Oregon Power of Attorney Form

What Is a Power of Attorney?

A power of attorney is a legal document. It allows one person (the principal) to give another person (the agent or attorney-in-fact) the legal authority to make decisions and act on the principal's behalf. When your agent uses your power of attorney, their actions and decisions will be legally binding on you. Learn the different types of powers of attorney in our FAQ below.

Powers of attorney in Oregon are limited to finances, property, and personal affairs. If you want someone to make health care decisions for you, you will need to create an advance directive to name a health care representative.

How To Get an Oregon Power of Attorney Form

If you do not hire an attorney to make a power of attorney, you can make one on your own by using an easy-to-complete form. If you use a form, follow these steps:

1. Select an agent

When choosing an agent, you must choose someone you trust because your agent's actions will be legally binding on you. If you use a general power of attorney, your agent will have broad authority to access your bank accounts and property. They should be responsible with money and property and comfortable interacting with financial institutions.

If you want your power of attorney to be effective when you are incapacitated, you should designate one or more successor agents. A successor agent will take over if the previous agent cannot serve.

2. Give authority to your agent

When filling out your form, you need to decide how much power to give your agent. Be careful not to limit you agent's powers too much if you want them to act when you are incapacitated. Giving your agent broad and flexible authority will help them deal with unexpected circumstances.

3. Sign your power of attorney document

Unlike many states, Oregon does not require you to use witnesses or use a notary public. However, you should sign and date your power of attorney and have ask a notary public to notarize it. A notarized document carries more weight with banks and other businesses, so your agent will have an easier time proving they have authority to act on your behalf if it is notarized.

4. Store it in a safe place and give copies to necessary parties

After you sign your power of attorney, give it to your agent and store a copy in safe place. You can give copies to businesses and banks that will deal with your agent. However, if you later revoke your power of attorney, you should let them know that your agent no longer has authority to act for you.

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.