The California General (Financial) Power of Attorney is distinguished by the fact that it loses its validity if the principal ever becomes unable to think for themselves (incapacitated). Other than this distinct characteristic, the form offers the same capabilities found in a durable power of attorneys, such as the ability to assign an agent to carry out banking transactions, real estate proceedings, and any other financial business matters. The delegating individual must supply the form with their specifications and then sign it as demanded by law to enact the contract.
Laws
Statute – California Probate Code: Division 4.5. Powers of Attorney (§ 4000 – 4545)
Definition – “Power of Attorney” means a written instrument, however denominated, that is executed by a natural person having the capacity to contract and that grants authority to an attorney-in-fact. A power of attorney may be durable or nondurable (§ 4022).
Signing Requirements – This instrument must be signed before two (2) witnessing individuals or a notary public (§ 4121).
Revocation – § 4151
Other Versions
L.A. Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Version
Download: Adobe PDF
Additional Resources
- California Mobility – Four Types of Power of Attorney in California
- Superior Court of CA Orange County – Power of Attorney
- Woodman Garcia-Sepulveda Law – What is Power of Attorney?
Related Forms
Advance Directive (Medical POA & Living Will)
Download: Adobe PDF
Durable (Financial) Power of Attorney
Download: Adobe PDF