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Pennsylvania General Power of Attorney

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NOTICE

THE PURPOSE OF THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY IS TO GIVE THE PERSON YOU DESIGNATE (YOUR "AGENT") BROAD POWERS TO HANDLE YOUR PROPERTY, WHICH MAY INCLUDE POWERS TO SELL OR OTHERWISE DISPOSE OF ANY REAL OR PERSONAL PROPERTY WITHOUT ADVANCE NOTICE TO YOU OR APPROVAL BY YOU.

THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY DOES NOT IMPOSE A DUTY ON YOUR AGENT TO EXERCISE GRANTED POWERS, BUT, WHEN POWERS ARE EXERCISED, YOUR AGENT MUST USE DUE CARE TO ACT FOR YOUR BENEFIT AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY.

YOUR AGENT MAY EXERCISE THE POWERS GIVEN HERE THROUGHOUT YOUR LIFETIME, EVEN AFTER YOU BECOME INCAPACITATED, UNLESS YOU EXPRESSLY LIMIT THE DURATION OF THESE POWERS OR YOU REVOKE THESE POWERS OR A COURT ACTING ON YOUR BEHALF TERMINATES YOUR AGENT'S AUTHORITY.

YOUR AGENT MUST ACT IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR REASONABLE EXPECTATIONS TO THE EXTENT ACTUALLY KNOWN BY YOUR AGENT AND, OTHERWISE, IN YOUR BEST INTEREST, ACT IN GOOD FAITH AND ACT ONLY WITHIN THE SCOPE OF AUTHORITY GRANTED BY YOU IN THE POWER OF ATTORNEY.

THE LAW PERMITS YOU, IF YOU CHOOSE, TO GRANT BROAD AUTHORITY TO AN AGENT UNDER POWER OF ATTORNEY, INCLUDING THE ABILITY TO GIVE AWAY ALL OF YOUR PROPERTY WHILE YOU ARE ALIVE OR TO SUBSTANTIALLY CHANGE HOW YOUR PROPERTY IS DISTRIBUTED AT YOUR DEATH. BEFORE SIGNING THIS DOCUMENT, YOU SHOULD SEEK THE ADVICE OF AN ATTORNEY AT LAW TO MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND IT.

A COURT CAN TAKE AWAY THE POWERS OF YOUR AGENT IF IT FINDS YOUR AGENT IS NOT ACTING PROPERLY.

THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF AN AGENT UNDER A POWER OF ATTORNEY ARE EXPLAINED MORE FULLY IN 20 PA.C.S. CH. 56.

IF THERE IS ANYTHING ABOUT THIS FORM THAT YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND, YOU SHOULD ASK A LAWYER OF YOUR OWN CHOOSING TO EXPLAIN IT TO YOU.

I HAVE READ OR HAD EXPLAINED TO ME THIS NOTICE AND I UNDERSTAND ITS CONTENTS.

Date:


Principal
Print Name

AGENT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I, have read the attached power of attorney and am the person identified as the agent for the principal. I hereby acknowledge that when I act as agent:

I shall act in accordance with the principal's reasonable expectations to the extent actually known by me and, otherwise, in the principal's best interest, act in good faith and act only within the scope of authority granted to me by the principal in the power of attorney.

Date:


Agent
Print Name

GENERAL POWER OF ATTORNEY

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENT:

That I, an adult resident citizen of County, Pennsylvania,

residing at have made, constituted and appointed,

and by these presents do make, constitute and appoint, my true and lawful

agent to act as follows, that is to say:

1. Disposition of Property. To sell, assign, transfer, convey, exchange, deed, mortgage, pledge, lease, let, license, demise, remise, quitclaim, bargain or otherwise dispose of any or all of my real estate, stocks, bonds, evidences of indebtedness and other securities and other personal tangible and intangible or mixed property, or any custody, possession, interest or right therein at public or private sale, upon such terms, consideration, and conditions as my said attorney shall deem advisable and to execute, acknowledge and deliver such instruments and writings of whatsoever kind and nature as may be necessary, convenient or proper in the premises.

