California General Power of Attorney (2026)

California power of attorney: key facts

Signing (notary and witnesses)

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).

Official form

Optional Uniform Statutory Form (Prob. Code §4401). We use our own form for the general and limited versions.

Official sources: California Probate Code §4121 · Probate Code §4124 · Last reviewed: October 2026

How it works

1. Answer a few questions about you, your agent and the powers. The form follows California rules.
2. See a free preview of your document.
3. Unlock it with a one-time payment and download it in PDF and Word, with signing instructions for California.

Start your document

Frequently asked questions

Does a general 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.

What happens if I become incapacitated?

This general power of attorney ends. If you want your agent to keep acting, choose the durable power of attorney.

Can my agent make medical decisions?

No. This is a financial power of attorney. Health care decisions need a medical power of attorney.

Can I get it in Spanish?

Yes. You sign the English document and also receive a Spanish reference translation and Spanish signing instructions.

Other states

TexasFloridaNew YorkPennsylvaniaIllinoisOhioGeorgiaNorth CarolinaMichigan

Other power of attorney types in California: Medical POA · Limited POA · Minor child POA