A Maine general power of attorney is a legal document with which an individual, the “principal,” selects someone else, the “agent” or “attorney-in-fact,” to manage their affairs and make decisions on their behalf. Depending on how the document is constructed, the agent’s decision-making authority may be all-encompassing or restricted to a particular area of the principal’s affairs. The principal must sign the form in the presence of a notary public, who will then authenticate the document with their signature and notarial seal. It should be noted that this general power of attorney is non-durable and becomes ineffective if the principal is incapacitated.

Laws – Title 18-C, Article 5, Part 9 (Maine Uniform Power of Attorney Act)

Signing Requirements (§ 5-905(1)) – Notary Public

Durable Power of Attorney – A financial power of attorney that does not terminate if the principal becomes incapacitated.