What you get
- An editable Word document, drafted from your answers and the state's official text.
- A proof of sources: every citation in the draft with the words it quotes, the official source, the date the text was saved and its fingerprint.
- Notes for counsel listing each point marked [VERIFY], each blank and each choice left for the client.
What the intake asks
Plain questions, in the order an attorney would take the facts. Anything left blank stays a marked blank in the draft; nothing is invented to fill it.
The agent
- Principal (the person granting the power)
- Principal's address
- Agent (attorney-in-fact)
- Agent's address
- Second agent serving at the same time
- The two agents act
- Successor agent
- and 1 more
When it works
- When does it take effect
- Who decides that the principal is incapacitated
- Authorize limited disclosure to determine incapacity
What the agent may do
- Authority to include
- Powers that need a specific grant
- Gift limits
- May the agent use any of these powers to benefit themselves
- Nominate the agent as guardian or conservator if a court is ever needed
- Will the agent deal with real estate
Terms
- Agent compensation
- Earlier financial powers of attorney
- Prior powers to revoke or preserve
- Who receives accountings, and when
- Trust funding or benefits-planning instructions
- Special instructions or limits
Where it is offered
Every state Lawsmith has official sources for:
CaliforniaConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaMarylandMassachusettsNew JerseyNew YorkOhioPennsylvaniaTexasVirginia
Official sources on file
The drafter works from the texts Lawsmith has saved for this document in the state you choose, plus federal law where it applies. Each is read from the official publisher and dated.
| State | Sources for this document |
|---|---|
| California | 14 |
| Connecticut | 25 |
| Delaware | 19 |
| District of Columbia | 12 |
| Florida | 19 |
| Maryland | 14 |
| Massachusetts | 12 |
| New Jersey | 29 |
| New York | 15 |
| Ohio | 14 |
| Pennsylvania | 15 |
| Texas | 10 |
| Virginia | 21 |
Among them, for New Jersey:
- N.J.S.A. 46:2B-8.2 Powers of attorney; durable powers of attorney; disability defined.
- N.J.S.A. 46:2B-8.9 Formality.
- N.J.S.A. 46:2B-8.13 Fiduciary status and duty to account.
- N.J.S.A. 46:2B-8.14 Application of act.
- N.J.S.A. 46:14-2.1 Acknowledgement and proof.
How the draft is checked
Before it writes, the drafter must quote the official text behind each citation. Lawsmith compares every quotation with the text on file, character for character; a citation with no checked quotation reaches you marked [VERIFY]. The draft still needs your review before it is signed, filed or sent. How citations are checked
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