Does a General Power of attorney have to be notorized in Washington state?
Full Question:
Answer:
We cannot give legal advice. The following is not a substitute for the advice of a local attorney. But we hope the information will be useful.
Our information is that there is no requirement within the statutes that the signature of the principal upon a POA must be acknowledged by a notary except in cases where the agent is to conduct a real estate transaction on behalf of the principal. In the case where real estate transactions by the agent are contemplated, the signature of the principal upon the POA must be notarized.
HOWEVER, we STRONGLY recommend that when the principal signs the power of attorney, that a notary be present and notarize the document. This is always the best practice.