Limited Power of Attorney

A Limited Power of Attorney authorizes another person (the agent) to act on your behalf for a specific, identified purpose. Unlike a general power of attorney, it does not grant broad financial authority. Unlike a durable power of attorney, it terminates if you become incapacitated. It is designed for a single transaction or a defined set of tasks.

The principal is the person granting the authority — you. The agent (sometimes called the attorney-in-fact) is the person you authorize to act on your behalf. The agent does not need to be an attorney. The agent should be someone you trust to carry out the specific task you are delegating.

This form grants only the authority you specifically describe. You define exactly what the agent may do — sign a particular document, handle one transaction, or manage a specific piece of property. The agent cannot act outside the scope you define. The form explicitly prohibits healthcare decisions, gifting, beneficiary changes, and unlimited financial authority.

No. This Limited Power of Attorney is non-durable. It terminates automatically if the principal becomes incapacitated. A durable power of attorney, which survives incapacity, is a separate document planned for a future release. If you need a power of attorney that remains effective during incapacity, consult a qualified attorney.

You specify the effective date — when the agent's authority begins. You also specify the expiration date — when it ends. The authority also ends if the purpose is completed before the expiration date, if the principal revokes it in writing, or if the principal becomes incapacitated or passes away.

Yes. As long as you are mentally competent, you may revoke this power of attorney at any time by providing written notice to the agent and to any third party that has relied on it. A revocation should be in writing, signed, and dated. Destroying all copies of the POA is also recommended.

Notarization requirements vary by state. Many states require the principal's signature to be notarized. Some states require witnesses in addition to or instead of notarization. Third parties — such as banks or title companies — may require notarization even if state law does not. It is generally recommended to have the POA notarized.

Not necessarily. Many financial institutions, title companies, and government agencies have their own power of attorney forms and may refuse to accept an outside form even if it is legally valid. Before relying on this POA for an important transaction, confirm with the institution that they will accept it. This form may need to be supplemented with an institution-specific form.

No. This Limited Power of Attorney does not grant healthcare decision-making authority. A healthcare power of attorney (sometimes called a healthcare proxy or medical POA) is a separate document governed by different laws. Do not use this form to authorize medical treatment, end-of-life decisions, or access to medical records.

You may name a successor agent in the form. If the primary agent is unable or unwilling to serve, the successor agent assumes the authority. If no successor is named and the agent cannot serve, the power of attorney becomes ineffective unless a court appoints a substitute. Choose a successor agent you trust.

This form is designed for a single agent with an optional successor. Co-agents — two people who must act together or who may act independently — create additional legal complexity. If you need co-agents, consult an attorney. This form is not designed for co-agent arrangements.

Keep the original signed and notarized POA. Give a copy to your agent. Give copies to any institution that will rely on it. Keep a copy of any revocation if you later cancel the POA. If the POA is recorded (such as for a real estate transaction), obtain a certified copy from the recorder's office.

Power of attorney laws vary by state. This form states which state's law governs. If the POA will be used in a different state, confirm that the receiving institution will accept it. Some states require specific statutory language. For POAs used across state lines, consult an attorney in the relevant state.

A Durable Power of Attorney remains effective — or takes effect — if the principal becomes incapacitated. This Limited Power of Attorney does not — it terminates upon incapacity. Durable POAs are commonly used in estate planning. This form is designed for a specific, time-limited purpose by a principal who is currently able to manage their own affairs.

No. This Limited Power of Attorney does not authorize the agent to make gifts of the principal's property, change beneficiaries, or amend trusts. Gifting authority requires specific language and is generally included only in comprehensive estate-planning documents prepared with attorney involvement.

A gold-standard Durable Power of Attorney package is planned for a future release. It will include general financial authority, durability provisions, and state-specific execution rules. For immediate needs involving broad, durable, or healthcare authority, consult a qualified attorney. This Limited POA is the correct instrument only for narrow, specific, time-limited delegations.