Free Power of Attorney (POA) Forms

Creating a power of attorney is a practical and often necessary step in planning for the future. Whether you’re managing a medical situation, preparing for a trip, or setting up long-term care, a POA lets you give someone you trust the authority to act on your behalf.

Follow these five key steps to create a valid, enforceable power of attorney that aligns with your goals and meets your state’s legal requirements.

Step 1 – Decide What You Need the POA For

Before choosing a form, identify what you want your agent to do and when you want their authority to begin.

• Are you planning for a possible illness or future incapacity?
• Do you need help managing finances, real estate, or healthcare decisions?
• Will the POA be temporary or ongoing?

The type of POA you choose should reflect your needs.

Step 2 – Select a Trusted Agent (Attorney-in-Fact)

Your agent should be someone you trust to carry out your wishes responsibly. They’ll be acting on your behalf, so choose someone with sound judgment, a good understanding of your values, and a willingness to take on the role.

Think about:

• Their ability to handle finances, legal matters, or healthcare decisions
• Their availability and long-term reliability
• Whether they’re willing to accept the responsibility

If your primary agent is unavailable, it’s a good idea to name a successor or co-agent in your form.

Step 3 – Create or Customize Your POA Form

Once you know the type of POA you need, draft the document. This is where you define your agent’s authority, any limitations, and the conditions under which the POA becomes effective.

We recommend using a state-specific POA template or our online step-by-step form, which automatically includes the correct legal language and formatting based on your location.

Make sure to:

• Clearly state the powers you’re granting
• List all agents and alternates by full name
• Include any restrictions, time limits, or triggering events (e.g., incapacity)
• Specify whether the POA is durable, springing, or limited

Step 4 – Make Sure It’s Legal in Your State

Each state has different laws for how a power of attorney must be written, signed, and executed. To make your POA legally valid, check your state’s requirements for:

• Notarization and witnessing
• Specific legal language or disclosures
• Limits on what powers can be granted
• Who is allowed to serve as an agent

This step helps ensure your document will be accepted by banks, healthcare providers, and government agencies.

Step 5 – Finalize and Share the Document

Once the document is complete, it must be properly signed and distributed. Follow these best practices:

• Sign the POA in front of the required witnesses or a notary public (depending on state law)
• Store the original document in a secure place
• Give copies to your agent, any backup agents, and relevant institutions
• Check whether your POA needs to be filed or recorded, especially if it involves real estate transactions

Agent Acknowledgment Requirement

In many states, such as Pennsylvania and New York, your agent must sign a section in the form acknowledging their role and legal responsibilities. Our templates include this section by default to meet local requirements and make the document easier to enforce.

Final Checklist

• Chosen the right type of POA
• Named a trusted agent (and backup, if needed)
• Followed your state’s signing and notarization rules
• Distributed copies to all relevant people
• Stored the original document in a safe and accessible location

Costs and Availability

Depending on how you complete it, creating a power of attorney can cost anywhere from $35 to over $500.

• DIY and online templates typically cost $35–$150, plus $10–$50 if notarization is required
• Hiring a lawyer ranges from $200 to $500 for a single POA, and more if it’s part of a full estate plan
• Free or low-cost options may be available through legal aid services, especially for seniors or low-income individuals

Lawyer fees are higher if your POA involves complex assets, business interests, or needs to fit into a broader estate plan. However, for straightforward needs, online services like Legal Templates offer an affordable, easy-to-use alternative.

For more details, including state-by-state averages and cost-saving tips, see our guide on how much a power of attorney costs.

State Signing Requirements

Your POA form may need to be signed in front of witnesses, a notary public, or both; requirements vary by state and form type.

Generally, this document must be signed and notarized in the presence of witnesses. However, even if your state does not require this, it is best practice to do so. Check the table below to determine if your form needs to be notarized.

Many states have adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act (UPOAA), which aims to create consistency across jurisdictions. If your state follows the UPOAA, your POA is more likely to be recognized in other states, reducing complications when managing multi-state affairs.

A power of attorney form must be detailed, legally sound, and tailored to your needs. The person you name as your agent will have the legal authority to make important decisions on your behalf, so the document must clearly explain who is involved, what powers are granted, and how the form is activated.

