Free Alabama Power of Attorney Forms
A power of attorney (POA) is a document that gives a person or a group of people the authority to act on another’s behalf. The person given the authority is known as the attorney-in-fact or agent, while the person bestowing the power is known as the principal.
There are many reasons why a POA may be necessary. For example, when a person is incapacitated, an agent with the decision-making authority to make financial or healthcare choices on the principal’s behalf can ensure that he or she will be taken care of.
Alabama Power of Attorney By Type
Some people cannot afford to leave their affairs unattended in case they have to leave the country for various purposes. So, they sign a power of attorney, appointing someone they trust to be an agent and make legal decisions for them.
There are many types of POAs. These include but aren’t limited to:
- Durable Power of Attorney - Most POAs become ineffective in the event that the principal becomes incompetent or incapacitated, but this isn’t the case with a durable power of attorney. Alabama law states that “a power of attorney to which this chapter applies is durable, unless it expressly provides that it is terminated by the incapacity of the principal” (Code of Alabama § 26-1A-104).
- Medical Power of Attorney - Individuals preparing for the possibility of physical or mental incapacity can put a medical power of attorney in force (MPOA). Also referred to as a healthcare proxy or a durable power of attorney for healthcare, the document appoints an agent to make medical decisions on one’s behalf in case of incapacity (Code of Alabama Title 22, Chapter 8A, §4).
How To Get a Power of Attorney in Alabama
Download our standard form that is accepted in Alabama, as different states have different legal requirements. Then, fill out the form with your details and have it notarized if necessary.
Alabama Power of Attorney Laws
FAQs About Alabama Power of Attorney Forms
When an agent acts on behalf of a principal, the agent will need to show the POA form to prove that they have the authority to make legal and financial decisions in the name of the principal. Hence, the agent should always have a copy of the POA on hand.
Here are other frequently asked questions about Alabama POAs: