when deeds are transferred through the power-of-attorney law in georgia, that legal document

by Beau Halvorson DVM 3 min read

The person named as agent (usually a spouse or other family member) can use the power of attorney to sign the real estate documents—including the deed —without opening a guardianship or conservatorship or otherwise obtaining court permission. Signing a deed with a power of attorney requires special care to ensure that the deed is worded correctly.

Full Answer

Who can sign a deed with a power of attorney?

A power of attorney is a legal document that authorizes one person, called an agent, to act on behalf of another person, called a principal. The agent owes a fiduciary duty to the principal. This means that the agent can only take actions for benefit the principal and should generally refrain from actions that benefit the agent personally.

What are the laws for power of attorney in Georgia?

Nov 09, 2021 · Property sale through power of attorney is an arrangement, which primarily is entered into by two parties with an aim to short-change the law. The increasing use of this method coincided with the growth in the property market, starting in the 1990s. So much so, that the Supreme Court (SC) was forced to take cognisance of the matter, and eventually passed a …

Can a power of attorney be used to transfer real estate?

Apr 15, 2019 · Alternatively, a POA can be made to take effect when the principal becomes disabled. This is a springing power of attorney. The vesting language on the deed transfers the real estate from the grantor the actual current owner, not the agent to the new owner, the grantee. The agent writes the actual owner’s name, and then signs the agent’s own name with the …

Can a notary notarize a power of attorney in Georgia?

When must legal documents be executed with the same formal requirements applied to the deed? When deeds are transferred through the power of attorney law in Georgia How does a manufactured home become real property in Georgia?

Does a deed have to be recorded to be valid in Georgia?

AS OF JULY 1, 2015: For a deed to be recorded, Georgia law requires that it be signed by the maker (grantor), attested by an officer as provided in O.C.G.A. 44-2-15, and attested by one other witness.

Which three documents must be filed with the Georgia Land Office to create a condominium community?

Which three documents must be filed with the Georgia Land Office to create a condominium community? Plat, floor plans and declarative statement.

How do I file a deed in Georgia?

Requirements to be filedThe deed must describe the real property, full legal description.Name the party/parties transferring the property (grantor)Name the party/parties receiving the property (grantee)Be signed and notarized by the grantor with a witness.

Which of the following statements most accurately describes the full provisions of adverse possession laws in Georgia?

Which of the following statements MOST accurately describes the full provisions of adverse possession laws in Georgia? The answer is the law might be used by a trespasser to claim title, as well as by a presumed homeowner to perfect a flawed title.

Who owns the property in a time share estate?

Who owns the property in a time-share estate? The property is owned by tenants in common or by a freehold owner who leases on a time-share basis. 9.

What is the Georgia property Owners association Act?

The Georgia Property Owners' Association Act (GPOAA), O.C.G.A. §44-3-220, et. seq., governs formation, management, powers, and operation of applicable associations, is Georgia's law specifically applying to homeowners associations.

How do you transfer ownership of a house in Georgia?

Here are the steps to completing a deed transfer in Georgia:Names the Current Owner and New Owner.Contains a Description of the Property.Signed by Current Owner.Two Witnesses: Unofficial Witness & Notary Public.Complete a PT-61, Transfer Tax Form.Record Deed in County Real Estate Records.

How do I get a copy of my deed in Georgia?

Request a copy of your deed in the County where your land is located. All deeds must be recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court. Many deeds are available online by accessing the local Clerk of Superior Court website.May 3, 2016

How do I transfer a deed after death in Georgia?

Georgia law governs estate property transfers after someone dies. A court-approved executor holds a probated estate's assets and transfers them by executor's deed to beneficiaries named in the decedent's will.Jan 22, 2022

What is it called when you own the house but not the land?

Under a ground lease, tenants own their building, but not the land it's built on. Since this is a lesser-known type of leasing structure, here's a primer on ground leases for real estate investors.Jan 18, 2020

What are the 5 requirements for adverse possession?

A typical adverse possession statute requires that the following elements be met:Open and Notorious. The person seeking adverse possession must occupy a parcel of land in a manner that is open and obvious. ... Exclusive. ... Hostile. ... Statutory Period. ... Continuous and Uninterrupted.Dec 3, 2021

Which of the following is not required for a deed to be valid?

Which of the following is not required for a deed to be valid? Signature of the grantee.

The Grantor’S Name in The Vesting Paragraph

The vesting paragraph is the portion of the deed that contains the language that transfers the real estate from the current owner (grantor) to the...

The Grantor’S Name on The Signature Line (How to Sign The Deed)

The signature line is the place where the grantor signs the deed. It usually includes a blank line for the handwritten signature, with the name of...

