Does a durable power of attorney need to be notarized in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania law requires that POAs must be signed by the principal and witnessed by two people who are ages 18 or older. The document must also be dated and notarized. The witnesses to a power of attorney must not be the agent who is granted the authority or a person who signed the document on the principal’s behalf.
How do I get a durable power of attorney in PA?
Pennsylvania Power of Attorney Requirements The POA must be signed by two witnesses in the presence of a notary. Witnesses must be at least 18 years of age and cannot be the person who is signing on behalf of the principal, an agent designated in the document or the notary.
Where do I get POA forms?
You can get a power of attorney form from the following places:
- your state government offices or websites (e.g., the Department of Health Services)
- your lawyer.
- our selection of free state-specific power of attorney forms.
- our free online power of attorney form builder.
Can I write checks as power of attorney?
So long as the paperwork has been put on file with the bank stating POA status, then the POA is welcome to write checks on behalf of the account holder. Attorney-in-Fact/Agents must endorse/sign signature cards, checks, etc.
Can I write my own power of attorney in Pennsylvania?
Since Pennsylvania does not provide a form, you may wish to modify a generic POA form or one from another state. You will need to be sure it contains the required Pennsylvania Notice and acknowledgment.
Does a POA need to be recorded?
A Power of Attorney, like a Trust, does not need to be registered or recorded in the public records in order to be effective. It does have to be in writing, signed, witnessed and notarized.
Can I write a power of attorney myself?
In order to make a power of attorney, you must be capable of making decisions for yourself. This is called having mental capacity – see under heading, When does someone lack mental capacity? You can only make a power of attorney which allows someone else to do things that you have a right to do yourself.