2. Collection of Debts. To demand, collect, recover, sue for, receive and give receipt or release for any monies, debts, dividends, interests, royalties, legacies, annuities, demands, discounts, income, rents, profits, securities or other property of any sort, now or hereafter due or becoming due to me or to which I may be or hereafter become entitled.

3. Endorsements.

a) To endorse and negotiate for any and all purposes all promissory notes, bills of exchange, checks, drafts or other negotiable or non-negotiable paper payable to me or to my order;

b) To endorse for transfer all certificates of stock, bond or other securities;

c) To endorse and cash United States Savings Bonds and notes.

4. Executing Government Vouchers. To execute vouchers in my behalf for any and all allowances, compensation and reimbursements properly payable to me by the Government of the United States or any agency or department thereof.

5. Depositing Money and Other Property. To deposit in my attorney's or my name, or jointly in both our names, in any banking institution, funds or property, and to withdraw any part or all of my deposits at any time made by me in my behalf.

6. Borrowing Money. To borrow money in my name when deemed necessary to my said attorney upon such terms as to my said attorney appear proper and to execute such instruments as may be requisite for such purpose.

7. Acquisition of Property. To buy, receive, lease, accept or otherwise acquire in my name and for my account property, real, personal or mixed, upon such terms, considerations and conditions as my said attorney shall think proper.

8. Recovering Possession of Property. To eject, remove or relieve tenants or other persons from, and recover possession of, any property, real, personal or mixed in which I now or hereafter may have an interest.

9. Litigation. To institute, maintain, defend, compromise, arbitrate or otherwise dispose of, any and all actions, suits, attachments or other legal proceedings for or against me.

10. Tax Returns. To prepare and execute any tax returns, including, but not limited to, Federal income tax returns, State income tax returns, Social Security tax returns, and Federal and State information and estimated returns; to execute any claims for refund, protests, applications for abatement, petitions to the United States Board of Tax Appeals or any other Board or Court, Federal or State, consents and waivers to determination and assessment of taxes and consents and waivers agreeing to a later determination and assessment of taxes than is provided by statute of limitations; to receive and endorse and collect any checks in settlement of any refund of taxes; to examine and to request and receive copies of any tax returns, reports and other information from the United States Treasury Department or any other taxing authority, Federal or State, in connection with any of the foregoing matters.

11. Automobiles. To execute and deliver to the proper persons and authority any and all documents, instruments and papers necessary to effect proper registration of any automobile in which I now or may hereafter have an interest, or the sale thereof and transfer of legal title thereto as required by law, and to collect and receipt for all monies paid in consideration of such sale and transfer.

FURTHER, I do authorize my aforesaid attorney to execute, acknowledge and deliver any instrument under seal or otherwise, and to do all things necessary to carry out the intent hereof, hereby granting unto my said attorney full power and authority to act in and concerning the premises as fully and effectually as I may do if personally present.

PROVIDED, however, that all business transacted hereunder for me or for my account shall be transacted in my name, and that all endorsements and instruments executed by my said attorney for the purpose of carrying out the foregoing powers shall contain my name, followed by that of my said agent and the designation "agent-in-fact".

This Power of Attorney shall not be affected by any subsequent disability or incompetence.

I further declare that any act or thing lawfully done hereunder by my said attorney shall be binding on myself and my heirs, legal and personal representatives and assigns, whether the same shall have been done either before or after my death, or other revocation of this instrument, unless and until reliable intelligence or notice thereof shall have been received by my said attorney.

