An Arizona power of attorney is a document that allows an individual (principal) to appoint an agent as legal authority to manage their property, finances, or medical affairs. The “principal” is the person granting the powers, and the “agent” is the person acting on the principal’s behalf. For your document to be legally binding, it must comply with state laws.
Laws
Statute: Powers of Attorney (Arizona Revised Statutes §14-5501 – §14-5507).
By Type
Durable (Financial)
Allows an agent to act on your behalf if you become incapacitated.
Signing Requirements: Notary public and one witness.
Medical
Sets out how you want decisions about your medical care to be made if you are unable to make the decisions yourself.
Signing Requirements: Notary public or one witness (A.R.S. § 36-3221).
Limited (Special)
Restricts an agent to making decisions in circumstances specified in the document.
Signing Requirements: Notary public and one witness.
Non-Durable (General)
Grants an agent the power to deal with your property, business, or financial affairs.
Signing Requirements: Notary public and one witness.
Springing
“Springs” into effect in a specific situation, such as your incapacitation.
Signing Requirements: Notary public and one witness.
Vehicle (Form 48-1001)
You can authorize another person or entity to represent you legally in matters relating to your vehicles, including mobile homes and watercraft.
Signing Requirements: Notary public or a MVD agent.
Real Estate
Appoints an agent, or “attorney-in-fact,” to handle the principal's real estate transactions.
Signing Requirements: Notary public and one witness.
Tax (Form 285-I)
Authorizes an agent to represent you in tax-related issues, including filing taxes or accessing information.
Signing Requirements: Taxpayer and appointee.
Minor (Child)
A parent can nominate an agent to make decisions relating to the child’s welfare, without the power to consent to marriage or adoption of the minor.
Signing Requirements: Notary public and one witness.
Revocation
Terminates the authority granted to an agent.
Signing Requirements: Notary public and one witness.
