Even a simple web search will quickly reveal any number of products designed to help you create your own legal documents, including your own powers of attorney. While you can create a power of attorney without the assistance of a lawyer, it’s not always in your best interests to do so. Power of attorney documents have to comply with the laws of your state and need to be drafted in a way that accurately reflects your intentions.
This isn’t always easy to do, especially if you don’t have any experience drafting legal documents. If you are intent on making your own powers of attorney, here are three quick tips you need to know that can help you do it right.
Tip 1: Every state is different.
If you use a premade document and just fill in the blanks, this isn’t always a great idea because that document may not be specifically made for your state. All states have different laws about powers of attorney, and you need to use a form that is written with your state’s laws in mind.
Tip 2: Be clear but not complicated.
Legal language has to walk a line between being overly complicated and too simple. Many legal terms are very precise, which is why so many documents often sound awkward or hard to understand. Using the right language, and knowing what words to avoid, is key when making a power of attorney.
Tip 3: Get an expert editor.
If you make your own POA you should have your lawyer look it over for you. The small fee you incur in having an expert review it can save you a lot of time and money later on.
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