Free Maine Power of Attorney Forms

Maine Power of Attorney By Type

There are five types of powers of attorney. Knowing the different types is crucial so you can sign the one that best applies to your situation.

• General Power of Attorney - When you sign this type of POA, you are allowing your agent to make decisions in various situations — financial, legal, or business matters. The authority ends when the principal becomes incapacitated. But they can’t enter into marriage on behalf of the principal nor make changes to the principal’s will.
• Durable Power of Attorney - If you want a general POA that continues to have power even when the principal is declared legally incompetent, you will need a durable POA. This form is essential when you don’t want your business or other legal matters to be affected in case of incapacity.
• Special Power of Attorney - Sometimes, you want someone who acts on your behalf on specific cases. For example, you want the agent to buy real estate on your behalf, but you can’t physically sign the contract. So, you send your agent a special or limited POA that loses its power when the mandate is fulfilled.
• Healthcare Power of Attorney - Also called a medical POA, it gives the attorney-in-fact the authority to make decisions on medications, medical treatments, surgery, end-of-life care, and other healthcare-related issues. It is almost always durable to ensure treatment is not interrupted.
• Springing Power of Attorney - This POA form usually takes effect when the principal becomes incapacitated. The principal will sign this in anticipation that something may happen to them, and there is already written permission for the attorney-in-fact to spring into action when necessary.

Maine Power of Attorney Laws

• Maine Revised Statutes - Title 18-C: Probate Code - This law in Maine determines the content of a POA. Part of it states: “This power of attorney is valid only if the Principal is of sound mind when the Principal signs it” (18-A ME Rev Stat § 5-905).