Although the structure of a POA is generally consistent, every state has its own legal requirements. Using a state-specific template can help ensure your POA is valid, enforceable, and aligned with your intentions.

1. Identify All Parties Clearly

Start by naming everyone involved in the document, using their full legal names and contact details:

• The principal (you)
• The primary agent (attorney-in-fact)
• Any successor or co-agents

This section should also include each party’s address and, optionally, other identifying details (e.g., date of birth) to avoid confusion.

2. Define the Scope of Authority

Clearly outline the powers you want to give your agent. Most POA forms offer a list of specific powers, such as managing real estate, handling banking, or making healthcare decisions, so you can check or initial the ones that apply.

If you want to grant all listed powers, many forms allow you to initial “All Preceding Subjects.”

Common authorities include:

• Paying bills or managing financial accounts
• Signing documents or contracts
• Making medical decisions on your behalf
• Handling business or legal matters

3. Set Limits and Restrictions

You can customize your POA to include restrictions that help protect your interests. For example:

• Set a maximum amount that your agent can spend per transaction
• Prohibit the sale of certain assets (like your home or vehicle)
• Require your written approval for large transactions or gifts

Clear restrictions help prevent misuse and reduce legal risk.

4. Include Special Instructions

This section allows you to guide your agent further. You can:

• Outline preferences for how decisions should be made
• Specify how co-agents should work together (jointly or independently)
• Define agent compensation (if any)
• Include custom clauses based on your personal or financial situation

5. Set the Effective Date

Decide when the POA should go into effect. Common options include:

• Immediately upon signing
• Only after a triggering event, such as medical incapacitation (springing POA)
• On a specific date or in connection with a future event like deployment

6. Execute the Document Properly

To make your POA legally valid, you must sign it according to your state’s laws. This typically includes:

• Signing in front of one or more witnesses
• Having the document notarized

If you cannot sign the document yourself, you may direct someone else to sign it for you in your presence.

7. Share and Save Copies

Once signed, give copies of the POA to:

• Your agent and any successor agents
• Banks, healthcare providers, or other relevant institutions

Store the original in a secure place and let someone you trust know where it is.

When a POA Automatically Ends

Certain events can automatically terminate a POA:

• Death of the principal ends the POA immediately.
• The agreement is revoked by the principal
• Completion of purpose terminates the POA once the specific task is finished.
• Incapacity of the principal ends non-durable POAs, while durable POAs remain in effect.
• Agent’s inability to serve terminates the POA if no successor is named.

Understanding these rules helps you keep control of your legal and financial decisions, ensuring your POA works as intended.

Power of Attorney Sample

Below, you can see a sample power of attorney form. You can start creating yours today using our document editor.

POWER OF ATTORNEY

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This power of attorney authorizes another person (your agent) to make decisions concerning your

property for you (the principal). Your agent will be able to make decisions and act with respect to your

property (including your money) whether or not you are able to act for yourself.

This power of attorney does not authorize the agent to make medical and health care decisions for you.

You should select someone you trust to serve as your agent. Unless you specify otherwise, generally the

agent’s authority will continue until you die or revoke the power of attorney or the agent resigns or is

unable to act for you.

Your agent is entitled to reasonable compensation unless you state otherwise in the Special Instructions.

This form provides for the designation of two agents. If you wish to name more than two agents, you may

name the additional agents in the Special Instructions.

If your agent is unable or unwilling to act for you, your power of attorney will end unless you have named

a successor agent. You may also name a second successor agent.

If you have questions about the power of attorney or the authority you are granting to your agent,

you should seek legal advice before signing this form.

DESIGNATION OF AGENT

I, ________________________ of ________________________________________ [Address],

authorize ________________________ [Agent name] of

________________________________________ [Address], and ________________________

[Optional co-agent name] of ________________________________________ [Address] as my agent

(attorney-in-fact) to act for me and in my name and for my use and benefit. If my agent is unable or

unwilling to act for me, I name ________________________ [Successor agent name] of

________________________________________ [Address] as my successor agent. If my successor

agent is unable or unwilling to act for me, I name ________________________ [Optional second

successor agent name] of ________________________________________ [Address] as my second

successor agent.

