Fill a Valid Delaware Notice To Principal Form

Fill a Valid Delaware Notice To Principal Form

The Delaware Notice to Principal form serves as an important document in the context of a durable power of attorney. By signing this form, the individual, referred to as the Principal, designates an Agent to manage their financial affairs, which may include selling or encumbering property without prior notice. It is crucial for the Principal to fully understand the powers granted to their Agent, as these can continue even in the event of incapacitation.

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The Delaware Notice to Principal form is an essential document that plays a significant role in managing personal affairs through a Durable Personal Power of Attorney. This form empowers an individual, known as the Principal, to designate an Agent who will have the authority to handle various aspects of the Principal's property. The powers granted can include the ability to sell or dispose of real and personal property without needing prior approval from the Principal. Importantly, this power remains effective even if the Principal becomes incapacitated, unless explicitly revoked. The form also outlines the responsibilities of the Agent, emphasizing the need for trust and due care in managing the Principal's assets. Furthermore, the Principal can choose to appoint one or more Agents, either to act independently or jointly. It is crucial for anyone considering this form to fully understand its implications and seek legal advice if there are any uncertainties. The Delaware Code provides further details on the powers and duties involved, ensuring that both Principals and Agents are aware of their rights and obligations under this legal arrangement.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Delaware Notice to Principal form, there are important steps to follow. Here’s a list of what you should and shouldn’t do:

  • Do read the entire form carefully before signing.
  • Do choose an Agent you trust completely.
  • Do specify if you want your Agent to act independently or together with others.
  • Do initial each category of authority you wish to grant to your Agent.
  • Do ask questions if anything is unclear.
  • Don’t leave any sections blank that are required.
  • Don’t rush through the process; take your time to understand your choices.
  • Don’t choose an Agent who might have conflicting interests.
  • Don’t forget to sign and date the form where indicated.

Sample - Delaware Notice To Principal Form

Delaware Durable Personal Power of Attorney

Notice to Principal

As the person signing this durable power of attorney, you are the Principal. The purpose of this power of attorney is to give the person you designate (your "Agent") broad powers to handle your property, which may include powers to sell, dispose of, or encumber any real or personal property without advance notice to you or approval by you.

This power of attorney does not authorize your Agent to make health- care decisions for you.

Unless you specify otherwise, your Agent's authority will continue even if you become incapacitated, or until you die or revoke the power of attorney, or until your Agent resigns or is unable to act for you. You should select someone you trust to serve as your Agent.

This power of attorney does not impose a duty on your Agent to exercise granted powers, but when powers are exercised, your Agent must use due care to act for your benefit and in accordance with this power of attorney.

Your Agent must keep your funds and other property separate from your Agent's funds and other property.

A court can take away the powers of your Agent if it finds your Agent is not acting properly.

The powers and duties of an Agent under a durable power of attorney are explained more fully in Delaware Code, Title 12, Chapter 49A, Section 49A-114 and Sections 49A-201 through 49A-217.

If there is anything about this form that you do not understand, you should ask a lawyer of your own choosing to explain it to you.

I have read or had explained to me this notice and I understand its contents.

________________________ ______________

PrincipalDate

Durable Personal Power of Attorney Form

As the person completing this form, you are the Principal. This form gives another person the power to act on your behalf. The other person is your Agent.

This form allows you to designate:

(1)one Agent at a time and up to two Agents in succession;

(2)two or more Agents who may act independently of each other (Concurrent Agents); or

(3)two or more Agents who must act together (Joint Agents).

If your Agent is unable or unwilling to act for you, your power of attorney will end unless you have named a successor Agent(s).

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY OR THE AUTHORITY YOU ARE GRANTING TO YOUR AGENT(S), YOU SHOULD SEEK LEGAL ADVICE BEFORE COMPLETING AND SIGNING THIS FORM.

Designation of Agent

I, ________________________, name the following person(s) as my

(Name of Principal)

Agent(s):

Name of Agent:___________________________________________

Agent's Address:__________________________________________

Agent's Telephone Number:_________________________________

DESIGNATION OF ADDITIONAL OR SUCCESSOR AGENTS (OPTIONAL) Name of Agent:___________________________________________

Agent's Address:__________________________________________

Agent's Telephone Number:_________________________________

Name of Agent:___________________________________________

Agent's Address:__________________________________________

Agent's Telephone Number:_________________________________

EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2010

2

If more than one Agent has been named above, I intend for those Agents to:

________ Act successively, one after the other.

________ Act concurrently, independent of each other.

________ Act jointly, such that neither may act alone.

You must sign ONE of these two choices:

______________________________

This power of attorney is effective

Sign here if this is your choice

immediately, and shall not be affected

 

by my subsequent incapacity.

