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Question
Do I really need a power of attorney in Alabama?
You need a power of attorney (POA) anytime you need someone to act on your behalf for financial, business, real estate, and other money affairs. It is a good idea for most people to have a power of attorney so someone can take care of their financial affairs should they become incapacitated.
If you are seeking a solution for someone to make health care decisions on your behalf in Alabama, you will want a living will.
FindLaw provides everything you need to make your power of attorney (POA). Click on the links below to jump down the page:
How it works
The process takes less than an hour, and you can complete it from the comfort of your home.
Create an account
Create a secure account which is accessible through an easy dashboard you can access any time
Gather information
Indicate who your agent will be and what authority you want them to have
Complete your document
Answer all questions, then we’ll generate your digital documents for downloading, printing, and signing
Make it legal
Carefully follow the instructions provided in the form, which may include signing your documents in front of witnesses or a notary
Plan for your future with confidence
This free guide will help you:
Learn the most common estate planning terms
Understand the essential estate planning tools
Gather critical information with an estate planning checklist
How to get an Alabama power of attorney form
You have two options for completing a power of attorney: hire an estate planning attorney or find a form and fill it out yourself. FindLaw offers state-specific forms.
Choose an agent
Your agent must be over age 18 and willing and able to act in your best interests. Choose someone with knowledge of your personal and business affairs like a spouse, live-in partner, business associate, a good friend, or another family member. If you choose a spouse or domestic partner, select an alternate agent if you and your partner become incapacitated at the same time.
Assign duties to your agent
Your agent’s duties depend entirely on you. If you only want your agent to act on business affairs, you can do that by initializing that section of the power of attorney form and crossing out others. To grant general authority, initial all sections. You are allowed to grant or deny any specific powers listed on the form. For example, some people do not want their agent to access their retirement plan or bank accounts.
Hire a notary public
Powers of attorney must be signed and notarized to work. If you do not personally know any notary publics, visit your local bank branch. Print and mail establishments may also have notaries on staff who will notarize your document for a fee.
Distribute copies
Store your original power of attorney in a fire-safe file cabinet or safety deposit box. Before storing, make copies to keep in an accessible file and provide another copy to your agent. Inform your loved ones that you have a power of attorney, and consider providing copies to them.
Revoking a power of attorney
If you decide to revoke a power of attorney, you can do so with a document called a “revocation of a power of attorney” or draft a new one that designates a new agent. Most forms contain a statement indicating that a power of attorney revokes all previous powers of attorney, but double-check just in case.
Commonly asked questions about powers of attorney forms
Many people like the reassurance that comes with a power of attorney. Specific situations that call for them include:
- Frequent international travel
- Diagnosis of a chronic or terminal illness
- Continued management of business or real estate interests when you are unavailable
- Work in hazardous environments or constant exposure to toxic materials
But it’s not just people facing these situations that should have a power of attorney. It’s best for everyone to draft one. If you ever become incapacitated, a power of attorney can ensure that someone is able to take care of your financial transactions for you. We never know what life will bring us, so it’s best to be prepared — especially when this preparation takes less than an hour.
You can find a free power of attorney form; however, you will not know if it is effective in Alabama or appropriate for your circumstances. If you own a business, suffer from terminal or chronic conditions, travel abroad frequently, or face constant exposure to hazardous conditions, purchase a form from a trusted source.
The available forms are self-explanatory, and for most people, they cover enough ground. However, if you would prefer the help of a lawyer, you can find a local lawyer through our Alabama estate planning attorney directory.
You may want to speak with a lawyer if:
- You don’t know who to choose as your agent
- You want to use a POA for Medicaid planning
- You want to discuss which powers you should give your agent
- You want legal review of your completed power of attorney
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