Legal Pennsylvania Durable Power of Attorney Template Edit Document Online

Legal Pennsylvania Durable Power of Attorney Template

The Pennsylvania Durable Power of Attorney form is a legal document that allows an individual, known as the principal, to appoint another person, called an agent, to manage their financial affairs and make decisions on their behalf. This authorization continues to be effective even if the principal becomes incapacitated or unable to communicate their wishes. It is a powerful tool for ensuring one's financial matters are handled according to their preferences, even during unexpected health crises.

Edit Document Online
Content Navigation

When individuals in Pennsylvania seek to ensure their affairs are managed with care and foresight, especially in times when they may not be able to make decisions for themselves, many turn to the Pennsylvania Durable Power of Attorney form. This legal document stands out because it remains in effect even if the person who made it, known commonly as the principal, becomes incapacitated. The power to make decisions about finances, real estate, and other personal matters is given to someone else, known as the agent or attorney-in-fact, whom the principal trusts. The form covers a broad range of authorities that can be granted, allowing for it to be tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the individual. It’s a proactive step for anyone wanting to ensure their personal affairs are handled according to their wishes, no matter the circumstances. This tool is not just about delegating authority; it’s about peace of mind, continuity, and the assurance that one's personal affairs are in trusted hands.

Document Example

Pennsylvania Durable Power of Attorney

This Pennsylvania Durable Power of Attorney (hereinafter "Document") is created pursuant to the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 20, Chapter 56, known as the 20 Pa.C.S. §§ 5601-5612 (Durable Powers of Attorney). This Document allows the principal, whose full legal name and address are entered below, to appoint an agent to make financial decisions on their behalf. It is a legally binding Document that remains effective even if the principal becomes incapacitated.

1. Principal Information:

Full Legal Name: _______________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________

City, State, Zip: _______________________________________________

Phone Number: _________________________________________________

2. Agent Information:

Full Legal Name: _______________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________

City, State, Zip: _______________________________________________

Phone Number: _________________________________________________

3. Successor Agent Information (Optional):

If the first agent is unable to serve for any reason, the principal nominates the following person as successor agent.

Full Legal Name: _______________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________

City, State, Zip: _______________________________________________

Phone Number: _________________________________________________

4. Powers Granted:

This Document grants the agent authority to act on the principal's behalf in the following areas:

  • Real Estate Transactions
  • Banking and Financial Transactions
  • Personal and Family Maintenance
  • Tax Matters
  • Insurance and Annuities
  • Retirement Plans
  • Legal Actions and Proceedings
  • Other (Specify): _____________________________________________

5. Special Instructions:

The principal may set forth any specific limits to or instructions for the agent's power, detailed below:

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

6. Durability Clause:

This Power of Attorney shall remain in effect in the event that the principal becomes incapacitated, disabled, or incompetent.

7. Execution:

This Document must be signed by the principal, the agent(s), and witnessed by two (2) adults who are not named as an agent in this Document and not related to the principal by blood or marriage. A notary public must acknowledge the principal's signature.

Principal's Signature: ___________________________ Date: _____________

Agent's Signature: ______________________________ Date: _____________

Successor Agent's Signature: _____________________ Date: _____________

Witness 1 Signature: ___________________________ Date: _____________

Witness 2 Signature: ___________________________ Date: _____________

Notary Public: __________________________________ Date: _____________

8. Acknowledgment:

This section is for the notary public to fill out, confirming that the principal appeared, acknowledged the signing of this Power of Attorney, and that the principal appeared to be of sound mind and under no duress or undue influence at the time of signing.

This Document was executed in the State of Pennsylvania and shall be governed by its laws. It is advised that all parties consult with a legal professional before signing.

Form Attributes

Fact Name Detail
Durable Nature The Pennsylvania Durable Power of Attorney remains effective even if the principal becomes incapacitated.
Governing Law It is governed by the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 20, Chapters 56 regarding Powers of Attorney.
Requirements for Validity The form must be signed by the principal, witnessed by two individuals, and notarized to be considered valid.
Scope of Authority It grants the agent authority to manage financial, real estate, and other specified affairs of the principal.
Revocation Process The principal may revoke the power of attorney at any time, as long as they are mentally competent, by notifying the agent in writing.

Instructions on Utilizing Pennsylvania Durable Power of Attorney

Filling out the Pennsylvania Durable Power of Attorney form is a significant step that allows an individual to designate another person to make decisions on their behalf, should they become unable to do so themselves. This document can cover a broad range of duties, from financial matters to real estate transactions, ensuring that the principal's affairs are managed according to their wishes. The process requires attention to detail to ensure the form is completed correctly and reflects the principal's intentions clearly.

  1. Begin by reading the entire form carefully to understand the scope of authority you are granting. It’s crucial to fully comprehend the responsibilities you are delegating.
  2. Enter the full legal name and address of the principal (the person granting the power) in the designated spaces at the top of the form.
  3. Specify the full legal name and address of the agent (the person receiving the power) in the corresponding section. If you wish to appoint a successor agent, provide their details in the designated area as well.
  4. Define the powers you are granting to your agent. This may involve checking boxes next to specific powers listed on the form or writing a detailed description of the powers in the provided space. Ensure clarity in what your agent can and cannot do on your behalf.
  5. If there are specific dates for when the power of attorney begins and ends, enter these in the relevant section. If it’s designed to be effective immediately and to remain in effect regardless of your capacity, no dates are necessary.
  6. Review any limitations you wish to place on the agent’s power. This could involve restrictions on selling real estate, making gifts, or handling particular financial accounts. Document these clearly to prevent any misinterpretation.
  7. Both the principal and the agent must sign the form in the presence of at least two witnesses and a notary public. The witnesses should be adults with no stake in the agreement, ensuring they are unbiased.
  8. The document must be notarized to validate the identity of the signatories and their understanding and willingness to enter into the power of attorney agreement.
  9. After completion, distribute copies of the executed form to relevant parties, such as financial institutions, doctors, or family members, and securely store the original in a safe place.

Approaching this task methodically and with due diligence will ensure the Pennsylvania Durable Power of Attorney form is filled out correctly. Doing so can provide peace of mind, knowing that the principal's affairs will be managed in accordance with their wishes by a trusted individual, even if they are unable to oversee matters themselves.