Texas residents should understand the process of completing a Texas power of attorney form to help them achieve specific legal objectives. It is a simple process that entails filling out essential details about all the parties involved in creating a POA agreement. Follow the steps below to get started.
Get the Form
The first step is to obtain the POA form from our site. You can opt to download, print, and fill manually or enter the details online on your screen using a compatible software like Word. Ensure that it is similar to the one provided by the state.
Sign the Acknowledgement of Disclosure Statement
The form comes with default information that the principal must acknowledge and sign at the end of the section. As a principal, you must fully understand the declaration in the form before signing. If the statement is confusing, you can seek a medical lawyer’s or doctor’s assistance to explain the disclosure statement’s meaning. Append your signature and current date after reading and understanding.
Appoint a Health Care Agent
In this section, the principal must name a health care agent who will handle all the critical medical decisions in their name. It is imperative to select a trustworthy agent who will serve diligently without compromising your health. Ensure that you inform the person you want to name as your agent before filling out their personal details. Insert your name as the principal and enter the agent’s full name, physical address, and telephone number.
Set Power Limitations
Here, the principal can review the powers stated at the beginning of the document and impose limits to some of the directives. You must clearly state the restrictions that the agent must follow when it comes to exercising authority.
Choose Alternative Agents
Texas POA allows you to have more than one health care agent on the form. In case the original agent is unavailable or refuses to take up responsibility, the first alternative agent will step in the role. You can select at least two alternative agents as a precautionary measure. The appointment is successive, and all agents cannot operate at the same time. Include the full name, physical, and active telephone number of the agent.
Set Original Copy Storage Terms
The principal must state the original POA copy’s location after completion and the entity who will be liable for storing it. Thus, enter the details of the physical address and the name of the person responsible for storage.
Indicate Life Span of POA
This section indicates the duration of the agreement. It contains the date when the agent begins to exercise authority until the termination date. The principal has to append their signature on this section.
Signature and Witnesses
As per Texas laws, a power of attorney agreement requires at least two witnesses to append their signatures for validation. However, the principal should sign the document and include the current date, city, and state.
After the principal, the witnesses should then sign the paperwork and include their physical address and current date.