The Grantor’S Name in The Notary Acknowledgment

The last place that the grantor’s name appears is in the notary acknowledgment. The acknowledgment is the place where a notary public certifies tha...

Extra Steps to Ensure That The Power of Attorney Is Accepted

Even though a power of attorney can be used to convey real estate, title insurance companies are not required to accept the power of attorney. If t...

What is GPA?

GPA is the general power of attorney, executed by a person, for the purpose of getting generic works performed by his representative.

What is SPA?

SPA is a special power of attorney, which is executed by a person for getting a specific task performed by his representative.

Which law governs power of attorney in India?

Power of attorney is mentioned in the Powers of Attorney Act, 1882 and the Indian Stamp Act, 1899.

What is a GPA power of attorney?

While a general power of attorney (GPA) gives an agent the rights to perform routine tasks on one’s behalf, a special power of attorney (SPA) is granted in order to get specific tasks accomplished. “While a GPA grants broad powers to a representative, an SPA talks about a specific act that the representative can carry out, ...

What is POA in India?

These legislations defined POA as an instrument empowering a specified person to act on behalf of the person executing the transaction. Basically, a person gives another person the legal right to present himself as his ...

What is the Supreme Court ruling in Suraj Lamp vs Haryana?

In a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court, while delivering its judgment in the Suraj Lamp & Industries Pvt Limited vs the State of Haryana case, ruled that property transactions carried out by way of PoA do not hold legal validity.

Is real estate a preferred asset?

Historically, real estate has been one of the preferred asset classes, to park unaccounted money. Over time, numerous ways were invented, to make the investment appear legal, including sale and purchase of property through power of attorney (PoA). The increasing use of this method coincided with the growth in the property market, ...

What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney enables an agent (also called the attorney-in-fact ) to conduct transactions on another person’s behalf. The POA document often appears in the world of real estate transactions. A person (called the principal ) might require a stand-in to sign financial documents, on account of absence or disability.

When does a POA take effect?

The agent signs the POA document, or a separate certification, as required by state law. A durable power of attorney takes effect upon its signing, and continues notwithstanding a finding of the principal’s mental incapacity or infirmity after its execution. Alternatively, a POA can be made to take effect when the principal becomes disabled.

How long does a POA last?

A durable POA lasts until the principal revokes it – or dies . The closing will fail if the homeowner dies before the agent signs the closing documents. At that point the estate takes over the property. Paperwork signed by the agent will need to be done over.

What is an interested person?

Simply stated, an agent owes a duty of loyalty to the principal, and must always act in the principal’s best interests. Moreover, agents should avoid taking actions that directly or indirectly benefit themselves.

Can a POA be challenged?

When an adult child uses a parent’s POA and conveys the family home as a gift, the deed’s validity could be challenged if the POA lacks language allowing gifts of real estate. Familiarize yourself with county and state rules. Typically, the county recorder of deeds receives the POA document attached to the deed.

What is the fiduciary duty of an agent?

The agent must adhere to fiduciary duties according to a reasonableness standard. Courts apply this standard to determine whether an abuse of power has occurred based on an agent’s unreasonable conduct.

Can a principal revoke a POA?

A principal who is sound of mind may revoke the POA at any time. (A court can revoke a POA for a person who is not sound of mind.) When dealing with a real estate transaction, the principal should send a written notice of revocation to the agent.

What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney is a legal document whereby one person, called the “agent," is given authority to act on behalf of another person, called the “principal." To understand POAs, you should be familiar with a few terms and concepts:

What is a POA in Georgia?

Georgia Financial POA Basics. The Georgia law covering financial POAs is found in the Uniform Power of Attorney Act, found in Title 10, Chapter 6B, of the Official Code of Georgia. A POA must meet all four of the following basic requirements for a power of attorney in Georgia: It must be signed by the principal.

Does Georgia have advance directives?

The Georgia legislature has created a suggested Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care. The principal must sign and date the form in the presence of two witnesses, who must also sign the form. It does not need to be notarized. This form may be found in the Official Code of Georgia, Title 31, Chapter 32, Section 31-32-4.

What is a POA?

A POA that continues in effect after the principal becomes incapacitated. Springing power of attorney. A POA that only becomes effective if the principal becomes incapacitated. Healthcare power of attorney. A POA that allows your agent to make decisions about your medical treatment if you are unable to make or communicate decisions.

Can a notary be a witness?

The notary may not be a witness. The principal, witnesses, anyone signing for the principal, and notary must all be present when they sign. Obtaining a power of attorney in Georgia has been made somewhat easy since the Georgia legislature has created standardized forms for both financial and healthcare POAs.

