Annotate Legal California Power Of Attorney Forms For Free

The designation can be used for a general or limited power of attorney. For most people, the best option is to have a general durable power of attorney because it gives your agent broad powers that will remain in effect if you lose the ability to handle your own finances.

You can get a blank Power of Attorney form from: a stationery store or other store that sells pre-printed legal forms. your estate planning lawyer, or. Section 4401 of the Probate Code .

To make a California POA, you must: Be at least 18 years old. Have mental ?capacity,? meaning you're able to understand the nature and consequences of creating a POA. Sign and date your POA in the presence of a notary public or in front of two competent adult witnesses, who also sign and date your document.

The POA cannot transfer the responsibility to another Agent at any time. The POA cannot make any legal or financial decisions after the death of the Principal, at which point the Executor of the Estate would take over. The POA cannot distribute inheritances or transfer assets after the death of the Principal.

THIS DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY MUST BE DATED AND MUST BE ACKNOWLEDGED BEFORE A NOTARY PUBLIC OR SIGNED BY TWO WITNESSES. IF IT IS SIGNED BY TWO WITNESSES, THEY MUST WITNESS EITHER (1) THE SIGNING OF THE POWER OF ATTORNEY OR (2) THE PRINCIPAL'S SIGNING OR ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF HIS OR HER SIGNATURE.

Obtain the proper POA form from an estate planning attorney, through online estate planning software, or by downloading forms from the state, where available. Fill out your form carefully and sign it in the presence of required witnesses or notary public. Give a copy of the form to your agent.