Edit Document Online

Legal Massachusetts General Power of Attorney Template

The Massachusetts General Power of Attorney form is a legal document that allows an individual, known as the principal, to delegate authority to another person, referred to as the agent, to manage their financial affairs. This delegation can include a wide range of activities, such as buying or selling property, managing bank accounts, and handling investments. It remains in effect until explicitly revoked by the principal or upon the principal's incapacitation or death.

Edit Document Online

Content Navigation

When individuals consider their personal and financial matters, preparing for the future is often a top priority. In Massachusetts, the General Power of Attorney (GPA) form serves as a crucial tool in this regard. It allows someone to appoint another person, known as an agent, to manage their financial affairs. This can include paying bills, managing investments, or buying property, among other tasks. One of the form's key features is its broad scope, enabling the agent to handle a wide range of tasks, making it an indispensable document for those planning for potential incapacity or extended absences. However, it's important to note that the form becomes invalid if the person who created it, often referred to as the principal, passes away or becomes incapacitated, unless it is specified as durable. For anyone looking to secure their financial affairs in Massachusetts, understanding the nuances of the General Power of Attorney form is the first step towards ensuring that their assets are managed according to their wishes.

Document Example

Massachusetts General Power of Attorney

This General Power of Attorney form is designed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It grants broad powers to an Agent of your choosing to manage your affairs. Please complete the blanks with the appropriate information to ensure this document meets your specific needs and complies with Massachusetts state law.

Principal Information

Full Name: ___________________________

Mailing Address: ___________________________

City, State, Zip: ___________________________

Telephone Number: ___________________________

Agent Information

Full Name: ___________________________

Mailing Address: ___________________________

City, State, Zip: ___________________________

Telephone Number: ___________________________

In accordance with the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code, I hereby appoint the above-named Agent to act on my behalf in any lawful way with respect to the following initialed subjects:

_____ Real property transactions
_____ Personal property transactions
_____ Banking transactions
_____ Insurance transactions
_____ Estate, trust, and other beneficiary transactions
_____ Claims and litigation
_____ Personal and family maintenance
_____ Benefits from social security, Medicare, Medicaid, or other governmental programs, or civil or military service
_____ Retirement plan transactions
_____ Tax matters

This General Power of Attorney shall become effective immediately upon signing and shall remain in effect indefinitely unless a specific termination date is hereinafter provided: _______________.

This document is subject to the General Laws of Massachusetts, and it grants general authority to the Agent. If you wish to grant specific authority or impose specific restrictions, additional provisions should be detailed separately.

I hereby revoke any and all General Powers of Attorney previously executed by me. This document does not authorize the Agent to make health care decisions for me. Pursuant to Massachusetts law, a separate document is required to appoint a health care proxy for those decisions.

Dated: _______________

Principal's Signature: ___________________________

Principal's Printed Name: ___________________________

Agent's Signature: ___________________________

Agent's Printed Name: ___________________________

Witnesses (as required by Massachusetts law, two witnesses must sign)

Witness #1 Signature: ___________________________

Printed Name: ___________________________

Witness #2 Signature: ___________________________

Printed Name: ___________________________

Notarization

This document was acknowledged before me on _____(date)_____ by _____(name of principal)_____.

Notary Public Signature: ___________________________

My commission expires: ___________________________

Free PDF

Form Attributes

Fact Name	Description
Definition	A Massachusetts General Power of Attorney (POA) form allows one person to grant another person the authority to make decisions on their behalf for various financial matters.
Governing Law	The form is governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, specifically Chapter 190B of the Massachusetts General Laws (The Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code).
Functionality	The agent can perform actions like buying or selling property, managing bank accounts, and handling other financial transactions on behalf of the principal.
Durability	A General Power of Attorney in Massachusetts can be made "durable," meaning it remains in effect even if the principal becomes incapacitated, but this must be clearly stated in the document.
Signing Requirements	The Principal must sign the POA and have it notarized. Additionally, Massachusetts law requires two adult witnesses to the principal’s signature.
Revocation	The principal can revoke a POA at any time, as long as they are mentally competent, by notifying the agent in writing.
Limited to Financial Decisions	Unlike a Health Care Proxy, a General POA in Massachusetts is limited to financial decisions and does not cover health care decision-making.

Instructions on Utilizing Massachusetts General Power of Attorney

Filling out the General Power of Attorney form in Massachusetts is a significant step in managing your affairs, ensuring someone you trust can make decisions for you when you cannot. This form allows you to appoint an agent to handle financial matters on your behalf. Completing it properly ensures your financial matters will be handled according to your wishes, should there come a time when you're unable to manage them yourself. Here are the steps to accurately fill out the Massachusetts General Power of Attorney form.

Begin by downloading the most current version of the Massachusetts General Power of Attorney form from a reliable source to ensure compliance with state laws.
Enter your full legal name and address at the top of the form to identify yourself as the principal.
Designate your agent by writing their full legal name and address in the designated section. Choose someone you trust completely, as this person will have significant control over your financial matters.
If you wish to appoint a successor agent, should your primary agent be unable or unwilling to serve, fill in their information in the specified area.
Specify the powers you are granting to your agent. The form may list various financial matters, such as real estate transactions, banking, and taxes. Initial next to each power you are granting. If a power is not listed, you may add it under the "special instructions" section.
Review the "special instructions" section carefully. Here, you can provide any specific instructions or limitations on the powers you're granting to your agent. This section allows you to tailor the document to your needs.
Check the duration section of your power of attorney form. If you want the document to have an expiration date, specify it. Otherwise, the document remains in effect until you revoke it or upon your death.
Go over the form to ensure all information is correct and that it reflects your wishes accurately.
Sign and date the form in front of a notary public. Massachusetts may require your Power of Attorney to be notarized to be considered valid.
Provide your agent with a copy of the signed document, and keep the original in a safe but accessible place. Inform a trusted individual where this document is stored.

Once you've completed these steps, your General Power of Attorney will be in effect, empowering your chosen agent to act on your behalf in financial affairs with the assurance that you've made your wishes clear. Remember, the power of attorney can be revoked or amended at any time, provided you are competent. Therefore, regularly review your document to ensure it continues to meet your needs and reflects any changes in your personal circumstances.

Discover Other Popular General Power of Attorney Forms for US States

Financial Power of Attorney Arizona - The powers granted through this form can include managing financial transactions, buying or selling property, and handling business operations, among others.

Power of Attorney Nh - The document should be kept in a secure yet accessible location, with copies provided to relevant individuals such as family members or legal advisors.