A power of attorney (POA) is one of the most common documents we notarize — and one of the most important. It designates someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf, whether for financial matters, healthcare, or both.

A few things worth understanding before your signing:

There are different types of POAs. A general power of attorney covers broad financial decisions, while a healthcare power of attorney is specific to medical decisions. Some POAs are “durable,” meaning they remain in effect even if you become incapacitated — others aren’t.

The person you choose matters enormously. Because a POA can grant significant authority, it should go to someone you deeply trust, and ideally, someone you’ve discussed your wishes with directly.

Notarization is what makes it official. Once your POA document is drafted (often with the help of an attorney), it typically needs to be signed in front of a notary to be legally valid and accepted by banks, medical providers, and other institutions.

We’re not attorneys, and we can’t advise on which type of POA is right for your situation — that’s a conversation for an estate planning attorney. But once your document is ready, we’re glad to make the signing itself as smooth and convenient as possible, coming to your home or wherever is easiest.

Ready to notarize your POA? Contact us to schedule.