California Power of Attorney (POA) Forms
A power of attorney in California allows an individual to designate a trusted friend or family member to manage specific responsibilities on their behalf if they become unable or unavailable to do so. The chosen agent is obligated to act in the best interests of the individual granting the power of attorney. This document can outline a wide range of powers or limit them to particular actions, and it may also be set for a defined duration.
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Advance Directive
PDF
Allows a person to select a health care agent (medical power of attorney) and set out their end-of-life treatment options (living will).
Signing Requirements: Two witnesses or a notary acknowledgment.
Durable POA
PDF
Allows someone else to handle financial decisions while they are coherent and if they should become incapacitated.
Signing Requirements: A notary acknowledgment.
General POA
PDF
Allows an individual to give certain financial powers to someone else while they are coherent. If they should become incapacitated, the form becomes void.
Signing Requirements: Two witnesses or a notary acknowledgment.
Limited POA
PDF
This form is meant to take into account certain limited situations where a principal needs to have an agent act for him or her.
Signing Requirements: Two witnesses or a notary acknowledgment.
Minor POA
PDF
This form permits a parent to grant the power to a temporary guardian to make decisions on behalf of their children in case the parent has to be away from the children for a period of time and therefore unable to make everyday decisions for them.
Signing Requirements: Two witnesses or a notary acknowledgment.
Revocation of POA
PDF
This form is used when a person of sound mind seeks to revoke a power of attorney they may have created in the past.
Signing Requirements: The principal only.
Motor Vehicle POA
PDF
This form is helpful in the event someone needs to have a representative handle matters with the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
Signing Requirements: The principal only.
Springing POA
PDF
Allows a durable power of attorney to 'kick in' upon a principal's subsequent incapacity.
Signing Requirements: Notary public or by two adult witnesses.
The Significance of POA
