Form Breakdown

Fact Name Description
Definition An Ohio Durable Power of Attorney allows an individual (the principal) to designate another person (the agent) to make decisions on their behalf, even if the principal becomes incapacitated.
Governing Law The Ohio Durable Power of Attorney is governed by Ohio Revised Code § 1337.22 to § 1337.64.
Durability This type of power of attorney remains effective even if the principal is no longer able to make decisions due to mental or physical incapacity.
Agent's Authority The agent can be granted broad or limited powers, including financial decisions, healthcare decisions, or both, depending on the principal's preferences.
Signing Requirements The form must be signed by the principal and acknowledged by a notary public or signed by two witnesses who are not related to the principal.
Revocation The principal can revoke the Durable Power of Attorney at any time, as long as they are mentally competent to do so.
Important Considerations Choosing a trustworthy agent is crucial, as they will have significant control over the principal's financial and medical decisions.

Sample - Ohio Durable Power of Attorney Form

Ohio Durable Power of Attorney

This Durable Power of Attorney is executed in accordance with Ohio state laws. It allows the undersigned to designate another individual to act on their behalf in various matters.

Principal: _______________________________________ (Name of the individual granting authority)

Address: ________________________________________ (Principal's address)

City, State, Zip: ________________________________

Agent: _________________________________________ (Name of the individual designated to act on the principal's behalf)

Address: ________________________________________ (Agent's address)

City, State, Zip: ________________________________

This Durable Power of Attorney grants the Agent the authority to make decisions regarding:

  • Financial matters
  • Real estate transactions
  • Legal and tax matters
  • Healthcare decisions
  • Other specified matters: _______________________________

The powers granted herein shall not be affected by the subsequent incapacity of the Principal.

This Durable Power of Attorney shall remain in effect until revoked by the Principal or upon the Principal's death.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Principal has executed this Durable Power of Attorney on this ____ day of __________, 20____.

Principal's Signature: _______________________________

Witness 1: ___________________________________

Witness 1 Signature: ________________________

Witness 2: ___________________________________

Witness 2 Signature: ________________________

Notary Public:

State of Ohio, County of ____________________

Subscribed and sworn to before me on this ____ day of __________, 20____.

Notary Public Signature: _______________________________

My Commission Expires: _______________________________

Common mistakes

Filling out the Ohio Durable Power of Attorney form can be a straightforward process, but many individuals make common mistakes that can lead to complications down the line. One frequent error is not clearly identifying the agent. The agent is the person authorized to act on behalf of the principal, and if their name is not clearly stated or if there is ambiguity about their identity, it can create confusion and potential legal issues.

Another mistake often seen is failing to specify the powers granted. The form allows for a range of powers, from managing financial affairs to making healthcare decisions. However, if the powers are not explicitly outlined, the agent may not have the authority to act in certain situations. This lack of clarity can result in delays or even disputes when decisions need to be made.

Additionally, many people overlook the importance of signing and dating the document correctly. In Ohio, the principal must sign the Durable Power of Attorney form in the presence of a notary public or two witnesses. If these requirements are not met, the document may be deemed invalid, which could lead to significant problems when the agent tries to exercise their authority.

Moreover, individuals often forget to update their Durable Power of Attorney when circumstances change. Life events such as marriage, divorce, or the death of an agent can necessitate changes to the document. Failing to keep the form current may result in the appointment of someone who is no longer appropriate for the role, which can complicate matters during critical times.

Finally, many people do not discuss their wishes with their chosen agent before filling out the form. It is essential that the agent understands their responsibilities and is willing to accept them. Without this conversation, the agent may feel unprepared or unwilling to act when the time comes, which can undermine the very purpose of having a Durable Power of Attorney in place.