When it comes to legal documents, few are as effective—and sometimes as baffling—as the power of attorney (POA). If you’re being asked to serve as someone’s agent or are delegating someone to serve on your behalf, one huge question often arises:
How do you sign a power of attorney properly?
And once you’re authorized, how to sign a document as a power of attorney without breaking the bank?
Whether you’re a beginner with POA forms or simply want to be clear, this blog will guide you through the process. And the good news? Angelique Friend can handle the paperwork—for although she is not an attorney, she’s seasoned and reputable when it comes to working with power of attorney paperwork.
What Is a Power of Attorney?
A power of attorney is a legal document under which one person (the principal) authorizes another (the agent or attorney-in-fact) to act on their behalf in making financial, medical, or legal decisions, depending on the nature of the POA.
But few are aware that how you sign a power of attorney is as significant as the document itself.
Why the Way You Sign Matters
Incorrect signatures can lead to:
Legal or financial action delays
Returned documents
Personal liability on the agent
That’s why it is important to know how to sign a document as a power of attorney.
How Do You Sign a Power of Attorney Properly?
Here’s the important rule: When you sign a document on another person’s behalf with a power of attorney, you have to state you are acting in an agent capacity. You are not signing in your own name—you’re signing for them.
Step-by-Step: How to Sign a Document as a Power of Attorney
- Know your authority
Ensure the power of attorney document explicitly states what you can or cannot do. Read it carefully.
- Sign using the right signature format
You need to visibly indicate that you’re signing on behalf of someone else. The most standard and accepted in law format is:
\[Principal’s Name] by \[Your Name], as Attorney-in-Fact
Example: John Smith by Jane Doe, as Attorney-in-Fact
- Don’t sign your name alone
If you sign only “Jane Doe” on behalf of John Smith, you could be personally liable. Never omit the “Attorney-in-Fact” notation.
- Take proof of your authority
When signing documents like real estate papers or banking forms, always have a copy of the POA document ready. Some institutions may also ask for ID.
- Use the full legal names
Use the legal names of both the principal and the agent. This avoids any doubt or confusion about who is authorizing the action.
Pro Tip:
“Never guess how to sign a document as a power of attorney—doing it wrong can invalidate the entire document. Always use the proper legal title.”
How Angelique Friend Can Help You
POA paperwork may seem daunting—but that doesn’t have to be the case. Angelique Friend has assisted many individuals in preparing and getting their power of attorney documents in order with precision and attention.
Although Angelique is not a lawyer, she’s very experienced in walking clients through the process, reading over documents, and making sure everything is signed and filed correctly.
If you’re establishing a POA for a parent who’s elderly or getting assistance with your signing authority, Angelique Friend can be of great help.
FAQs: Signing Power of Attorney Questions
Q: How do you sign a power of attorney if it’s a medical document?
A: Same format: [Principal’s Name] by [Your Name], as Attorney-in-Fact. Always verify whether a witness or notarization is necessary on medical POAs in your state.
Q: Can I endorse checks as a power of attorney?
A: Yes, if the POA grants you financial authority. Endorse the check with the same format listed above.
Q: How to sign a document as a power of attorney for multiple agents?
A: Every agent has to be in the same format. If signing together, all agents have to sign together with their own names and titles.
Q: Are POA documents signed in a special format by banks?
A: Some might like specific formats. Always call ahead and bring identification with a copy of the POA.
Having know-how to sign a power of attorney and knowing how to sign a document as a power of attorney helps prevent legal pitfalls. Whether you’re signing a small money form or a large real estate deal, the right signature safeguards both you and the principal.
Have questions about power of attorney documents?
Angelique Friend is only a phone call away. She’ll guide you through the documents, sign your paperwork in all the right places, and make the process effortless from beginning to end.
Ready to Get Started?
Don’t let uncertainty hold you back. Call Angelique Friend today to assist with your power of attorney documents—because peace of mind is worth the investment.
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