FURTHER, I direct that my Agent-in-fact shall have, in addition to the powers set out above, all powers specified in Title 20, Chapter 56, Section 5602, Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, all to be carried out for my benefit, including the power:

  1. To make gifts for my benefit.
  2. To create a trust for my benefit.
  3. To make additions to an existing trust for my benefit
  4. To claim an elective share of the estate of my deceased spouse.
  5. To disclaim any interest in property.
  6. To renounce fiduciary positions.
  7. To withdraw and receive the income or corpus of a trust.
  8. To authorize my admission to a medical, nursing, residential or similar facility and to enter into agreements for my care.
  9. To authorize medical and surgical procedures.
  10. To engage in real property transactions.
  11. To engage in tangible personal property transactions.
  12. To engage in stock, bond and other securities transactions.
  13. To engage in commodity and option transactions.
  14. To engage in banking and financial transactions.
  15. To borrow money.
  16. To enter safe deposit boxes.
  17. To engage in insurance transactions.
  18. To engage in retirement plan transactions.
  19. To handle interests in estates and trusts.
  20. To pursue claims and litigation.
  21. To receive government benefits.
  22. To pursue tax matters.
  23. To make an anatomical gift of all or part of my body.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this the day of .

Witnesses:


Signature
Printed Name
Address

Signature
Printed Name
Address

Signature
Printed Name
Address

Note: Two Witnesses must sign. The witnesses must be 18 years of age or older. A witness must not be the individual who signed the power of attorney on behalf of and at the direction of the principal, the agent designated in the power of attorney or the notary public, or other person authorized by law to take acknowledgments before whom the power of attorney is acknowledged.

STATE OF

COUNTY OF

On this day of , before me, , the undersigned officer, personally appeared known to me to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged that he executed the same for the purposes therein contained.

In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and official seal.


NOTARY PUBLIC

My Commission Expires:

Enter text

What the Pennsylvania General Power of Attorney Is

A Pennsylvania General Power of Attorney is a legal document in which one person (the principal) grants another (the agent or attorney-in-fact) authority to act on the principal’s behalf for broad financial, legal, and administrative matters. It can be durable (survives principal incapacity) or non-durable (terminates upon incapacity). For many transactions, third parties require a notarized acknowledgement or a recorded instrument when the POA affects real property. The document should clearly state the scope of authority, effective date, and any limitations placed on the agent.

Why a Pennsylvania General Power of Attorney Matters

A properly executed POA preserves continuity for bill paying, banking, insurance, and property management when the principal cannot act. It reduces transaction friction, prevents court-appointed guardianship, and helps third parties verify authorized representatives under ESIGN and state recognition rules.

Why a Pennsylvania General Power of Attorney Matters

Who Typically Uses a Pennsylvania General Power of Attorney

Common users include individuals planning for incapacity, business owners, and property owners needing representation.

  • Elderly individuals arranging financial affairs or delegating bill payment and asset management.
  • Busy professionals or frequent travelers delegating signing authority for banking and real estate transactions.
  • Companies appointing officers or agents to manage routine corporate banking and vendor relationships.

Lawyers, banks, title companies, and healthcare proxies often verify and accept properly notarized and executed POAs.

Step-by-Step: Executing a Pennsylvania POA

Follow these core steps to prepare, sign, and distribute a legally usable POA in Pennsylvania.

  • 01
    Draft: Specify parties, powers, and effective date clearly.
  • 02
    Review: Have an attorney review for complex powers or tax exposure.
  • 03
    Sign: Principal signs in presence of a notary per state practice.
  • 04
    Distribute: Provide copies to banks, insurers, and agents; record if real estate involved.

How a POA Functions in Transactions

A POA creates an agency relationship; third parties evaluate the document, verify execution, and then honor the agent’s acts within granted authority.

  • Verification: Third party reviews signature, notarization, and scope.
  • Acceptance: Institution accepts if form and identification meet their policies.
  • Action: Agent executes transactions within authorized powers.
  • Recordkeeping: Third party retains copy and documents the agent’s acts.

Digital Workflow Configuration for Completing the POA

Configure a digital workflow to collect signatures, notarization, and distribute certified copies efficiently.

