Power of Attorney · Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Durable Power of Attorney (2026)
A Pennsylvania durable power of attorney lets your agent handle your finances and keeps working if you become incapacitated. Signing: Notary AND two witnesses age 18 or older; the agent and the notary cannot be witnesses (§5601(b)(3)).
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Pennsylvania power of attorney: key facts
- Signing (notary and witnesses)
- Notary AND two witnesses age 18 or older; the agent and the notary cannot be witnesses (§5601(b)(3)).
- Durable by default?
- Yes, unless the document says otherwise (20 Pa.C.S. §5601.1).
- Official form
- No statutory form (20 Pa.C.S. ch. 56), but a signed NOTICE in capital letters must open the document (§5601(c)).
- Good to know
- Your agent has no authority until signing the Agent's Acknowledgment (§5601(d)).
Official sources: 20 Pa.C.S. Chapter 56 · Last reviewed: October 2026
How it works
- Answer a few questions about you, your agent and the powers. The form follows Pennsylvania rules.
- See a free preview of your document.
- Unlock it with a one-time payment and download it in PDF and Word, with signing instructions for Pennsylvania.
Frequently asked questions
- Does a durable power of attorney need to be notarized in Pennsylvania?
- Notary AND two witnesses age 18 or older; the agent and the notary cannot be witnesses (§5601(b)(3)).
- When does it take effect?
- Immediately when signed, unless the form lets you choose otherwise and you do.
- 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 YorkIllinoisOhioGeorgiaNorth CarolinaMichigan
Other power of attorney types in Pennsylvania: General POA · Medical POA · Limited POA · Vehicle POA