the Power of Attorney document.

Is a power of attorney good in another state?

Whether your power of attorney is good in another state will depend upon the laws of your state and the laws of the foreign state in which you're trying to enforce it.

What is durable power of attorney?

A durable power of attorney is the most common document of its kind, and the coverage afforded by the form is sweeping. It allows the agent to make financial, business and legal decisions on behalf of a principal, and the durability aspect extends the agent’s powers to during an event of incapacitation.

How long do powers stay in effect?

Once powers have been granted, they will remain in effect until their powers are revoked, the contract expires (if an expiration date exists), or until the principal expires. Here’s a list of common matters for which an agent may be responsible to maintain on behalf of the principal: Banking – Deposits and withdrawals.

What is the difference between an agent and a principal?

Principal – the person handing over decision-making powers. Agent – the chosen individual to manage affairs, usually someone the principal deeply trusts , such as a close family member (also called an “attorney in fact”) Incapacitation – when the principal is no longer able to make decisions for themselves .

What does it mean if you don't have a POA?

The absence of a durable and/or medical POA can mean that family members will not be able to access accounts to pay for healthcare, taxes, insurance, utilities, and other important matters, and they won’t have clear instructions as to how to care for you if you should be faced with incapacitation.

What do I need for an estate plan?

What Else Do I Need for My Estate Plan? 1 Living Will – usually paired with a medical power of attorney. If this form isn’t included, you’ll want to create one as it puts your medical wishes into writing. 2 Last Will and Testament – designates who gets what upon your passing

Why does the principal have no say in who is appointed?

First, the principal has no say in who is appointed, because appointment will happen after an event of incapacitation. Often, the court will choose a single conservator to handle both financial and medical matters. Second, the process is costly, lengthy, and very draining and stressful for all involved.

What is a living will?

Living Will – usually paired with a medical power of attorney. If this form isn’t included, you’ll want to create one as it puts your medical wishes into writing. Last Will and Testament – designates who gets what upon your passing.