A Georgia durable power of attorney form grants someone (called the “agent” or “attorney-in-fact”) the legal authority to make decisions and act on your behalf in the state of Georgia.
Unlike a regular non-durable power of attorney (POA), a durable power of attorney (DPOA) stays in effect even if you (the principal) become incapacitated and legally can’t make your own decisions.
This form is sometimes called a durable power of attorney for finances and is used for personal, financial, and business matters. To grant durable power over medical decisions, you need a Georgia medical power of attorney.
Download a legally-binding Georgia durable power of attorney form in fillable PDF and Word formats, and learn how to create and use your DPOA.
Georgia Durable Power of Attorney Requirements
Georgia power of attorney forms are durable by default, so they will continue to be effective even if the principal becomes incapacitated unless otherwise stated in the form.
Relevant Laws: Georgia Code §§ 10-6B-1 – 10-6B-81 (Georgia Power of Attorney Act)
Presumed Durable: Yes (Georgia Code §10-6B-4)
Signing: Signature of the principal and one witness (can’t be the agent) required (Georgia Code § 10-6B-5)
Notarization: Requires notarization (Georgia Code § 10-6B-5)
Statutory Form: Yes (Georgia Code § 10-6B-70)
The durable power of attorney template on this page includes all required language and complies with Georgia DPOA laws and regulations.
Georgia Durable Power of Attorney Form (PDF & Word)
Use our free Georgia DPOA template below to serve as a guide for creating your own durable power of attorney form.
How to Fill Out a Georgia DPOA Form
Follow these steps to fill out our durable power of attorney form for Georgia:
Step 1: Designate an agent
First, choose someone you trust to be your agent. Before you appoint someone, make sure you understand what power of attorney is and the risks involved in giving legal power to another person.
Write the names and addresses of the principal and agent at the top of the durable power of attorney form.
Step 2: Grant authority
Then, mark on the form what kind of power you want to give the agent over your affairs. This can be general authority (e.g., operation of a business) or specific authority (e.g., make a loan).
You can also write specific instructions about which actions the agent can perform on your behalf.
Step 3: Ensure your form is durable
In Georgia, a power of attorney is presumed to be durable unless you specify on the form that the power of attorney will terminate if you become incapacitated.
Step 4: Sign and date the form
To make the durable power of attorney legally binding, you must sign and date the form, have it signed by a witness (someone other than the agent), and acknowledged by a notary public.
After completing your durable power of attorney form, you should store the original document in a secure place in your home and give your agent a copy of the form so they can use it to act on your behalf. You should also give a copy to third parties where it will be used (such as your landlord, bank, or a state agency).
How to Revoke a Durable Power of Attorney in Georgia
As long as you (the principal) still have the capacity, you can revoke a power of attorney at any time by completing and filing a revocation of power of attorney.
Alternatively, you can revoke your durable power of attorney by creating a new power of attorney that specifically states that the previous DPOA is revoked or that all other POAs are revoked (Georgia Code § 10-6B-10).
Although a durable power of attorney can’t be revoked if the principal is already incapacitated, it’s possible for a third-party individual to override a power of attorney if they suspect an agent of abuse or negligence.