Full question:
Does a Power of Attorney have to be filed with an attorney to be effective or does it just have to be filled out, signed and notarized to be in effect? This would be a Power of Attorney to handle my mother's personal business such as finances, bills, etc. while she's in the nursing home. Another family member and I would like to act as co-agents on this Power of Attorney. Would us acting as co-agents have any affect on whether or not it would have to filed with an attorney? I understand that we would have to specify if the co-agents would have to act together or whether we could act independently of each other. If the Power of Attorney does have to be filed with an attorney for any of the above reasons, how long does the process take from the time we consult the attorney until the Power of Attorney is legally in effect?
- Category: Power of Attorney
- Date:
- State: Texas
Answer:
To be effective, a Power of Attorney (POA) must be filled out, signed, and notarized. However, if it involves real property, it should be recorded at the county recorder's office. You should specify whether the co-agents must act together or can act independently. In Texas, a durable power of attorney for real property transactions must be recorded according to Texas statute § 489.
If you plan to file the POA with an attorney, the time frame can vary based on the attorney's schedule and the complexity of the situation. Consult with an attorney for specific timelines.
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.