GRANT OF GENERAL AUTHORITY

I grant my agent and any successor agent general authority to act for me with respect to the following

subjects:

INITIAL each subject you want to include in the agent’s general authority.

INITIAL the line in front of “(N) All Preceding Subjects” if you wish to grant general authority over all of the

subjects instead of initialing each subject.

_______ (A) Real property

_______ (B) Tangible personal property

_______ (C) Stocks and bonds

_______ (D) Commodities and options

_______ (E) Banks and Other Financial Institutions

_______ (F) Operation of Entity or Business

_______ (G) Insurance and Annuities

_______ (H) Estates, Trusts, and Other Beneficiary Interests

_______ (I) Claims and Litigation

_______ (J) Personal and Family Maintenance

_______ (K) Benefits from Governmental Programs or Civil or Military Service

_______ (L) Retirement Plans

_______ (M) Taxes

_______ (N) All Preceding Subjects

GRANT OF SPECIFIC AUTHORITY (OPTIONAL)

My agent may not do any of the following specific acts for me unless I have INITIALED the specific

authority listed below:

CAUTION: Granting any of the following will give your agent the authority to take actions that could

significantly reduce your property or change how your property is distributed at your death.

INITIAL only the specific authority you want to give your agent.

_______ (A) Create, amend, revoke, or terminate an inter vivos trust

_______ (B) Make a gift

_______ (C) Create or change rights of survivorship

_______ (D) Create or change a beneficiary designation

_______ (E) Authorize another person to exercise the authority granted under this power of

attorney

_______ (F) Waive the principal’s right to be a beneficiary of a joint and survivor annuity,

including a survivor benefit under a retirement plan

_______ (G) Exercise fiduciary powers that the principal has authority to delegate

LIMITATION ON AGENT’S AUTHORITY

An agent that is not my ancestor, spouse, or descendant may not use my property to benefit the agent or

a person to whom the agent owes an obligation of support unless I have included that authority in the

Special Instructions.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS (OPTIONAL)

You may give special instructions on the following lines:

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

EFFECTIVE DATE

☐ This power of attorney is effective immediately.

☐ This power of attorney is effective upon the disability or incapacity of the principal.

☐ This power of attorney is effective upon the occurrence of the following event or contingency:

___________________________________________________________________________.

TERMINATION (Check one and strike out the other)

☐ DURABLE Power of Attorney. This power of attorney shall not be affected by my subsequent

disability or incapacity, or lapse of time.

☐ REGULAR Power of Attorney. This power of attorney shall terminate if I become disabled or

incapacitated.

NOMINATION OF GUARDIAN (OPTIONAL)

If it becomes necessary for a court to appoint a guardian of my estate or my person, I nominate the

following person(s) for appointment:

Name of Nominee for guardian of my estate: _________________________________________

Nominee’s Address: _____________________________________________________________

Nominee’s Telephone Number: ____________________________________________________

Name of Nominee for guardian of my person: ________________________________________

Nominee’s Address: _____________________________________________________________

Nominee’s Telephone Number: ____________________________________________________

RELIANCE ON THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY

Any person, including my agent, may rely upon the validity of this power of attorney or a copy of it unless

that person knows it has terminated or is invalid.

SIGNATURE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Principal’s Signature: ____________________________________ Date: ________________________

(If applicable)

by:

Representative’s Name Printed: ____________________________________

Representative’s Signature____________________________________

signing on behalf of:

Principal’s Name Printed: _____________________________________________________________

Principal’s Address: _________________________________________________________________

Principal’s Telephone Number: ________________________________________________________

NOTARY PUBLIC

State/Commonwealth of _________________

County of _________________

On this _____ day of _______________, 20_____, before me, ________________________

[Principal/Representative name], personally appeared ________________________, personally known to

me or who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person whose name is subscribed

to this instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she executed the same and that by his/her signature

on this instrument the person executed this instrument.

_____________________________________ (Seal, if any)

Signature of Notary

My commission expires: _____________