Documents / Personal & Family
Power of Attorney (Financial)
Authorize a trusted person to manage your finances, property, and legal affairs — durable or non-durable, effective now or upon incapacity.
Time
~8 min
Questions
19
Steps
4
Export
PDF · Word
You will answer guided questions with a live preview, then export, share, or send for e-signature. Free during launch.
What we will cover
- 01
The Principal
The principal is the person granting authority — the person this document is about.
- 02
The Agent
The agent (attorney-in-fact) is the person you are authorizing to act for you. Choose someone you trust completely.
- 03
Durability & Effective Date
- 04
Powers Granted
Check each area of authority you want to grant. Only the powers you check will appear in the document.
- 05
Review and generate
AI review, edits, export, and e-signature.
About this document
A power of attorney lets someone you trust (your 'agent') handle financial and legal matters on your behalf — paying bills, managing accounts, signing documents. A durable POA remains effective if you become incapacitated, which is precisely when it matters most; without one, your family may need an expensive court guardianship to act for you.
This is one of the few documents where execution formalities are strict: most states require notarization, and several also require witnesses. Quill generates the correct notary and witness blocks — print it and sign in front of the notary rather than e-signing.
Common questions
Does a power of attorney need to be notarized?+
In most states, yes — and banks will generally refuse a POA that isn't notarized even where the law is looser. Some states also require one or two witnesses. Sign in person, before a notary.
When does it take effect?+
You choose: immediately upon signing, or 'springing' — only if a physician certifies you're incapacitated. Immediate durable POAs are more widely accepted; springing POAs can face delays while incapacity is documented.
Can I revoke it?+
Yes, at any time while you're competent — by written revocation delivered to your agent and anyone relying on the document. Quill's POA includes the revocation mechanics.
General information, not legal advice — laws vary by state and change over time.
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