A Louisiana power of attorney is the legal authority for another individual or entity (the “agent”) to make decisions on your behalf (“the principal”). You can use the document to have someone sign paperwork and manage your affairs when you’re unable to (for example, while traveling or because your health prevents you).
Laws & Requirements
Statute: Louisiana Civil Code Articles 2985-3032.
Signing Requirements: For a power of attorney to be legally binding in the state of Louisiana, it must include the principal’s signature (§ 2993). No particular form is required, but it is recommended that the document be signed by two witnesses and a notary public.
Louisiana Power of Attorney – By Type
General (Financial) Power of Attorney
Nominates an agent to take care of your financial business.
Signing Requirements: No particular form required.
Medical Power of Attorney
Gives your agent legal authority to carry out your medical wishes.
Signing Requirements: Two witnesses (§ 28:224).
Durable Power of Attorney
Remains in force if you become incapacitated.
Signing Requirements: No particular form required.
Limited (Special) Power of Attorney
Specifies the authority an agent or proxy has when managing another person's affairs.
Signing Requirements: No particular form required.
Minor (Child) Power of Attorney
Ensures that a trusted third party may take temporary parental responsibility for health care matters.
Signing Requirements: Notary public and two witnesses.
Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney
Ensure that your agent makes decisions on your behalf in transactions relating only to motor vehicles.
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
Tax Power of Attorney (Form R-7006)
Delegate a representative to manage tax matters with the Louisiana Department of Revenue.
Signing Requirements: Taxpayer(s) and representative.
Real Estate Power of Attorney
Use this to authorize an agent for real estate transactions like buying, selling, managing, or refinancing property.
Signing Requirements: Two witnesses and a notary public (recommended)
Revocation of Power of Attorney
Use to revoke a previous power of attorney, ending the agent’s authority.
Signing Requirements: Two witnesses and/or notary public (recommended).
