A power of attorney is a legal document by which
you authorize someone else to act for you.
Overview
To be effective in Connecticut, the power of attorney must
be signed and dated by you in the presence of two witnesses, who also sign the
document. The signing of the document by you and the two witnesses must be done in
the presence of a notary public, a Connecticut attorney, a judge, clerk of
the court or town clerk, or one of certain other persons. That person
also signs, dates, records where the signing occurred, and that you
"acknowledged" that signing was your free act and deed. If a notary public
is used, a seal is also stamped or affixed to the document.
A power of attorney can not be used in Connecticut
to make gifts unless that power is specifically mentioned in the document. A
power of attorney can only be used during your lifetime. What a power of
attorney document should say and how it should be used are discussed in this section.
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