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Durable Power of Attorney California

    A California Durable Power of Attorney form allows an individual the authority to appoint an agent who can handle all the legal and financial matters on their behalf if they become mentally or physically incapacitated and can’t make decisions on their own. If you haven't drafted or are looking for a customized California power of attorney form, you are at the right place. Download our free power of attorney California template with just a click. You can also tailor it to your specific requirements.

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Durable Power of Attorney California

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Even if you are a resident in California, and have created a trust, will or living will, your insurance mix is still not complete without a California durable power of attorney. A power of attorney gives you the legal permission to confer upon your spouse or relative, the powers to act on your behalf if and when you become incapacitated.

This article exposes you to what a California durable power of attorney is and why you need one, among other things.

The required components for this form are listed below:

    • Details of the principal and appointee.
    • Revocation (terms and conditions)
    • The responsibilities and powers of the agent.
    • Principal Location. Applicable laws.

What is California Durable Power of Attorney?

A California Durable Power of Attorney form confers on an individual the rights to appoint an agent to act on his/her behalf in legal and financial matters in the event that he/she gets incapacitated mentally or physically and cannot take decisions on his/her own. The one who appoints another is called the principal while the appointee is called the attorney-in-fact or agent.

A durable power of attorney form completed in its entirety defines the scope of the agent’s powers. It states in clear, concise terms what the agent presides over, general or related to a specific matter. It also specifies the date when the document becomes effective, how the power can be revoked and under what conditions the attorney-in-fact must operate.

Since the agent is expected to function in the best interests of the principal, it is usually recommended that the principal chooses a spouse, relative or family friend very dear to them.

The content of a California durable power of attorney form in contrast to a non-durable form remains valid even when the principal is incapacitated. A non-durable form, on the other hand, is no longer recognizable under the law once the principal gets incapacitated.

Protect your financial and legal rights with our Durable Power of Attorney California template!

Appoint someone to act on your behalf if and when you become incapacitated. Look no further as we have prepared everything for you with this durable power of attorney California form.

Get Your Copy By Clicking Below

Why Would You Use a California Durable Power of Attorney Form?

You’ve probably heard so much about a California Durable power of attorney form. However, only a few people or websites go into details about why you need one. Here are some of the reasons why.

In the event that you reside in California, become mentally or physically incapacitated and can’t make certain decisions for yourself whether regarding your health or properties, who acts on your behalf? That is what a power of attorney defines. This form presents you with a golden opportunity to appoint an individual to act on your behalf, if and when, you become incapacitated.

But this form isn’t only meant for someone preparing for such a sad event or a sick individual, is it? You can also prepare one if you need someone to represent you in certain business transactions in your absence. If you travel out of the state frequently and are probably not available to attend to delicate matters concerning your finances, tax-related issues or real-estate matters, a power of attorney form can solve your problems in a blink.

Without an agent, recognized under the stipulates of the law, these transactions cannot be made in your absence.

Stating in clear and concise terms the responsibilities and powers of the agent is as important as filing the form in the first place. As it is with other legal documents, everything must be written in black and white and in clear language.

It is important to note that you can revoke the powers of your agent at any time you deem fit.

How to Get A Durable Power of Attorney in California?

Under the provisions of the California legislature, you might find a durable power of attorney form California at a local library or download from a reputable website. There are two main types of these forms.

California Financial Power of Attorney Form: Titled “Uniform Statutory Form Power of Attorney", the California Power of Attorney form becomes effective as soon as both parties sign on it. The only exception is when you add a clause saying that the power of attorney only holds after a particular date, which is usually included in the ‘Special Instructions’ section.

Also this form is usually a durable one, except otherwise stated. To make the power of attorney non-durable, you must cancel out the clause “This power of attorney will continue in effect even though I become incapacitated.”

California Health Care Power of Attorney Form: This form titled “Advance health Care Directive” also contains a living will , designation of a healthcare provider and provision for organ donation. In the event that you are a patient in a nursing facility, the signing of the form must be witnessed by a legally designated patient advocate.

Protect your financial and legal rights with our Durable Power of Attorney California template!

Appoint someone to act on your behalf if and when you become incapacitated. Look no further as we have prepared everything for you with this durable power of attorney California form.

Get Your Copy By Clicking Below

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • What happens if I appoint an agent and the court later appoints a court of attorney for my estate?

    Unless otherwise stated by the court or conservator, your agent remains poised to act on your behalf based on the instructions provided in the power of attorney document you have drafted.

  • Do I still need a will after completing a durable power of attorney in California?

