Legal Resources - Sailor & Family Support
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Legal Resources
Special Power of Attorney (SPOA): A power of attorney is a legal document. A power of attorney allows someone else to act on your behalf or exercise your rights. You are encouraged to seek advice before executing this important document.
- If you have a complex issue, such as buying or selling real estate, sharing banking privileges, or making long-term arrangements for childcare, or if you simply want advice before executing your Special Power of Attorney, please visit your nearest Region Legal Service Office (RLSO).
- If you choose to prepare one of these powers of attorney for your personal use, you must sign it in person in front of your legal officer or a RLSO legal assistance notary. You can also take it to a public state-licensed notary who can notarize it under state law. Public notaries are typically available at banks and private attorneys’ offices.
- It is important to remember that no one is required to accept a power of attorney. Many banks, businesses, and organizations have their own specific forms that must be used, and many have chosen not to accept powers of attorney at all. If possible, you should contact the organization where you are hoping to use the power of attorney, in order to ensure that you are following their requirements. Being as specific as possible in the authority you are giving to your agent can help to reduce the risk that your power of attorney will be rejected.
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