Georgia Special Power of Attorney — Form 11— - Pre and Post 2005 Act: A Comprehensive Overview In the state of Georgia, a Special Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that grants an individual, referred to as the "principal," the ability to authorize another person, known as the "agent" or "attorney-in-fact," to act on their behalf in specific matters. This form of POA can be classified into two distinct categories: PRE and Post 2005 Act. Let's delve into the details of each type and understand their implications. Pre-2005 Act Georgia Special Power of Attorney — Form 11B: Prior to the enactment of the Georgia General Assembly's revised POA rules in 2005, the state recognized a specific format known as "Form 11B" for Special Power of Attorney. This document allowed individuals to delegate decision-making powers to their agents in a variety of situations, including managing financial affairs, real estate transactions, business transactions, and healthcare decisions. Key Features of Pre-2005 Act Georgia Special Power of Attorney: 1. Flexibility: The Pre-2005 Act Georgia Special Power of Attorney allowed principals to customize the powers granted to their agents according to their specific needs. This flexibility ensured that individuals could appoint agents who were well-suited to handle their particular affairs. 2. Non-Durable vs. Durable: The Pre-2005 Act allowed the principal to choose whether the Special Power of Attorney would remain effective even if they become incapacitated (known as "durable") or become invalid immediately upon incapacitation (known as "non-durable"). The choice between these two options depended on the principal's preferences and circumstances. Post-2005 Act Georgia Special Power of Attorney — Form 11B: Following the 2005 Act, the Georgia General Assembly implemented substantial changes to the POA regulations, abandoning the specific "Form 11B" template. While the current law does not mandate a specific form, it necessitates certain language and requirements for a valid Special Power of Attorney. Key Features of Post-2005 Act Georgia Special Power of Attorney: 1. Statutory Short Form: Instead of a predefined form, the Post-2005 Act introduced a statutory short form. The key advantage of using this form is that it is readily recognizable and accepted by financial institutions and other third parties, making it easier for agents to carry out their duties. 2. Agent Certification: The Post-2005 Act requires agents to sign and acknowledge the responsibilities and limitations associated with their role. This acknowledgment ensures that agents are aware of their obligations and acts as a safeguard against abuse of power. 3. Witnesses and Notarization: In order to ensure authenticity and validity, the Post-2005 Act introduced the requirement for witnesses and/or notarization to be present during the signing of the Special Power of Attorney. This step provides an additional layer of protection and prevents fraudulent activities. 4. Automatic Termination: The Post-2005 Act automatically terminates a Special Power of Attorney upon the principal's death, unless stated otherwise within the document. This provision ensures that the agent's authority ceases upon the principal's passing, protecting the interests of the principal's estate. In conclusion, a Georgia Special Power of Attorney — Form 11B can be classified into two major categories: PRE and Post-2005 Act. While the pre-2005 version offered greater flexibility, the post-2005 Act introduced standardized requirements and safeguards to protect both the principal and the agent. Understanding these distinctions is crucial when drafting or reviewing a Special Power of Attorney in Georgia.