How to Get a Notarized Power of Attorney

What happens if you are medically incapacitated, absent from the country, or otherwise unable to sign important time-sensitive documents? Luckily, the law allows you to permit another person to legally act on your behalf and your interests. In this article, we explore what Power of Attorney means, how to get one, and how to have it notarized.

What is Power of Attorney?

Simply explained, a power of attorney is a legally binding document that grants a specific person power over his or her assets or medical decisions in the event that the other person is medically indisposed or otherwise absent.

Because a person with power of attorney wields legally-recognized power over your interests, it is important to authorize a person you trust to make decisions in your best interest. Common issues that result in the conferring of power of attorney are an accident, coma, or other event that might leave you incapacitated and unable to make sound decisions. However, a power of attorney can be conferred for almost any reason, and is not contingent on your inability to make your own decisions.

Different Types of Notarized Power of Attorney

Depending on your needs, there are different levels of power of attorney available. It is important to understand that there are two legal parties in a power of attorney agreement: the “principle,” or person conferring the power of attorney, and the “agent,” or person receiving the power of attorney.

A limited power of attorney allows the principle the ability to choose what powers the agent has. However, a full power of attorney confers the agent complete control over the principle’s finances, property, medical care, and any other decisions. Finally, a durable power of attorney grants an agent power of attorney in the event that the principle becomes medically incapacitated.

Regardless of what type of power of attorney best suits your needs, the power of attorney document must be legally notarized to be binding.

How to Get a Power of Attorney Notarized

Unless your notary is also an attorney, they generally are not legally allowed to draft and create power of attorney documents. Furthermore, if the notary is either the principle or agent listed in the power of attorney document — or, in other words, is notarizing the document to benefit themselves — the notary is usually prohibited from notarizing the document. After all, doing so would be a direct conflict of interest, and most states prohibit that behavior.

If, however, the notary is impartial to the principle or agent, they can provide legally binding notarization to a document drafted by an attorney.

So, in order to get a power of attorney notarized:

1) Have a power of attorney document drafted by an attorney
2) Contact a notary and have them notarize it after confirming the identities of both parties involved.

Do you need your power of attorney notarized fast? Bronx Mobile Notary Service, LLC, travels to you quickly for a no-stress notarization. Find out how we can help by calling (917) 468-6308 today! We’re open 24/7.