What is required for a Power of Attorney executed on or after October 1, 2010?

A Power of Attorney (POA) must be in writing and signed by the principal to ensure that the authority being granted is clear, legally binding, and can be properly executed. This requirement serves to protect both the principal and the agent, making the intentions and permissions transparent. Since the POA is a formal document that delegates powers to an agent, it must adhere to specific legal standards, which include the necessity for it to be written and signed.

This rule helps prevent misunderstandings and disputes regarding the powers granted to the agent, as an oral agreement would lack the necessary evidentiary support and formalities to be enforceable in a legal context. Therefore, requiring the document to be written and signed underscores the seriousness and gravity of the authority being granted.