What happens when you sign a grant deed?

This is why when you sign a grant deed, you must sign using your own name and then add "on behalf" of the person who granted you the power of attorney. For example, if your name is Jack Smith and John Doe granted you power of attorney, you would sign all documents "Jack Smith on behalf of John Doe." A notary public will require two forms of identification on a grant deed transferring property. Some states like California require a thumbprint if a deed involves transferring property.

Where to record a grant deed?

All transfer deeds, such as a grant deed, issued by you acting with power of attorney must be recorded at your local county recorder of the property's location. This is to provide public notice that a change in ownership occurred with your property. All real estate ownership is part of the public record, which includes your recording information. If you don't record the grant deed, it is not enforceable. This means that if someone records a transfer on the property before you recorded your grant deed, the other deed would have priority even if it is signed at a later date than your grant deed.

What is limited power of attorney?

A limited power of attorney specifies the specific acts that the person holding the power of attorney may sign. For example, a limited power of attorney may limit the holder to signing or negotiating on behalf of a single piece of property. A general power of attorney allows the holder to act on behalf of another person in all matters.

Is a transfer of property taxable?

A transfer might also trigger a taxable event with the federal and state tax authorities if the transfer is not between related parties. Contact your tax professional or attorney to see if this is the case. Your tax professional will also advise you as to your basis in the property received for purposes of future tax.

What does a tax professional do?

Your tax professional will also advise you as to your basis in the property received for purposes of future tax. For example, if you grant property to yourself from an unrelated party with a valid power of attorney, your standing on the property will be the same as the grantor's. You will need to contact your tax professional or attorney ...

Do notaries need a thumbprint?

A notary public will require two forms of identification on a grant deed transferring property. Some states like California require a thumbprint if a deed involves transferring property. Advertisement.

What is the process of transferring property?

The transfer process happens by way of deed. A property deed is a formal, legal document that transfers one person or entity’s rights of ownership to another individual or entity . The deed is the official “proof of transfer” for real estate, which can include land on its own or land that has a house or other building on it.

What is the purpose of a deed?

Deeds help show ownership of the property. However, the deed itself is really only used for transfer of the property . The real “test” of whether you have ownership of a property is based on whether your name is on the title. When you have a title to a property, you also have various other rights that go along with property ownership, ...

What information should be included in a deed?

Every deed should contain the following information: 1 An indication that it is a deed 2 A description of the property involved 3 The signature of the individual or entity that is transferring the property 4 Data regarding who is taking title to the property

What rights do you have when you own a property?

When you have a title to a property, you also have various other rights that go along with property ownership, including the right to: access and occupy the property; place encumbrances on the property (i.e. mortgage ); use the property as you wish within legal bounds; and. transfer the property in whole or in part.

What is a property abstract?

The attorney will determine the legal status of the seller, which is particularly relevant when the seller is a business or trust. The attorney will put together what is commonly referred to as a “ property abstract .”.

Can you transfer a property with a warranty deed?

Unfortunately, not every property can be transferred with a general warranty deed. There are often many unknowns for property transfer that could create problems for a title. In those situations, using a quit claim deed may be appropriate.

What is a warranty deed?

A general warranty deed is often considered the most common way to transfer real property. It is used when you are aware and confident that the title to your property is good and marketable. It is most commonly used for residential real estate transactions. A general warranty deed is a buyer’s best protection against title challenges. The guarantee not only applies to the seller, but it applies to all of the individuals or entities involved in the chain of title for that particular property.

What is a grantor deed?

The grantor is basically saying that the grantor might have an interest in the property and they are transferring the interest the grantor might have. This type of deed is generally used between family members or in a divorce situation. Changes may occur in this area of law.

What is an executor's deed?

Executor’s or Administrator’s Deed – offers the same protection as a Bargain and Sale Deed with Covenants, and is used to transfer property in a deceased person’s estate to their heirs. The executor’s deed is used when the decedent died with a Will, and the administrator’s deed is used when the decedent died without a Will.

What is a bargain and sale deed with covenant?

Bargain and Sale Deed with Covenant – also called a Limited Warranty Deed; it offers the second most protection to the grantee. The grantor promises he or she has title to the property and has done nothing to encumber the property while he or she owned it.

What are covenants in a deed?

Deed with Full Covenants – also called a General Warranty Deed; it provides the most protection for the grantee because the grantor is promising that: 1 he or she is the owner of the property and has the right to sell it; 2 the property is free from any liens or encumbrances unless specifically identified in the deed; 3 the grantee’s title is good against anyone who challenges it; and 4 the grantor will be liable if title is not good.