An Iowa durable power of attorney form allows an individual—also known as a “principal”—to grant specific powers to a trusted person—an “agent” or “attorney-in-fact”—to handle specific financial matters on their behalf: depositing their checks at the bank, filing their taxes, or even conducting real estate transactions for them.
A Durable POA stays in effect even if the principal becomes incapacitated and legally unable to make their own decisions, and it can also be used by someone who anticipates being away or unable to manage their finances in the future.
Laws
In Iowa, power of attorney forms are durable by default.
- Statute: § 633B.101 (Uniform Power of Attorney Act).
- Presumed Durable: Yes — durability presumed (§ 633B.104).
- Signing Requirements: The signature of the principal is required.
- Notarization: The principal’s signature must be acknowledged by a notary public (or other individual authorized by law to take acknowledgments). The signature of the agent should be notarized if they sign the Agent Certification form, which is optional (§ 633B.105, § 633B.302).
- Statutory Form: Yes (§ 633B.301).