    Yes, you do. A last will is as important as a durable power of attorney in California. This is because a durable power of attorney is only valid as long as you are still alive. In other words, it is rendered null and void after your demise. On the other hand, a last will outlives you. It is what becomes effective after you are gone. What other way do you have to explain how your properties are to be shared if not via a last will.

  • What do I do to prove my power of attorney if it is being contested?

    It is common to see banks, medical groups and investment firms initially refuse your power of attorney. This is because institutions like these in California have some laid down procedures and protocols to be followed before approving your power of attorney. Most often than not, you may be required to fill out the power of attorney form they will provide you with. It is the agent you appoint using this form they then duly recognize.

  • Do I need an attorney to prepare a durable power of attorney?

    No, you don’t need one. It is however recommended. Under the provisions of California law, should you choose to appoint an agent without the assistance of a lawyer, you are required to attack certain notices warning both the principal and their attorney-in-fact of their legal obligations.

  • Is my durable power of attorney revocable?

    Yes, you can revoke your durable power of attorney at almost any time you deem fit. However, you must first sign a revocation power of attorney document and notarize it.

If you are yet to draft a durable power of attorney or do not have one customized to suit the laws of California, you aren’t far away from help. You can download a free California durable power of attorney template or fillable form on CocoSign’s platform.

DOCUMENT PREVIEW

Uniform Statutory Form Power of Attorney

 

(California Probate Code Section 4401)

 

NOTICE: THE POWERS GRANTED BY THIS DOCUMENT ARE BROAD AND SWEEPING. THEY ARE EXPLAINED IN THE UNIFORM STATUTORY FORM POWER OF ATTORNEY ACT (CALIFORNIA PROBATE CODE SECTIONS 4400–4465). THE POWERS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT DO NOT INCLUDE ALL POWERS THAT ARE AVAILABLE UNDER THE PROBATE CODE. ADDITIONAL POWERS AVAILABLE UNDER THE PROBATE CODE MAY BE ADDED BY SPECIFICALLY LISTING THEM UNDER THE SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS SECTION OF THIS DOCUMENT. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE POWERS, OBTAIN COMPETENT LEGAL ADVICE. THIS DOCUMENT DOES NOT AUTHORIZE ANYONE TO MAKE MEDICAL AND OTHER HEALTHCARE DECISIONS FOR YOU. YOU MAY REVOKE THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY IF YOU LATER WISH TO DO SO.

 

I, ________________________________________________ (your name and address) appoint ________________________________________________ (name and address of the person appointed, or of each person appointed if you want to designate more than one) as my agent (attorney-in-fact) to act for me in any lawful way with respect to the following initialed subjects:

 

TO GRANT ALL OF THE FOLLOWING POWERS, INITIAL THE LINE IN FRONT OF (N) AND IGNORE THE LINES IN FRONT OF THE OTHER POWERS.

 

TO GRANT ONE OR MORE, BUT FEWER THAN ALL, OF THE FOLLOWING POWERS, INITIAL THE LINE IN FRONT OF EACH POWER YOU ARE GRANTING.

 

TO WITHHOLD A POWER, DO NOT INITIAL THE LINE IN FRONT OF IT. YOU MAY, BUT NEED NOT, CROSS OUT EACH POWER WITHHELD.

 

__________ (A) Real property transactions.

__________ (B) Tangible personal property transactions.

__________ (C) Stock and bond transactions.

__________ (D) Commodity and option transactions.

__________ (E) Banking and other financial institution transactions.

__________ (F) Business operating transactions.

__________ (G) Insurance and annuity transactions.

__________ (H) Estate, trust, and other beneficiary transactions.

__________ (I) Claims and litigation.

__________ (J) Personal and family maintenance.

__________ (K) Benefits from social security, medicare, medicaid, or other  governmental programs, or civil or military service.

__________ (L) Retirement plan transactions.

__________ (M) Tax matters.

__________ (N) ALL OF THE POWERS LISTED ABOVE.

 

YOU NEED NOT INITIAL ANY OTHER LINES IF YOU INITIAL LINE (N).

 

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

 

ON THE FOLLOWING LINES YOU MAY GIVE SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS LIMITING OR EXTENDING THE POWERS GRANTED TO YOUR AGENT.               ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

 

UNLESS YOU DIRECT OTHERWISE ABOVE, THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY IS EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY AND WILL CONTINUE UNTIL IT IS REVOKED.

 

This power of attorney will continue to be effective even though I become incapacitated.

 

STRIKE THE PRECEDING SENTENCE IF YOU DO NOT WANT THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY TO CONTINUE IF YOU BECOME INCAPACITATED.

 

EXERCISE OF POWER OF ATTORNEY WHERE

MORE THAN ONE AGENT DESIGNATED

 

If I have designated more than one agent, the agents are to act ________________________________.

