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Power of Attorney

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OHIO STATUTORY FORM POWER OF ATTORNEY

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This power of attorney authorizes another person (your agent) to make decisions concerning your property for you (the principal). Your agent will be able to make decisions and act with respect to your property (including your money) whether or not you are able to act for yourself. The meaning of authority over subjects listed on this form is explained in the Uniform Power of Attorney Act (sections 1337.21 to 1337.64 of the Revised Code).

This power of attorney does not authorize the agent to make health-care decisions for you.

You should select someone you trust to serve as your agent. Unless you specify otherwise, generally the agent’s authority will continue until you die or revoke the power of attorney or the agent resigns or is unable to act for you.

Your agent is entitled to reasonable compensation unless you state otherwise in the Special Instructions.

This form provides for designation of one agent. If you wish to name more than one agent you may name a co-agent in the Special Instructions. Co-agents are not required to act together unless you include that requirement in the Special Instructions.

If your agent is unable or unwilling to act for you, your power of attorney will end unless you have named a successor agent. You may also name a second successor agent.

This power of attorney becomes effective immediately unless you state otherwise in the Special Instructions.

ACTIONS REQUIRING EXPRESS AUTHORITY

Unless expressly authorized and initialed by me in the Special Instructions, this power of attorney does not grant authority to my agent to do any of the following:

(1) Create a trust;

(2) Amend, revoke, or terminate an inter vivos trust, even if specific authority to do so is granted to the agent in the trust agreement;

(3) Make a gift;

(4) Create or change rights of survivorship;

(5) Create or change a beneficiary designation;

(6) Delegate authority granted under the power of attorney;

(7) Waive the principal’s right to be a beneficiary of a joint and survivor annuity, including a survivor benefit under a retirement plan;

(8) Exercise fiduciary powers that the principal has authority to delegate.

CAUTION: Granting any of the above eight powers will give your agent the authority to take actions that could significantly reduce your property or change how your property is distributed at your death.

If you have questions about the power of attorney or the authority you are granting to your agent, you should seek legal advice before signing this form.

DESIGNATION OF AGENT

I, name the following person as my agent:

Name of Agent:

Agent’s Address:

Agent’s Telephone Number:

DESIGNATION OF SUCCESSOR AGENT (OPTIONAL)

If my agent is unable or unwilling to act for me, I name as my successor agent:

Name of Successor Agent:

Successor Agent’s Address:

Successor Agent’s Telephone Number:

If my successor agent is unable or unwilling to act for me, I name as my second successor agent:

Name of Second Successor Agent:

Second Successor Agent’s Address:

Second Successor Agent’s Telephone Number:

GRANT OF GENERAL AUTHORITY

I grant my agent and any successor agent general authority to act for me with respect to the following subjects as defined in the Uniform Power of Attorney Act (sections 1337.21 to 1337.64 of the Revised Code):

(INITIAL each subject you want to include in the agent’s general authority. If you wish to grant general authority over all of the subjects you may initial “All Preceding Subjects” instead of initialing each subject.)

Real Property

Tangible Personal Property

Stocks and Bonds

Commodities and Options

Banks and Other Financial Institutions

Operation of Entity or Business

Insurance and Annuities

Estates, Trusts, and Other Beneficial Interests

Claims and Litigation

Personal and Family Maintenance

Benefits from Governmental Programs or Civil or Military Service

Retirement Plans

Taxes

All Preceding Subjects

LIMITATION ON AGENT’S AUTHORITY

An agent that is not my ancestor, spouse, or descendant MAY NOT use my property to benefit the agent or a person to whom the agent owes an obligation of support unless I have included that authority in the Special Instructions.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS (OPTIONAL)

You may give special instructions on the following lines:

EFFECTIVE DATE

This power of attorney is effective immediately unless I have stated otherwise in the Special Instructions.

Effective Date:

NOMINATION OF GUARDIAN (OPTIONAL)

If it becomes necessary for a court to appoint a guardian of my estate or my person, I nominate the following person(s) for appointment:

Name of Nominee for guardian of my estate:

Nominee’s Address:

Nominee’s Telephone Number:

Name of Nominee for guardian of my person:

Nominee’s Address:

Nominee’s Telephone Number:

RELIANCE ON THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY

Any person, including my agent, may rely upon the validity of this power of attorney or a copy of it unless that person knows it has terminated or is invalid.

SIGNATURE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Your Signature

Date

Your Name Printed:

Your Address:

Your Telephone Number:

State of Ohio

County of

This document was acknowledged before me on by .

