Health & Benefits

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The Big Picture

A power of attorney (POA) for health care is a form that lets you choose a person to make health care decisions for you. The person you choose will then be able to make health care decisions for…

Ending a power of attorney How-To Print this to take with you Share this page to social media channels QUICK EXIT

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Help ILAO open opportunities for justice

Follow the steps below for the most formal way to end a power of attorney.

Fill out a revocation or resignation form

Fill out the appropriate form listed below:

Power of Attorney Revocation: Use this program if you are the principal to help fill out the form to end the power of attorney.
Power of Attorney Agent Resignation: Use this program if you are the agent to help fill out the form to end the power of attorney.

Get the revocation or resignation notarized, and send it to the other party

Once you have filled out and printed the Power of Attorney Revocation or the Power of Attorney Agent Resignation, bring it to a notary to get it notarized. Make multiple copies of the document.

Effective January 1, 2024, electronic signatures are permitted in documents which create, exercise, release, or revoke a power of attorney. A notary or witness must be "electronically present" to electronically sign. Electronic presence could be over a video service like Zoom.

If you are the principal, send a copy to the agent so they know that you ended the power of attorney. If you are the agent, send a copy to the principal so they know that you won't act as their agent anymore.

Additionally, send a copy of the revocation to notify all third parties who might have had a copy of the power of attorney, like your bank or doctor's office.

There is an option to delay the revocation for 30 days after you communicate your intent to revoke.

Other ways a power of attorney may be ended

The steps above explain the most formal way to end or revoke a power of attorney. It's a good idea to follow these formal steps to end a power of attorney.

However, there are other ways a power of attorney may be ended, including:

Writing and executing a new document that says it revokes all prior powers of attorney,
Destroying a power of attorney in a way that shows the person meant to revoke the document,
Orally expressing the intent to end the power of attorney in front of a witness 18 years or older who signs and dates a writing confirming the statement, or
For healthcare powers of attorney, deleting an electronic copy of the document in a way that shows an intention to revoke.