About Power of Attorney Document Preparation
A power of attorney can authorize another person to act for the principal in specified financial or personal matters. The document may be limited or broad and may include customer-selected durability or effective-date provisions.
The customer must choose the agent, powers, limitations and timing. The office cannot recommend who should serve or which powers should be granted and does not determine whether a principal has legal capacity.
California availability: This page concerns self-help document preparation for California matters. Services, procedures and pricing vary by independently owned office.
Documents and information commonly requested
The exact package depends on the customer’s selected service, instructions and local requirements. Common items may include:
- Principal and agent information
- General or limited powers
- Durability language when selected
- Special instructions
- Successor-agent provisions
- Signature and notary pages
How document preparation works
Provide complete names and addresses and a written list of the powers and restrictions you want included. The office prepares the selected document from those directions.
You remain responsible for reviewing the completed documents, confirming that your information and directions were entered correctly, signing where required and meeting applicable deadlines. Ask the local office which clerical filing, recording, publication, notary or service options it offers.
Common questions
What does power of attorney document preparation include?
Preparation can include customer-selected powers, limitations, successor-agent terms and execution pages. The office does not choose those provisions.
Is power of attorney document preparation available at every California By The People office?
No. Service availability, process, timing and pricing vary among independently owned California offices. Contact the office that would prepare your documents.
Can a By The People office tell me what choices to make?
No. The customer must select the service and provide the decisions and information used to prepare the documents. Offices do not provide legal advice or representation.
Are filing, recording, publication or service fees included?
Third-party charges are separate unless the local office specifically states otherwise in its written quote.