A Maine power of attorney allows you to have someone temporarily manage your affairs or plan for the future. The person giving this power is the “principal,” and the person chosen to make decisions is the “agent.”
Laws
Statute: Maine Revised Statutes, Title 18-C, Article 5, Part 9.
By Type
Durable (Financial)
Stays in effect even when the principal becomes incapacitated, unlike a general one which is "non-durable" by default.
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
Medical
Combines a living will and a durable power of attorney, enabling the agent to make all future decisions after the principal becomes incapacitated.
Signing Requirements: Two witnesses (§ 5-803).
Limited
Allows the principal to give limited powers to an agent for specific tasks, and typically ends when those tasks are complete.
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
Non-Durable (General)
Gives the principal the ability to pass financial control on to an agent of their choosing.
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
Springing
A legal document that "springs" into action at a future time and only when a specific event occurs (such as the incapacitation of the principal).
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
Tax (Form ME-2848)
Appoint a representative to handle tax-related matters, such as filings and inquiries.
Signing Requirements: Taxpayer(s) and representative(s).
Vehicle
Allow an agent to carry out vehicle-related transactions, such as ownership transfers, on behalf of the principal.
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
Real Estate
Use this to appoint an agent for real estate matters like buying, selling, refinancing, or managing property.
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
Minor (Child)
Use this for temporary child care decisions by a third party when parents are unavailable.
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
Revocation
Terminate a previous power of attorney agreement to end the agent’s authority.
Signing Requirements: Two witnesses and/or notary public (recommended).
