An attorney may notice legal issues that people who aren't trained in legal matters would not think to include or leave out. For example, an attorney may notice that the document uses language that could been seen as ambiguous and could lead to confusion. Some states might not require you to have the document notarized. However, having the principal’s signature notarized eliminates any doubt regarding the validity of that signature. The notary must verify the identity of the principal before witnessing the signature. Notarizing the power of attorney document reduces the chance that it will be contested by an outside party who may question its validity. You can find more information about notarizing a document at: How to Notarize a Power of Attorney Financial institutions, such as banks and brokerage firms, do not want to inadvertently accept fraudulent power of attorney documents. They have requirements that must be met in order to accept the document and give the agent the powers listed. In order to make sure that your document is sufficient, show it to your bank and other financial institutions before signing it, to make sure that they will accept it after it is signed. A power of attorney is not filed at any governmental agency, but you must have it on hand to present it every time you use it. Keep it in a safe in your home or in a safety deposit box until the time comes when you need to bring it out.
Consider hiring an attorney to review the document. Have the document notarized. Show the document to any institutions you want to recognize it. Save the power of attorney document.