How Do I Become a Power of Attorney in Santa Barbara?
- 1). Determine the kind of power of attorney you need. There are basically three types: general, limited and special. A general power of attorney allows the attorney in fact to take any legal action on behalf of the principal. A special power of attorney can be created, for example, to authorize the attorney in fact to make health care decisions should the principal become incapacitated. A limited power of attorney generally places restrictions on the actions an attorney in fact can take on behalf of a principal. Hire an attorney to author a power of attorney tailored to your specific needs and handle all the details or purchase a completed power of attorney or do-it-yourself template online.
- 2). Navigate to a website that offers legal documents and/or templates that are written by attorneys. Some websites offer reusable templates that you can download in PDF or Microsoft Word format to fill in and print on your home computer. Others create a completed document from the information you provide online and send it to you to sign in the presence of a notary public. Order the type with which you are most comfortable.
- 3). Read the power of attorney carefully. Whether you order a completed document mailed to you or fill in a template at home, errors are often costly. Check the spelling of names, places, dates, addresses and so forth. Verify all check boxes are checked or unchecked appropriately. If you are the principal, confirm you understand exactly what kind of power you are authorizing. If you are the attorney in fact, confirm you understand exactly the responsibility you are agreeing to accept. Ensure any necessary corrections are made before signing anything.
- 4). Visit a notary public. Bring the power of attorney, the other person who is named in the power of attorney and identification for both people. Do not sign any portion of the document until you and the other person are in the presence of the notary. Most notaries charge a nominal fee for this service.
- 5). Make at least three copies of the signed and notarized power of attorney. Make a copy for the principal, a copy for the attorney in fact and one to keep in a safe place such as a safe deposit box.