General Durable Power of Attorney. This is Missouri, and here’s what you’re dealing with. First, it’s your name at the top—you’re the principal. Print it out: name, home address, phone. No skipping. Pick your agent carefully. That’s the person who acts for you if you can’t—same pile of info: name, address, zip, phone. There’s space for a backup agent if your first pick can’t do the job. Everything by hand, the way Missouri likes it.
Here’s the real work: there’s a list of powers, and you pick what they get to handle. Initial the line if you want the agent making real estate deals, seizing bank accounts, moving your personal property, bringing legal claims, handling government paperwork and taxes, managing family care, giving gifts, or working with your retirement accounts. Leave the rest blank. Anything not checked? Not allowed. Special instructions? There’s a box. Fill it with whatever makes you breathe easier.
Decide when this all kicks in—right now, or only if you can’t make your own calls. Check the box. This power sticks even if something happens and you lose capacity for good. That’s the “durable” part.
Once signed, anybody dealing with your agent can rely on this document or a copy, unless they know you revoked it. And you always can—it’s your right. But it has to be in writing.
Final stretch: sign and date it. Notary block is set up for Missouri—name, county, date, signature, stamp, notary commission. Agent has a spot to acknowledge the job and accept.
Before doing any of this, you want to slow down. Review each section. Make it fit you. Missouri doesn’t demand a notary every time except for real estate, but do it anyway to be safe. If you want a clean fit for your life and no headaches later, Nolan Law Firm can help you sort it out.