Field Configuration
Signatures Collect typed or handwritten e-signatures with timestamp
Notarization Enable remote online notarization or request in-person acknowledgement
Authentication Use email + SMS code or stronger identity verification
Distribution Auto-send PDFs to agent, principal, and named institutions

Technical Considerations for eSigning and Notarization

Ensure the chosen platform supports audit trails, secure storage, and the notarization workflow you require.

  • Audit Trail: Time-stamped action log
  • Encryption: TLS in transit; AES-256 at rest
  • Notary Support: Remote online notarization

Confirm platform compliance (ESIGN/UETA, HIPAA if health data included) and that recipients will accept electronic notarization.

Essential Components of a Professional Pennsylvania POA

A complete POA balances clarity, legal formality, and intended scope so third parties can rely on the agent’s authority without dispute.

Principal Identity

Full legal name, address, and any identifying numbers to avoid ambiguity and ensure third-party acceptance during identity checks.

Agent Identity

Full legal name and contact details for the agent and any alternates to ensure institutions can contact and verify the acting representative.

Scope of Powers

Detailed list of powers granted—banking, property, tax matters—avoiding vague phrases so third parties can confirm authority quickly.

Effective Terms

State whether the POA is immediate, springing upon incapacity, or limited to specific dates or events; specify durability language if desired.

Notarization Clause

Notary acknowledgement or remote notary block demonstrating proper execution; many institutions require this for acceptance.

Revocation and Term

Describe how the POA may be revoked, any end date, and instructions for notifying banks or recording authorities when necessary.

Security and Compliance Considerations

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit
Data at Rest: AES-256 encrypted storage
Audit Trail: Detailed timestamp and IP log
Access Controls: Role-based signer permissions
HIPAA Support: BAA available for health-related forms
Compliance: ESIGN and UETA recognition

Common Preparation and Acceptance Challenges

  • Using informal or inconsistent names between ID and the POA leads banks and title companies to refuse transactions.
  • Omitting a notary acknowledgement when third parties require it, especially for real property or title transfers, causes delays.
  • Granting overly broad, unspecified authority can expose the principal to financial misuse and complicate later revocation.
  • Failing to provide certified copies to institutions or to record the POA where required increases the chance of rejection.

Risks and Legal Consequences of Errors

Invalidation: Document may be deemed invalid
Financial Loss: Agent misuse can cause losses
Third-Party Refusal: Banks may decline authority
Liability: Agent faces fiduciary duties
Tax Exposure: Incorrect tax filings possible
Delay: Court guardianship if POA fails

Timing: When a POA Takes Effect and Related Deadlines

Be mindful of execution timing and recording requirements to ensure the agent can act when needed and institutions accept the document.

Effective Date:

When executed per document language; governs when authority begins

Notarization Date:

Date of notary acknowledgement required for many institutions

Recording Date:

Record with county when POA conveys or encumbers real property

Delivery to Third Parties:

Provide certified copies promptly to banks and insurers

Revocation Notice:

Deliver written revocation to affected parties when terminating authority

Key Execution Milestones for a POA

Follow this sequential milestone checklist from draft to active authority to reduce acceptance friction and legal exposure.

01

Draft Completed

Principal and attorney finalize powers and limitations in writing.

02

Legal Review

Optional attorney review for tailored clauses and tax consequences.

03

Execution and Notary

Principal signs with required notary acknowledgement or RON session recorded.

04

Distribution and Recording

Send certified copies to institutions and record at county for property matters.

eSignature Pricing and Feature Snapshot for POA Workflows

Compare typical starting prices and capability indicators for common eSignature vendors; signNow is listed first per vendor ordering rules.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies Varies Varies Varies
Bulk Send Yes (Business Premium) Yes Yes Yes Varies
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes Varies Varies

Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania POAs

Answers to common acceptance, execution, and revocation questions to reduce delays and ensure the document is honored by third parties.


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