A Georgia power of attorney is a legal document that grants a person, a financial institution, a trust, or a business (“the agent”) the legal power to act in place of another person (“the principal”). The agent manages the principal’s personal, business, or legal affairs and has a fiduciary duty to act in the principal’s best interest and accordance with their wishes.
Laws & Requirements
Statute: Title 10, Chapter 6B of the Code of Georgia.
Signing Requirements: The power of attorney form must be signed in the presence of one witness and a notary public (§ 10-6B-5).
Georgia Power of Attorney – By Type
General (Financial) Power of Attorney
Grants your agent broad legal authority over all your business and financial affairs.
Signing Requirements: One witness and a notary public.
Advance Directive
Records your preferences for health care if you become unable to communicate them yourself.
Signing Requirements: Two witnesses (§ 31-32-5).
Medical Power of Attorney
Ensures that the principal’s wishes are followed in any event where they are incapacitated.
Signing Requirements: Two witnesses.
Durable (Statutory) Power of Attorney
Continues even when the principal becomes incapacitated or is unable to handle their own affairs.
Signing Requirements: One witness and a notary public.
Limited (Special) Power of Attorney
Allows your agent to make decisions in certain circumstances, which must be specifically described in the document.
Signing Requirements: One witness and a notary public.
Vehicle Power of Attorney (Form T-8)
Empowers an agent to represent you in vehicle related matters.
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
Tax Power of Attorney (Form RD-1061)
Enables an attorney-in-fact to manage tax-related affairs on your behalf.
Signing Requirements: Principal, agent, notary public.
Minor (Child) Power of Attorney
Enables an attorney-in-fact to make decisions on behalf of a minor child.
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
Real Estate Power of Attorney
Allows a principal to appoint an agent to handle their real estate matters.
Signing Requirements: Notary public and one witness.
Revocation of Power of Attorney
Cancels the authority previously granted to an agent.
Signing Requirements: Notary public and one witness.