______________________________

This power of attorney is effective only

Sign here if this is your choice

if and while I am incapacitated as

 

determined under 12 Del. C. § 49A-

 

109(c).

Grant of General Authority

You should READ the terms of each category of power or authority listed below before granting any of them to your Agent(s). A full explanation of each power or authority is in the Delaware Code. The Delaware Code is available online.

Search: Delaware Code, Title 12, Chapter 49A, and then go to the number next to

the category. Example: Real Property, Section (§) 49A-204. The Delaware Code may also be available at your local library.

I grant my Agent(s) general authority to act for me with respect to the following categories of powers. INITIAL each category you want to include in the Agent's general authority. CROSS OUT each category you do not want to include in the Agent's general authority.

If you do not initial a category listed below, powers associated with that category will NOT be included as part of your Agent's general authority.

____ Real Property § 49A-204

____ Tangible Personal Property § 49A-205

____ Stocks and Bonds § 49A-206

____ Commodities and Options § 49A-207

____ Banks and Other Financial Institutions § 49A-208

____ Operation of Entity or Business § 49A-209

____ Insurance and Annuities § 49A-210

____ Estates, Trusts, and Other Beneficial Interests § 49A-211

____ Claims and Litigation § 49A-212

____ Personal and Family Maintenance § 49A-213

____ Benefits from Governmental Programs or Civil or Military Service § 49A-214

____ Retirement Plans § 49A-215

____ Taxes § 49A-216

____ Gifts § 49A-217

EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2010

3

Grant of Specific Authority

Giving your Agent(s) any of the following powers will give your Agent(s) the authority to take actions that could significantly reduce your property or change how and to whom your property is distributed at your death.

You should READ the terms describing each power before granting any of them to your Agent(s). INITIAL each power you want to include in the Agent's authority. CROSS OUT each power you do not want to include in the Agent's authority.

If you do not initial a power listed below, it will NOT be included as part of your Agent's specific authority.

____ Create, amend, revoke, or terminate an inter vivos trust

____ Make a gift in excess of the limitations provided in the Durable Personal

Power of Attorney Act, 12 Del. C. § 49A-217

____ Create or change rights of survivorship

____ Create or change a beneficiary designation

____ Delegate authority granted under the power of attorney when all successor

Agents have resigned, died, become incapacitated, are no longer qualified to serve, or have declined to serve

____ Exercise fiduciary powers that the Principal has authority to delegate

____ Reject, renounce, disclaim, release, or consent to a reduction in or

modification of a share in or payment from estate, trust, or other beneficial interest

Any person, including my Agent(s), may rely upon this power of attorney or a copy of it unless that person knows it has terminated or is invalid.

Revocation of Prior Power of Attorney

If you have previously executed a power of attorney granting authority covered in this document, indicate below whether or not you wish to revoke the prior power of attorney. Initial your selection below:

________All my previously executed powers of attorney are hereby revoked.

________My previously executed powers of attorney hereby remain in effect.

________Other. Explain.______________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2010

4

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY OR THE AUTHORITY YOU ARE GRANTING TO YOUR AGENT(S), YOU SHOULD SEEK LEGAL ADVICE BEFORE SIGNING THIS FORM.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this ____ day of

____________, 20____ .

_______________________________

Principal’s Signature

_______________________________

Print Principal’s Name

SIGNED, SEALED, AND DECLARED by the Principal, ________________,

as his/her Durable Personal Power of Attorney in the presence of the following witness, who has signed in the presence of and at the request of the Principal on the day and year appearing above.

I, the witness, swear that I am not related to the Principal by blood, marriage, civil union, or adoption; and that I am not entitled to any portion of the estate of the Principal under the Principal's current will or codicil, or under any current trust instrument of the Principal.

________________________________ of ________________________________

(Seal) Witness Signature

________________________________

Print name

STATE OF DELAWARE :: SS.

COUNTY OF _________________ :

This Durable Power of Attorney was signed by the Principal, witnessed by the person aforesaid, and acknowledged before me, the Subscriber, a Notary Public, this

________ day of ______________ 20____.

______________________________

Notary Public

EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2010

5

Statement to Agent

Agent’s Duties

When you accept the authority granted under this power of attorney, a special legal relationship is created between you and the Principal. This relationship imposes upon you legal duties that continue until you resign or the power of attorney is terminated or revoked. You must:

(1)do what you know the Principal reasonably expects you to do with the Principal's property or, if you do not know the Principal's expectations, act in the Principal's best interest;

(2)act in good faith;

(3)do nothing beyond the authority granted in this power of attorney;

(4)disclose your identity as an Agent whenever you act for the Principal by writing or printing the name of the Principal and signing your own name as "Agent" in the following manner:

(Principal's Name) by (Your Signature) as Agent

and

(5)to the extent reasonably practicable under the circumstances, keep in regular contact and communication with the principal.

