A Wyoming power of attorney revocation is a crucial legal document for formally canceling powers that you, as the principal, previously awarded to an agent. This form requires detailed information regarding the original agreement to effectively nullify its terms. Such details include the identity of the designated agent(s) and the execution date of the original POA.
To properly endorse the revocation, you must sign it before an authorized official. This action usually occurs at the county clerk’s office in your home county, ensuring its legal validity. By completing this form and distributing copies to relevant parties, the principal legally mandates the agent(s) to stop acting under the POA.
Failing to inform the agent(s) of the revocation may inadvertently extend their authority. Therefore, engaging in timely communication can help you avoid unintended liabilities.
Legal Considerations
Statute – Uniform Power of Attorney Act (§ § 3-9-101 – 3-9-403).
Definitions – § 3-9-102.
Signing Requirements – § 3-5-103 – Notary public.
Revocation and Termination
Termination
Termination of the POA or an agent’s authority isn’t effective until the agent has actual knowledge of the termination. Therefore, if the agent acts in good faith without knowing about the termination, the act is still valid (§ 3-9-110).
Here are some circumstances in which the document terminates:
- The principal dies.
- The principal revokes the agent’s authority.
- The principal revokes the POA.
- The principal becomes incapacitated (only for nondurable POAs).
- The agent resigns.
- The agent dies.
- The agent becomes incapacitated.
Here are some circumstances in which the agent’s authority terminates:
- The agent resigns.
- The agent dies.
- The agent becomes incapacitated.
- The document terminates.
- The principal revokes their authority.
- An action is filed for the annulment or dissolution of the agent’s marriage (if the agent and principal are married).
Revocation
Unless the form states otherwise, any POA executed before January 1, 2018, may be revoked in the same manner as a document executed on or after the same date. The principal can also record an instrument of revocation, ensuring to attach a true copy of the original, in the county clerk’s office where the principal resides (§ 3-5-103). A notary public should acknowledge the revocation.
Please distribute copies of the revocation form to your agent, informing them to keep it safe so they can reference it in the future. You may also issue copies to relevant financial institutions with whom you conduct your finances.
Creating a new POA may revoke the old one if it’s clear that the new document will supersede the former one.
Fees
- Notary: Notary fees typically range from $5 to $10, but they can’t exceed $10 [1] .
- Recording: It depends on the county clerk’s office where you file, but you may pay a recording fee between $20 and $50.
Resources
- Teton Access to Justice Center – Provides legal services to low-income individuals who live in or have a civil court case in Lincoln, Sublette, or Teon County.
- Wyoming State Bar – Conducts the Modest Means Program (MMP) to connect moderate-income individuals to legal services.
- Natrona County Court Navigator Pilot Program – Helps self-represented individuals by providing education and additional resources.