Attorney-Approved General Power of Attorney Form for Missouri State

Many people have misunderstandings about the Missouri General Power of Attorney form. Here are six common misconceptions:

• It must be notarized to be valid. While notarization is recommended, it is not strictly required for a General Power of Attorney to be valid in Missouri. However, having it notarized can help prevent disputes about its authenticity.
• It automatically expires when the principal becomes incapacitated. This is not true. A General Power of Attorney can be made durable, meaning it remains effective even if the principal becomes incapacitated.
• Anyone can be appointed as an agent. While you can choose anyone you trust, the agent must be at least 18 years old and mentally competent. Some people may think they can appoint anyone, but this is not the case.
• It gives the agent unlimited power. The powers granted in a General Power of Attorney are defined by the principal. The principal can limit the agent's authority to specific tasks or decisions.
• It is only useful for financial matters. A General Power of Attorney can cover a wide range of decisions, including healthcare and legal matters, not just financial ones.
• Once signed, it cannot be changed. The principal can revoke or modify the General Power of Attorney at any time, as long as they are mentally competent to do so.

When filling out the Missouri General Power of Attorney form, keep these important tips in mind.

• Do ensure that you understand the powers you are granting. Be clear about what decisions your agent can make on your behalf.
• Do use clear and concise language. Avoid ambiguity to prevent misunderstandings later.
• Do sign the form in front of a notary public. This step adds legitimacy and helps prevent challenges to the document.
• Do keep copies of the signed form. Distribute copies to your agent and any relevant institutions.
• Don't rush through the process. Take your time to ensure all information is accurate and complete.
• Don't grant powers to someone you do not trust. Your agent will have significant authority over your affairs.
• Don't forget to review and update the form as needed. Life changes may require adjustments to your power of attorney.

• Durable Power of Attorney: This document remains effective even if the person who created it becomes incapacitated. It provides similar authority as a General Power of Attorney but is designed for long-term situations.
• Limited Power of Attorney: This form grants authority for specific tasks or a set period. Unlike the General Power of Attorney, it does not allow for broad decision-making.
• Medical Power of Attorney: This document allows someone to make healthcare decisions on behalf of another person. It focuses on medical choices rather than financial or legal matters.
• Financial Power of Attorney: Similar to the General Power of Attorney, this document specifically grants authority to manage financial affairs, such as banking and investments.
• Living Will: While not a power of attorney, a living will outlines a person's wishes regarding medical treatment in case they cannot communicate. It complements a Medical Power of Attorney.
• Trust Agreement: A trust allows a person to manage their assets for the benefit of others. While it has a different purpose, it can involve similar authority over financial matters.
• Appointment of Guardian: This document allows someone to appoint a guardian for their children or dependents. It shares the theme of delegating authority but focuses on personal care.
• Real Estate Power of Attorney: This is a specialized power of attorney that allows someone to handle real estate transactions on behalf of another person, similar to the General Power of Attorney's broad authority.
• Business Power of Attorney: This document gives someone authority to make business decisions and manage business affairs, paralleling the General Power of Attorney in its scope.