Signature of Notary

My commission expires:

This document prepared by:

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR AGENT

Agent’s Duties

When you accept the authority granted under this power of attorney, a special legal relationship is created between you and the principal. This relationship imposes upon you legal duties that continue until you resign or the power of attorney is terminated or revoked. You must:

(1) Do what you know the principal reasonably expects you to do with the principal’s property or, if you do not know the principal’s expectations, act in the principal’s best interest;

(2) Act in good faith;

(3) Do nothing beyond the authority granted in this power of attorney;

(4) Attempt to preserve the principal’s estate plan if you know the plan and preserving the plan is consistent with the principal’s best interest;

(5) Disclose your identity as an agent whenever you act for the principal by writing or printing the name of the principal and signing your own name as “agent” in the following manner:

(Principal’s Name) by (Your Signature) as Agent

Unless the Special Instructions in this power of attorney state otherwise, you must also:

(1) Act loyally for the principal’s benefit;

(2) Avoid conflicts that would impair your ability to act in the principal’s best interest;

(3) Act with care, competence, and diligence;

(4) Keep a record of all receipts, disbursements, and transactions made on behalf of the principal;

(5) Cooperate with any person that has authority to make health-care decisions for the principal to do what you know the principal reasonably expects or, if you do not know the principal’s expectations, to act in the principal’s best interest.

Termination of Agent’s Authority

You must stop acting on behalf of the principal if you learn of any event that terminates this power of attorney or your authority under this power of attorney. Events that terminate a power of attorney or your authority to act under a power of attorney include:

(1) The death of the principal;

(2) The principal’s revocation of the power of attorney or your authority;

(3) The occurrence of a termination event stated in the power of attorney;

(4) The purpose of the power of attorney is fully accomplished;

(5) If you are married to the principal, a legal action is filed with a court to end your marriage, or for your legal separation, unless the Special Instructions in this power of attorney state that such an action will not terminate your authority.

Liability of Agent

The meaning of the authority granted to you is defined in the Uniform Power of Attorney Act (sections 1337.21 to 1337.64 of the Revised Code). If you violate the Uniform Power of Attorney Act or act outside the authority granted, you may be liable for any damages caused by your violation.

If there is anything about this document or your duties that you do not understand, you should seek legal advice.

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What a Power of Attorney Is and when it applies

A Power of Attorney is a written legal document that authorizes one person (the agent or attorney-in-fact) to act on behalf of another person (the principal) for financial, legal, or health-related matters. Powers may be broad or limited, durable (survives incapacity) or non-durable, and can be effective immediately or only upon a triggering event. State law controls formal requirements and enforceability, so parties should ensure signatures, notarization, and witness provisions meet the applicable jurisdictional standards before relying on the document.

Why a Power of Attorney matters for continuity and decision-making

A properly executed Power of Attorney provides continuity when a principal cannot act, reduces court intervention, and lets agents manage banking, real estate, and healthcare decisions within the scope granted. It clarifies authority, preserves financial operations, and can be tailored to limit or expand powers as needed.

Why a Power of Attorney matters for continuity and decision-making

Who commonly creates and relies on a Power of Attorney

Typical users range from individuals planning for incapacity to businesses needing delegated authority for transactions.

  • Individuals planning for aging, medical incapacity, or long-term travel who want a trusted agent to manage affairs.
  • Business owners delegating signatory or banking authority for operations, vendor payments, or contract execution.
  • Attorneys and fiduciaries who need documented authority to act in legal, tax, or estate administration contexts.

Tailor the form to the user type and follow jurisdictional notarization and witness rules for validity.

Core elements to include in every Power of Attorney

A complete Power of Attorney contains distinct sections that establish identity, scope, duration, and safeguards so third parties can verify authority and accept the document with confidence.

Parties

Principal and agent full legal names, addresses, and identifying information so receiving institutions can confirm identity and match records to the correct individuals.

Scope

Clear, itemized powers (banking, real estate, tax filings, healthcare directives if included) that define what the agent may and may not do on the principal's behalf.

Durability

A durability clause stating whether authority survives the principal's incapacity, with plain language to avoid ambiguity about when powers continue or terminate.

Springing Clause

If used, a springing clause must define the exact medical or legal standard that triggers effectiveness, and who will certify that the trigger condition is met.

Effective Period

The effective date and termination terms, including revocation procedures and successor agent designations, to establish starting and ending authority.

Authentication

Signature blocks, dates, notary acknowledgment, and witness lines where required so banks, courts, and providers accept the document as valid.

Essential data fields required on the form

Principal Name: Full legal name
Agent Name: Full legal name
Scope Summary: Specific powers listed
Effective Date: MM/DD/YYYY
Notary/Witness: Notary and witness lines
Signatures: Signature and date

Step-by-step: completing a Power of Attorney

Follow these steps in sequence to prepare a valid, enforceable Power of Attorney acceptable to banks, healthcare providers, and government agencies.

  • 01
    Gather details: Collect IDs, addresses, and decision scope before drafting.
  • 02
    Select type: Choose durable, limited, or springing language as needed.
  • 03
    Complete form: Fill fields accurately and include successor agents.
  • 04
    Authenticate: Sign with required witnesses or notary present.

Configuring an online workflow for a Power of Attorney

Set up field logic, signer authentication, and notifications so the electronic process meets legal and institutional requirements.

