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Does a General Power of attorney have to be notorized in Washington state?

Does a General Power of attorney have to be notorized in Washington state?

Q: Does a POA need to be notarized in Washington state?

In Washington state, a power of attorney does not need to be notarized unless it is used for real estate transactions, in which case the principal's signature must be notarized. However, it is generally recommended to have a notary present when signing the POA to enhance its validity and acceptance.

Q: What are the requirements for a power of attorney in Washington state?

In Washington, a power of attorney must be in writing and signed by the principal. If the POA grants authority for real estate transactions, it must also be notarized. The agent must be at least 18 years old and mentally competent. It's advisable to specify the powers granted and any limitations to avoid confusion.

Q: Can a POA withdraw money from a bank account?

Yes, a power of attorney can allow the agent to withdraw money from the principal's bank account, provided that the POA document explicitly grants this authority. The agent must act in the best interest of the principal and within the limits set by the power of attorney.

Full question:

Does a General Power of attorney have to be notorized in Washington state?

Category: Power of Attorney
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Washington

Answer:

We cannot give legal advice. The following is not a substitute for the advice of a local attorney. But we hope the information will be useful.

Our information is that there is no requirement within the statutes that the signature of the principal upon a POA must be acknowledged by a notary except in cases where the agent is to conduct a real estate transaction on behalf of the principal. In the case where real estate transactions by the agent are contemplated, the signature of the principal upon the POA must be notarized.

HOWEVER, we STRONGLY recommend that when the principal signs the power of attorney, that a notary be present and notarize the document. This is always the best practice.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What is a general power of attorney in WA?

A general power of attorney (POA) in Washington allows one person (the principal) to grant another person (the agent) broad authority to make decisions on their behalf. This can include managing finances, handling business transactions, and making legal decisions. The powers granted can be as extensive or limited as the principal desires, but it is essential that the document is clearly written to specify the agent's authority.

How to give someone power of attorney in Washington state?

To give someone power of attorney in Washington, you need to create a written document that clearly states your intentions. This document should outline the powers you are granting to your agent. You must sign the POA in the presence of a notary public if it involves real estate transactions. It's advisable to consult with a legal professional to ensure the document meets all legal requirements.

Does a POA need to be notarized in Washington state?

What are the requirements for a power of attorney in Washington state?

How much does a power of attorney cost in Washington state?

The cost of creating a power of attorney in Washington can vary widely. If you use an attorney, fees may range from $100 to $500 or more, depending on the complexity of the document. If you create a POA using online forms or templates, costs may be significantly lower, typically under $100. Always consider consulting a legal professional for guidance.