Power of Attorney · California
California Power of Attorney Forms (2026)
In California, a financial power of attorney is signed this way: Notary OR two adult witnesses (Prob. Code §4121); the agent cannot be a witness. A notary is needed for real estate. Durable by default? No. A power of attorney is durable only if it says so (Prob. Code §4124).
Choose the type of power of attorney
- General POABroad financial authority that ends if you become incapacitated.
- Medical POANames someone to make health care decisions for you.
- Limited POAAuthority for one specific matter, with an end date.
- Minor child POALets a caregiver act for your child while you can't.
California financial power of attorney: key facts
- Official form
- Optional Uniform Statutory Form (Prob. Code §4401). We use our own form for the general and limited versions.
- Durable by default?
- No. A power of attorney is durable only if it says so (Prob. Code §4124).
- Notary and witnesses
- Notary OR two adult witnesses (Prob. Code §4121); the agent cannot be a witness. A notary is needed for real estate.
Official sources: California Probate Code §4121 · Probate Code §4124 · Last reviewed: October 2026
Frequently asked questions
- Does a power of attorney need to be notarized in California?
- Notary OR two adult witnesses (Prob. Code §4121); the agent cannot be a witness. A notary is needed for real estate.
- Is a power of attorney durable in California?
- No. A power of attorney is durable only if it says so (Prob. Code §4124).
- Does California have an official power of attorney form?
- Optional Uniform Statutory Form (Prob. Code §4401). We use our own form for the general and limited versions.
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