Field | Configuration Usage | Setting
Authentication Use email + SMS code or higher for signer verification
Conditional Fields Display successor agent fields only if primary agent is blank
Templates Save reusable state-specific templates for consistent execution
Notifications Enable audit-trail emails for principal, agent, and legal counsel

Where to send or record a completed Power of Attorney

Distribution depends on the powers granted; notify or file with relevant third parties to ensure the agent's authority is recognized.

  • Agent retains copy: Agent should keep an original or notarized copy for use with institutions
  • Banks and lenders: Provide the original or notarized copy to banks to add agent as authorized signatory
  • Healthcare providers: Deliver to medical providers if healthcare powers are included
  • Recorder or county: Record only if real estate conveyance or property authority is granted

Digital signing and technical requirements

Electronic completion requires secure authentication, tamper-evident records, and file formats that preserve the signature and audit trail.

  • Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace compatibility
  • File formats: PDF and Word DOCX supported
  • Authentication: Email, SMS, or higher-strength methods

Legal risks and consequences of defects

Invalidation: Form may be rejected by third parties
Agent liability: Agent may face fiduciary breach claims
Financial loss: Unauthorized transactions can cause monetary harm
Probate delay: Court intervention may be required
Tax consequences: Incorrect filings can trigger penalties
Medicaid risk: Improper transfers may affect eligibility

Common preparation mistakes to avoid

  • Using informal or ambiguous language that fails to clearly define the agent's permitted actions, creating disputes with banks or healthcare providers.
  • Not having required witnesses or a notary present at signing, which can cause institutions to refuse acceptance and force re-execution.
  • Failing to name successor agents or provide contact details, leaving no authorized party to act if the primary agent cannot serve.
  • Neglecting to distribute originals to key institutions, so agents cannot access accounts when needed, delaying critical financial or medical decisions.

Timing considerations and typical processing expectations

Decide whether the Power of Attorney is effective immediately or upon incapacity and plan authentication steps to avoid processing delays.

Effective Immediately or Springing:

Specify trigger and who certifies incapacity to avoid disputes

Notarization Timing:

Sign in the presence of required parties to meet acceptance rules

Bank Acceptance:

Banks may take days to add agent to accounts after review

Recording Delay:

If recorded, county processing varies by office and workload

RON Retention:

Audio-video sessions may be retained for 5–10 years

Practical tips for accurate and efficient completion

Adopt these practices to reduce rework, speed institutional acceptance, and protect the principal's interests.

Be specific about powers
List exact authorities and exclusions instead of general terms; specificity limits institutional refusal and helps the agent act within clear legal bounds while reducing the risk of disputes or overreach.
Choose successor agents
Name alternate agents and include contact details so authority transfers seamlessly if the primary cannot serve, avoiding administrative delay and the need for court appointment of a guardian.
Confirm notary/witness rules
Check state law or local requirements for notary and witness presence before signing; lack of required authentication is a common cause of rejection by banks and recorders.
Store originals securely
Keep the original in a safe place and distribute certified copies to banks, attorneys, and the designated agent to ensure immediate access when required.

Who signs and who can act under the document

Principal — Grantor

The principal is the document's creator and must have capacity at execution. They sign to grant authority, and their signature, dated and authenticated as required, is the core evidentiary proof of the agent's authority.

Agent — Attorney-in-Fact

The agent accepts delegated powers and must act within the document's scope and fiduciary duties. Institutions will typically require the agent to present identification and a signed copy or original to exercise authority.

Notarization and witness procedures — step flow

Follow these sequential steps when notarization or witnesses are required to ensure proper execution and institutional acceptance.

01

Prepare final draft

Ensure all fields are complete before any signatures

02

Principal signs

Principal signs in presence of witnesses/notary

03

Witnesses sign

Required witnesses sign and print names as instructed

04

Notary acknowledgment

Notary completes acknowledgement and signs

05

Record RON session

For RON, retain audio-video per state rules

06

File with county

Record only if property authority requires recording

07

Deliver originals

Provide original to agent and copies to institutions

08

Update records

Confirm banks and providers added the agent

Real-world examples of Power of Attorney use with digital workflows

These brief examples show how organizations use electronic execution and secure platforms to manage Power of Attorney documents.

Martin Properties / Tim Martin

Martin Properties needed remote execution for property management and tenant matters due to travel.

  • The team required mobile signing and offline access.
  • "I can process and execute all of these documents online with 100% compliance and built-in security. Whether on mobile or working offline, I can get forms back to their necessary parties efficiently."

BIS / Dan Rotelli

BIS sought solutions meeting enterprise security and audit requirements for delegated authority.

  • Integration with existing systems was essential.
  • "We felt most comfortable with airSlate SignNow given their SOC 2 certification and strict focus on ESIGN and UETA act compliance."

Typical vendor pricing and capability snapshot for eSignature options

Compare starting price, trial availability, bulk-send support, audit trail, HIPAA capability, and envelope caps across vendors with signNow listed first for reference.

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 by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes Varies
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes (BAA required) Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies Varies Varies

Frequently asked questions about Power of Attorney execution and acceptance

Answers to common questions about validity, revocation, notarization, and third-party acceptance to help you troubleshoot execution issues.


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