Question 1

What is a Power of Attorney?

Accepted Answer

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that authorizes one person (the agent or attorney-in-fact) to act on behalf of another person (the principal) for financial, legal or business matters. The scope can be broad (general) or narrow (limited).

Question 2

What is the difference between general, limited and durable POA?

Accepted Answer

A general POA grants broad authority over financial and legal affairs. A limited (special) POA covers only specific acts, such as selling a property. A durable POA remains valid even if the principal becomes incapacitated; a non-durable POA ends automatically upon incapacitation.

Question 3

Does a power of attorney need to be notarized?

Accepted Answer

In most jurisdictions a POA must be signed in front of a notary public, and many states also require one or two witnesses. Some institutions (banks, title companies) will not honor a POA that is not notarized. Always check your local requirements.

Question 4

How do I revoke a power of attorney?

Accepted Answer

To revoke a POA, sign a written Revocation of Power of Attorney, deliver it to your agent and to any third parties who relied on the original document, and destroy all copies of the old POA. If the POA was recorded, the revocation should be recorded in the same office.