 

IF YOU APPOINTED MORE THAN ONE AGENT AND YOU WANT EACH AGENT TO BE ABLE TO ACT ALONE WITHOUT THE OTHER AGENT JOINING, WRITE THE WORD “SEPARATELY” IN THE BLANK SPACE ABOVE. IF YOU DO NOT INSERT ANY WORD IN THE BLANK SPACE, OR IF YOU INSERT THE WORD “JOINTLY,” THEN ALL OF YOUR AGENTS MUST ACT OR SIGN TOGETHER.

 

I agree that any third party who receives a copy of this document may act under it. Revocation of the power of attorney is not effective as to a third party until the third party has actual knowledge of the revocation. I agree to indemnify the third party for any claims that arise against the third party because of reliance on this power of attorney.

 

Signed this ____ day of _________________________, 20____.

 

 

________________________________________

(your signature)

 

State of ________________________, County of _________________________,

 

BY ACCEPTING OR ACTING UNDER THE APPOINTMENT, THE AGENT ASSUMES THE FIDUCIARY AND OTHER LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN AGENT.

 

CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF NOTARY PUBLIC

 

State of California

 

County of ________________________

 

On ________________________, 20____, before me, ________________________, personally appeared ________________________, who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) whose  name(s) is/are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their authorized capacity(ies), and that by his/her/their signature(s) on the instrument the person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the  person(s) acted, executed the instrument.

 

I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing paragraph is true and correct.

 

WITNESS my hand and official seal.

 

Signature __________________________________                            (Seal, if any)

 

Notice to Person Executing Durable Power of Attorney

 

A durable power of attorney is an important legal document. By signing the durable power of attorney, you are authorizing another person to act for you, the principal. Before you sign this durable power of attorney, you should know these important facts:

 

Your agent (attorney-in-fact) has no duty to act unless you and your agent agree otherwise in writing.

 

This document gives your agent the powers to manage, dispose of, sell, and convey your real and personal property, and to use your property as security if your agent borrows money on your behalf. This document does not give your agent the power to accept or receive any of your property, in trust or otherwise, as a gift, unless you specifically authorize the agent to accept or receive a gift.

 

Your agent will have the right to receive reasonable payment for services provided under this durable power of attorney unless you provide otherwise in this power of attorney.

 

The powers you give your agent will continue to exist for your entire lifetime, unless you state that the durable power of attorney will last for a shorter period of time or unless you otherwise terminate the durable power of attorney. The powers you give your agent in this durable power of attorney will continue to exist even if you can no longer make your own decisions respecting the management of your property.

 

You can amend or change this durable power of attorney only by executing a new durable power of attorney or by executing an amendment through the same formalities as an original. You have the right to revoke or terminate this durable power of attorney at any time, so long as you are competent.

 

This durable power of attorney must be dated and must be acknowledged before a notary public or signed by two witnesses. If it is signed by two witnesses, they must witness either (1) the signing of the power of attorney or (2) the principal’s signing or acknowledgment of his or her signature. A durable power of attorney that may affect real property should be acknowledged before a notary public so that it may easily be recorded.

 

You should read this durable power of attorney carefully. When effective, this durable power of attorney will give your agent the right to deal with property that you now have or might acquire in the future. The durable power of attorney is important to you. If you do not understand the durable power of attorney, or any provision of it, then you should obtain the assistance of an attorney or other qualified person.

 

Notice to Person Accepting the Appointment as Attorney-in-Fact

 

By acting or agreeing to act as the agent (attorney-in-fact) under this power of attorney you assume the fiduciary and other legal responsibilities of an agent. These responsibilities include:

 

1. The legal duty to act solely in the interest of the principal and to avoid conflicts of interest.

 

2. The legal duty to keep the principal’s property separate and distinct from any other property owned or controlled by you.

 

You may not transfer the principal’s property to yourself without full and adequate consideration or accept a gift of the principal’s property unless this power of attorney specifically authorizes you to transfer property to yourself or accept a gift of the principal’s property. If you transfer the principal’s property to yourself without specific authorization in the power of attorney, you may be prosecuted for fraud and/or embezzlement. If the principal is 65 years of age or older at the time that the property is transferred to you without authority, you may also be prosecuted for elder abuse under Penal Code Section 368. In addition to criminal prosecution, you may also be sued in civil court.

 

I have read the foregoing notice and I understand the legal and fiduciary duties that I assume by acting or agreeing to act as the agent (attorney-in-fact) under the terms of this power of attorney.

 

Signature of Agent: __________________________________ Date: ______________

 

Print Name of Agent: __________________________________

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