Can I change a power of attorney after I signed or notarized it?

Written by Benjamin Kingsley

Do you have questions about or need assistance with a power of attorney? Please click here to email us at contact@legalandme.com.

Do you need a power of attorney form? We make a do-it-yourself power of attorney: finance power of attorney or healthcare power of attorney.

Yes, in most cases you can change or revoke a power of attorney (POA) after it has been signed and notarized, as long as you still have mental capacity. A POA is not irrevocable unless it is specifically written as such. As the principal (the person who created the POA), you generally retain the right to modify or terminate the document at any time, provided you are of sound mind.

To change an existing power of attorney, you have a few options:

1. Create a new POA: This will supersede the old one, as long as you clearly state that all previous POAs are revoked.

2. Amend the existing POA: You can add an amendment to modify specific provisions.

3. Revoke the current POA: You can formally revoke the document and create a new one from scratch.

Regardless of which method you choose, it’s crucial to notify all relevant parties of the changes, including your agent (also called attorney-in-fact), any alternate agents, and any institutions or individuals who may have copies of the original POA. This helps ensure that only the most current version is recognized and followed.

It’s important to note that while you can change a POA after notarization, the new version or amendments should also be notarized to ensure their validity. Additionally, some financial institutions or healthcare providers may have their own internal policies regarding POA changes, so it’s advisable to check with them directly.

Do you have questions about or need assistance with a power of attorney? Please click here to email us at contact@legalandme.com.

Do you need a power of attorney form? We make a do-it-yourself power of attorney: finance power of attorney or healthcare power of attorney.