Except as otherwise provided in the power of attorney, you must also:

(1)not act for your own benefit;

(2)avoid conflicts that would impair your ability to act in the Principal's best interest;

(3)act with care, competence, and diligence;

(4)keep a record of all receipts, disbursements, and transactions made on behalf of the Principal;

(5)cooperate with any person who has authority to make health-care decisions for the Principal; and

(6)not act in a manner inconsistent with the Principal's testamentary plan.

Termination of Agent's Authority

You must stop acting on behalf of the Principal if you learn of any event that terminates this power of attorney or your authority under this power of attorney. Events that terminate this power of attorney or your authority to act under it include:

(1)death of the Principal;

(2)the Principal's revocation of the power of attorney or your authority;

(3)the occurrence of a termination event stated in the power of attorney;

(4)the purpose of the power of attorney is fully accomplished; or

(5)an action is filed with a court for your separation, annulment, or divorce from the Principal, unless the Principal otherwise provided in the power of attorney that such action will not terminate your authority.

EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2010

6

Liability of Agent

The authority granted to you is specified in the Durable Personal Power of Attorney Act, Delaware Code, Title 12, Chapter 49A. If you violate the Act, or act outside the scope of the authority granted, you may be liable for any damages caused by your violation.

If there is anything about this document or your powers, authority, or duties as Agent that you do not understand, you should seek legal advice.

Agent’s Certification

I, ________________________, have read the attached durable power of attorney

and the foregoing statement, and I am the person identified as the Agent for the Principal. To the best of my knowledge, this power has not been revoked. I hereby acknowledge that, in the absence of a specific provision to the contrary in the durable power of attorney, when I act as Agent:

I shall exercise my powers for the benefit of the Principal.

I shall keep the assets of the Principal separate from my assets. I shall exercise reasonable caution and prudence.

I shall keep a full and accurate record of all actions, receipts and disbursements on behalf of the Principal.

I shall, to the extent reasonably practicable under the circumstances, keep in regular contact with the Principal and communicate with the Principal.

__________________________

__________________________

Agent Signature

Date

Effective October 1, 2010

EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2010

7

Similar forms

The Delaware Durable Personal Power of Attorney Notice to Principal form shares similarities with the General Durable Power of Attorney form. Both documents empower an individual, known as the Principal, to designate an Agent who will manage their financial affairs. The General Durable Power of Attorney also remains effective even if the Principal becomes incapacitated, allowing the Agent to act without needing further consent. Importantly, like the Delaware Notice, it emphasizes the need for the Principal to choose a trustworthy Agent, as this person will have significant control over the Principal's assets.

Another document that aligns closely with the Delaware Notice is the Healthcare Power of Attorney. While the focus of the Healthcare Power of Attorney is on medical decisions rather than financial matters, both forms grant authority to an Agent to act on behalf of the Principal. The Healthcare Power of Attorney allows the designated Agent to make healthcare decisions if the Principal is unable to do so. This highlights the importance of having trusted individuals in both financial and medical contexts, ensuring that the Principal's wishes are respected in various aspects of their life.

The Living Will is yet another document that bears resemblance to the Delaware Notice. A Living Will outlines the Principal's preferences regarding medical treatment in situations where they may not be able to communicate their wishes. While the Delaware Notice focuses on financial authority, both documents serve to protect the Principal's interests and ensure that their choices are honored. They both reflect the importance of planning for the future and making decisions in advance about who will act on behalf of the Principal.

For those looking to navigate the complexities of vehicle transactions, the detailed Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale document is an essential tool that helps confirm ownership transfer while detailing critical specifics about the sale.

The Revocation of Power of Attorney form is also similar in function to the Delaware Notice. This document allows a Principal to formally cancel any previously granted powers of attorney, including those that may have been established under the Delaware Notice. Both documents underscore the Principal's right to change their mind about who they want to manage their affairs, ensuring that they maintain control over their financial and legal decisions throughout their lifetime.

