A General Durable Power of Attorney lets you designate a trusted person to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. It is one of the most important legal documents every adult in California should have — yet most families never prepare one until it is too late. Complete yours in under 15 minutes, bilingual, no attorney required.
Every adult over age 18 should have a Durable Power of Attorney. It is especially urgent if you: hold a bank account or property in your name, are a parent of minor children, have aging parents, travel frequently, or live alone. Without this document, if you suffer an accident or incapacitating illness, your family must petition California probate court for a conservatorship — a process that costs $5,000–$15,000 and takes 4–6 months. With a Power of Attorney in place, your trusted agent can act immediately.
In California, the Durable Power of Attorney is governed by Probate Code §§4000-4545. To be valid, you must sign it before a notary public OR in front of two adult witnesses (we recommend notarization because most banks require it). The document must clearly identify the "principal" (you), the "agent" (your trusted person), and a "successor agent" (backup). If you grant powers over real property, the document must also be recorded with the County Recorder of the county where the property is located.
Just $149. An attorney in Los Angeles would charge $400–$1,200 for the same document. Our self-help platform lets you prepare it yourself in under 15 minutes.
In California it can be valid with two unrelated adult witnesses, but we always recommend notarization because banks, hospitals, and agencies almost always require it.
Yes, at any time. Use our Revocation of Power of Attorney document ($79) and notify your agent in writing. If you recorded the POA with the County Recorder, you must also record the revocation.
The General grants broad authority over all financial matters. The Limited grants authority for a single specific transaction (e.g., selling a house). For medical decisions, use the separate Advance Health Care Directive.
No, but your agent must be able to exercise the powers within California. If you live outside California but own assets in California, this is the right document.
Multi Servicios 360 | www.multiservicios360.net | 855.246.7274