Things You'll Need:
- Power Of Attorney Forms
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Step 1
Understand that a Power of Attorney gives someone else permission to handle your financial matters for you. It has nothing to do with health care.
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Step 2
Know that there are several types of powers of attorney. A durable power is one that lasts until you revoke it. A springing type is one that takes effect only when a named event happens - such as an incapacitating illness. You can also give a power of attorney for a limited period of time - so that someone could vote your shares of stock at a certain stockholders meeting.
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Step 3
Realize that you will need to use a preprinted form to give power of attorney to someone. Each state has a preferred form.
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Step 4
Find the form by looking in the phone book under Legal Stationers or Legal Printers. Purchase the type of form you need from them. It will be very inexpensive, so buy one of each type if you are unsure.
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Step 5
Fill out the form. You will need to include your name and the name of the person you are naming as your attorney-in-fact (this is the legal term for the person you are giving the power to). There will be a series of boxes to check. These boxes list the various types of matters you are giving permission for this person to handle.
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Step 6
Select the powers you are giving and sign the form before a notary. You should file the form with your county clerk. In some states this form is not valid until filed.
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Step 7
Recognize that you can revoke this form at any time.
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Step 8
Make sure you talk this over with the person you are naming in your document. You want to make sure he or she is comfortable with this trust you are placing in him or her.
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Step 9
Have your spouse execute a separate document.
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Step 10
See an attorney if you feel you do not understand what the form says. You should never sign any legal form you do not fully understand.
Comments
jujudy said
on 7/25/2009 Your article on Power of Attorney documents is very helpful. 5*s