A Rhode Island Power of Attorney is a legal document allowing you, the principal, to appoint an agent or attorney-in-fact to manage your financial, medical, or legal affairs. This document can be a valuable tool for ensuring that your affairs are appropriately handled if you cannot act for yourself or are unavailable.
Laws
Statute: Rhode Island Short Form Power of Attorney Act (Chapter 18-16) and Rights of the Terminally Ill Act (Chapter 23-4.11).
By Type
Durable (Financial)
Lets the agent retain their powers even when you (the principal) become incapacitated.
Signing Requirements: Notary public (§ 18-16-2).
Medical
Allows an agent or proxy to manage your healthcare-related matters.
Signing Requirements: Two witnesses and a notary public. (§ 23-4.10-2).
Limited (Special)
Gives limited powers to your agent for a specific task (such as completing a single transaction).
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
Non-Durable (General)
Grants another person or entity permission to manage your financial affairs.
Signing Requirements: Notary public (§ 18-16-2).
Real Estate
Lets someone handle your real estate transactions on your behalf.
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
Tax (Form RI-2848)
Nominates an agent to handle your state tax affairs.
Signing Requirements: The principal and agent. If the agent is someone other than a CPA, a licensed public accountant, or an enrolled agent, a notary public or two witnesses must acknowledge their signature.
Minor (Child)
Delegates temporary caregiving authority to a trusted individual who will make decisions for your child.
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
Revocation
Terminates a previously effective power of attorney.
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
