Posted October 19, 2023

Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that grants someone else the authority to act on your behalf in various legal, financial, or medical matters. In Alabama, there are different types of power of attorney forms, each serving a specific purpose. Understanding these forms is crucial for making informed decisions and ensuring that your affairs are handled appropriately when you are unable to do so. In this blog, I will explore the nine types of power of attorney forms recognized in Alabama.

1. General Power of Attorney:
   This allows the designated individual, known as the agent or attorney-in-fact, to handle a wide range of financial and legal matters on your behalf and is NOT incapacitated. This authority is comprehensive and may include managing bank accounts, real estate transactions, and making business decisions.
2. Limited or Special Power of Attorney: A Limited or Special Power of Attorney grants limited authority to the agent for specific purposes, such as selling property, managing investments, or handling a single transaction. The authority is clearly defined and specified in the document.
3. Durable Power of Attorney (Statuary) : A Durable Power of Attorney remains effective even if you become incapacitated or mentally incompetent. This form is crucial for ensuring that someone you trust can manage your affairs if you are unable to make decisions for yourself due to illness or disability.
4. Revocation Power of Attorney: A Revocation Power of Attorney revokes or cancels a power of attorney signed in the state of Alabama.
5. Advance Directives for Health Care (Medical Power of Attorney): A Medical Power of Attorney designates an individual to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. This person, known as a healthcare proxy or agent, ensures your medical wishes are respected and followed.
6. Vehicle Power of Attorney (MVT 5-13) : A Vehicle Power of Attorney Specifies the exact usage of this form that is to be used with Alabama Motor Vehicle division in relationship to their Automobile  
7. Paternal (Minor Child) Power of Attorney: A Minor Child Power of Attorney allows a parent or guardian to temporarily ( No more than a year) delegate their parental rights and responsibilities to another individual. This is useful when a parent needs to travel or deal with a specific situation, ensuring the child is well cared for during their absence.
8. Real Estate Power of Attorney: A Real Estate Power of Attorney grants authority to an agent to manage, sell, or handle real estate transactions on your behalf. This can be especially useful if you're unable to attend important property-related matters in person.
9. Tax Power of Attorney (Form 2848A): A Tax Power Attorney may be used when filling taxes in the state of Alabama to appoint a preparer to handle all submissions on your account. 

Understanding the various types of power of attorney forms in Alabama is essential for making informed decisions about how to handle your affairs in different circumstances. Whether it's managing financial matters, making healthcare decisions, or dealing with real estate transactions, choosing the appropriate power of attorney form can provide peace of mind and ensure your interests are protected. It's important to consult with a legal professional to create a power of attorney that suits your specific needs and circumstances.