Maintain peace of mind with a power of attorney

A power of attorney is a legal document that designates another person to manage financial, property, family maintenance, and other day-to-day activities when you cannot address them. The one executing a power of attorney (you) is the principal; the one you appoint is the agent or attorney-in-fact.

Powers of attorney can remain in effect no matter your incapacity or unavailability. Or you can create one that becomes effective when you are incapacitated or disabled—a “springing" power of attorney. If you choose the latter, your primary care provider must indicate that you cannot make decisions or manage your affairs.

How To Get an Arizona Power of Attorney Form

You can secure a power of attorney by speaking with an Arizona estate planning lawyer or purchasing a form. If you decide to use a form, here is how to complete and finalize it.

1. Choose an agent

Your agent should be over the age of 18 and knowledgeable about your financial and personal affairs. Many people choose their spouse, business partner, live-in partner, close friend, or another individual trusted to act in this capacity.

2. Assign duties to your agent

Power of attorney forms contain duties or categories of tasks you can assign to your agent. You can choose as many or as few specific powers you desire.

For example, if you only want your agent to handle your small business affairs, you can initial that section or cross out the areas that address more personal matters, like managing your personal retirement plan or bank account.

3. Sign in front of a witness and notary public

Your power of attorney will need your signature, a witness signature, and likely a notary public acknowledgment to be effective. States have different laws about the number of witnesses you need and who can be a witness, so it's important you use a form that is specific to your state and that you take the time to understand your state's requirements.

You can find a notary public at your local banking branch or small print and mail businesses. There are also mobile notary publics available, and you can find them online.

4. Store and provide copies

Keep your original power of attorney in a secure spot, usually a safe deposit box or a fireproof cabinet. Provide copies to your agent and anyone else who may need the information, like immediate family members, close friends, or your business partner.

Once you execute a power of attorney, you can revoke it by signing a revocation statement or executing a new power of attorney. If you decide to create a new power of attorney, make sure the form contains language indicating that it revokes all prior powers of attorney.

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.