Lastly, the Durable Power of Attorney for Finances form shares key characteristics with the Delaware Notice. This document specifically grants an Agent the authority to handle financial matters, similar to the powers outlined in the Delaware Notice. Both forms are designed to remain effective during the Principal's incapacitation, reinforcing the idea that planning for financial management is essential. Ultimately, both documents aim to provide clarity and security for the Principal's financial affairs, ensuring that their intentions are followed even when they can no longer manage those affairs themselves.

Common mistakes

  1. Not reading the entire form carefully. It's essential to understand each section before filling it out.

  2. Failing to designate a trusted Agent. Choose someone you trust completely, as they will have significant authority.

  3. Overlooking the need for a successor Agent. If your primary Agent cannot act, your power of attorney may become ineffective.

  4. Not initialing or crossing out categories of authority. If you don’t specify what powers your Agent has, they may have more authority than you intend.

  5. Ignoring the revocation of prior powers of attorney. Clearly state if you want previous documents revoked to avoid confusion.

  6. Choosing multiple Agents without clarity on their roles. Decide whether they will act together, independently, or in succession.

  7. Neglecting to sign and date the form correctly. An unsigned or undated document may not be valid.

  8. Failing to consult with a lawyer if unsure. Legal advice can clarify any uncertainties and ensure the document meets your needs.

Documents used along the form

When dealing with the Delaware Notice to Principal form, several other documents are often necessary to ensure clarity and legality in the delegation of powers. Below is a list of these documents, each serving a specific purpose in the process.

  • Durable Personal Power of Attorney Form: This form grants an Agent the authority to act on behalf of the Principal. It specifies the powers given and can include multiple Agents with different acting conditions.
  • Designation of Agent: This document names the Agent(s) chosen by the Principal. It includes contact information and outlines whether the Agents will act together or independently.
  • Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale: A form that facilitates the transfer of ownership of a vehicle, serving as proof of purchase. For more details, visit Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale.
  • Grant of General Authority: This section allows the Principal to specify the categories of powers the Agent can exercise, such as managing real estate or handling financial accounts.
  • Grant of Specific Authority: This document details specific powers that can significantly affect the Principal’s property or estate, like creating trusts or making large gifts.
  • Revocation of Prior Power of Attorney: If the Principal has previously executed a power of attorney, this document indicates whether those prior powers are revoked or remain in effect.
  • Witness Signature: This section requires a witness to sign, confirming that they are not related to the Principal and are not entitled to any part of the Principal’s estate.
  • Notary Acknowledgment: This is a formal acknowledgment by a Notary Public, verifying the identity of the Principal and the authenticity of the signatures on the document.
  • Health Care Power of Attorney: Although separate from the durable power of attorney, this document designates an Agent to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the Principal when they are incapacitated.
  • Living Will: This document outlines the Principal's wishes regarding medical treatment in situations where they cannot communicate their preferences, often used alongside a health care power of attorney.

These documents work together to provide a comprehensive legal framework for managing the Principal's affairs. It is crucial to understand each form's purpose and ensure they are completed correctly to avoid complications in the future.

How to Use Delaware Notice To Principal

Completing the Delaware Notice to Principal form is an important step in designating someone to manage your affairs should you become unable to do so. This process requires careful consideration, as the person you choose will have significant authority over your financial matters. Follow these steps to fill out the form correctly.

  1. Enter Your Name: In the designated space, write your full name as the Principal.
  2. Designate Your Agent: Fill in the name, address, and telephone number of the person you are appointing as your Agent.
  3. Optional Successor Agents: If desired, list additional or successor Agents with their names, addresses, and telephone numbers.
  4. Select Agent Authority: Choose how your Agents will act by marking one of the options: successively, concurrently, or jointly.
  5. Sign the Form: Indicate whether the power of attorney is effective immediately or only if you become incapacitated, and sign accordingly.
  6. Grant General Authority: Review each category of authority and initial those you wish to grant to your Agent. Cross out any categories you do not want to include.
  7. Grant Specific Authority: Similarly, review and initial any specific powers you wish to grant, crossing out those you do not want.
  8. Revocation of Prior Powers: If applicable, indicate whether you wish to revoke any previous powers of attorney by initialing your selection.
  9. Principal's Signature: Sign and print your name at the bottom of the form.
  10. Witness Signature: Have a witness sign the form, ensuring they meet the requirements outlined.
  11. Notary Public: Finally, take the form to a Notary Public for acknowledgment.

Once you have completed the form, keep a copy for your records and provide copies to your Agent(s). It's wise to discuss your decisions with your Agent(s) to ensure they understand your wishes. If any questions arise during this process, consider consulting a legal professional for guidance.

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