Durable Power of Attorney

When you're unable to make decisions for yourself, it's too late to start thinking about protecting your assets and interests. You have to cover all your bases now, while you're still able to coherently decide what's best for you.

The way to do that is with a Durable Power of Attorney. It protects your interests while you're unable to do so and safeguards your loved ones by removing any ambiguity about how you wish to handle things while incapacitated.

What Is a Durable Power of Attorney?

A power of attorney is a document that authorizes someone to act on your behalf in most legal matters. In other words, they can represent your interests and make decisions in your stead as if you were present.

This doesn't mean the designated agent can act callously. Under the law, your chosen agent has a fiduciary obligation to act in a manner consistent with your best interests. This doesn't need to be stated in the document, as it is implied by the statute governing such a contract.

A Durable Power of Attorney is a similar document. However, it has the distinction of remaining in effect even if you become incapacitated. In contrast, an ordinary power of attorney is only in effect while you are legally competent.

Other Names for Durable Power of Attorney

Depending on your state, a Durable Power of Attorney may also be known as:

• DPOA

• Enduring Power of Attorney

• Durable POA

• Durable Finance Power of Attorney

Who Needs a Durable Power of Attorney?

Anyone serious about their estate planning should consider having a Durable Power of Attorney. Ultimately, a Durable Power of Attorney addresses an unpredictable condition. So, it's a good idea to have one regardless of your circumstances.

There are situations when a Durable Power of Attorney is highly advised. For example, if you're scheduled to undergo a serious medical procedure or are employed in a high-risk profession. Essentially, create or revise a Durable Power of Attorney in advance of any event that may render you unable to make decisions for yourself.

Don't forget to review your designated agent periodically. If your agent is likely to be in a similar state of jeopardy, you might consider creating another Durable Power of Attorney to remain covered.

Why Use Swyft Forms for Your Durable Power of Attorney?

Fully customized for you

Create your own documents by answering our easy-to-understand questionnaires to get exactly what you need from your Durable Power of Attorney.

Right for your state

Each document on Swyft Forms is customized for your state.

How to Create a Durable Power of Attorney with Swyft Forms

Creating a Durable Power of Attorney is not a complicated process. The most important decision you'll have to make is selecting a trustworthy agent who has the presence of mind to make judicious decisions on your behalf.

Let Swyft Forms help with our extensive library of attorney-vetted legal forms. All you have to do is fill out our easy-to-understand questionnaire. Once complete, simply download your form as a PDF or Word document from your secure online account.

What Information Will I Need to Create My Durable Power of Attorney?

To create your document, please provide:

• Date of Execution: The date from which the terms of the DPOA will be in effect. It may start when it is signed, but it's usually created to begin upon your incapacitation.

• The Principal: Name and address of the person granting the Durable Power of Attorney.

• Designated Agent: Name and address of the person receiving the Durable Power of Attorney.

• Coagents: Other agents that will have to act unanimously to make decisions, if such agents exist.

• Successor Agent: An agent who will replace the first listed agent, should that agent be unable or unwilling to act on your behalf.

• Authorities: Areas of your financial interests regarding which agent or agents are empowered to make decisions.

Durable Power of Attorney Terms

• Advance Directive: A catch-all term that describes any document in which one person gives instructions to another regarding their care in the future.

• Fiduciary: A person who has to act in a way that benefits another person and freely enters that obligation.

• Incapacitated: A state of being temporarily or permanently unable to make rational decisions or take responsible actions.

• Springing Durable Power of Attorney: A special type of Durable Power of Attorney that becomes valid in response to a specific event.

Durable Power of Attorney Signing Requirements

Generally, a Durable Power of Attorney must be signed by the principal and all the listed agents to be valid, although signing requirements vary across state lines. Some states require witnesses, a notary public, or both to sign the document. Some states don't even require the agent to sign. Check the laws in your jurisdiction before signing the Durable Power of Attorney.

What to Do With Your Durable Power of Attorney

A Durable Power of Attorney is not a matter of public record. As such, it usually doesn't need to be filed with any state or local agency. The exception to this is South Carolina, which requires you to record a power of attorney for it to be durable.

However, the principal and every listed agent should retain a signed copy for their personal records. Since the document may be needed on short notice, it's a good idea to have a copy with your attorney. Don't keep it in a safety deposit box, which may be difficult to access when most needed.

Additionally, you may choose to file a copy with the records office of any county where you own real estate. While this is advisable, it's not always required. Some counties will have specific requirements before you're allowed to file your Durable Power of Attorney.