A Rhode Island Power of Attorney is a legal document allowing you, the principal, to appoint an agent or attorney to manage your financial, medical, or legal affairs. This document can be a valuable tool for ensuring that your affairs are appropriately handled if you cannot do so yourself.
Choosing someone you trust to act as your agent and ensure the document is properly executed and notarized is essential.
Laws & Requirements
Statute: Rhode Island Short Form Power of Attorney Act
Signing Requirements § 18-16-2: Notary public.
By Type
General/Financial Power of Attorney
Grants another person or entity permission to manage your financial affairs.
Signing Requirements: Notary public (§ 18-16-2).
Medical Power of Attorney
Allows an agent or proxy to manage your healthcare-related matters.
Signing Requirements: Two witnesses and a notary public. (§ 23-4.10-2).
Durable Power of Attorney
Lets the agent retain their powers even when you (the principal) become incapacitated.
Signing Requirements: Notary public (§ 18-16-2).
Limited (Special) Power of Attorney
Gives limited powers to your agent for a specific task (such as completing a single transaction).
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
Springing Power of Attorney
“Springs” into effect in a certain situation, and ends at a time you specify.
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
Real Estate Power of Attorney
Lets someone handle your real estate transactions on your behalf.
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
Minor (Child) Power of Attorney
Delegates temporary caregiving authority to a trusted individual who will make decisions for your child.
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
Vehicle Power of Attorney
Lets an agent handle vehicle titling and registration on your behalf.
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
Rhode Island Tax Power of Attorney | Form RI-2848
Nominates an agent to handle your state tax affairs.
Signing Requirements: The principal and agent. If the agent is someone other than a CPA, a licensed public accountant, or an enrolled agent, a notary public or two witnesses must acknowledge their signature.
Revocation of Power of Attorney
Terminates a previously effective power of attorney.
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
