How to Release the Power of Attorney

Power of attorney (POA) is the legal right to act on someone else’s behalf. A POA agreement is popular for active-duty military, the elderly, or anyone who needs a second party to act on his behalf in certain situations.

Whether the circumstances have changed or the trust in the POA holder has been lost, there are times when a power of attorney must be released.

 

3 Steps to Release the Power of Attorney

 

1. Notify your POA holder that you are removing his power of attorney.

Although you can tell the person face-to-face or over the phone, you must send a certified letter to him too. The paperwork will serve as proof that the POA holder was properly notified.

 

2. Sign a POA revocation document that has been drawn up by a lawyer.

You will need a witness or to have it notarized, depending on the laws in the state you live in. You can also use a do-it-yourself form and have it notarized at your local bank for free in most cases.

 

3. Notify every relevant financial or legal institution that the former POA holder no longer has power of attorney over your affairs.

This includes your banks, your doctors and any lawyers that did not help you draw up the POA revocation document. Fax, mail, or present in person the power of attorney revocation document to these institutions for their files.

 

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