Durable General Power of Attorney Template

What Is the Durable General Power of Attorney?

A Durable General Power of Attorney is a legal document that authorizes someone you choose to handle your financial and personal matters if you cannot do so yourself. Your agent can manage bank accounts, pay bills, file taxes, handle real estate transactions, and make investment decisions on your behalf. "Durable" means the document remains valid even if you become mentally or physically incapacitated.

Without this document, your family would need to petition the court for guardianship if you become unable to manage your affairs. Guardianship proceedings cost thousands of dollars, take months to complete, and put a judge in control of who manages your life. A Power of Attorney lets you decide now who will help you later.

 

 

Is This Durable Power of Attorney Right for You?

You need this agreement if you're:

• Planning ahead for potential incapacity or disability
• Aging and want to avoid guardianship proceedings
• Facing surgery or medical treatment that could leave you incapacitated
• Managing complex financial affairs that require continuity
• Traveling extensively and need someone to handle affairs
• Building a comprehensive estate plan

You definitely need this agreement if:

• You have significant assets and no one legally able to access them
• Your family would face guardianship court proceedings without this
• You're entering a high-risk situation without backup plans
• Bills and taxes could go unpaid if you're incapacitated
• Your business operations would halt without authorized representation

 

 

Why Thousands Trust Legal GPS Templates

Save Money

Estate planning attorneys charge $500-1,200 for a durable power of attorney. Our template delivers the same protection for $35.

Save Time

Download and customize immediately instead of scheduling attorney appointments weeks out and waiting for document preparation.

Look Professional

Attorney-drafted language ensures banks, brokerages, and institutions accept your document without hesitation or additional requirements.

Keeps You Out of Court

Article VIII establishes fiduciary duties and accountability standards that protect against agent abuse while Article X ensures third parties honor your document.

 

 

 

Get Protected in 3 Simple Steps

Step 1: Secure Checkout

Complete your purchase using our secure payment system in under 60 seconds.

Step 2: Instant Download

Receive your professionally drafted Power of Attorney template immediately via email.

Step 3: Fill In the Highlighted Fields

Customize the document with your information, have it notarized and witnessed, then distribute copies to your agent and financial institutions.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this template multiple times?

Yes. Use it to create powers of attorney for different purposes or update your document when circumstances change. One purchase, unlimited use.

Is this contract legally binding?

Yes, when properly signed, witnessed, and notarized according to your state's requirements. Financial institutions and government agencies must honor valid powers of attorney.

What's the difference between this and a Healthcare Power of Attorney?

This document covers financial and personal matters like banking, real estate, and taxes. A Healthcare Power of Attorney covers medical decisions. You need both for complete protection.

Can my agent do whatever they want with my money?

No. Your agent is a fiduciary who must act in your best interest. They're legally required to keep accurate records, avoid conflicts of interest, and can be held liable for misconduct or theft.

When does this Power of Attorney take effect?

You choose either immediate (your agent can act now) or springing (your agent can only act after you're certified incapacitated). Most estate planning experts recommend immediate effectiveness.

How do I revoke or change this document?

Execute a written revocation and deliver it to your agent and any institutions that have copies. You can also execute a new Power of Attorney which automatically revokes the old one.