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Free Vermont Power of Attorney Template

A Vermont power of attorney (POA) lets you appoint someone you trust to make financial, legal, or personal decisions on your behalf. Whether you’re planning for travel, illness, or long-term care, this document ensures your wishes are followed under Vermont law.

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  • Duration 2 min
  • Download as PDF and Word
  • E-sign included

Written by Josh Sainsbury | Attorney-Reviewed by Harvey Barbee, J.D.

How It works?

1

Answer a Few Questions

Add your name, your agent’s details, and specify what powers to grant.

2

Customize Your Form

Our guided builder ensures your Vermont POA meets all state requirements.

3

Download and Sign

Print and sign before a notary public or witnesses, depending on your POA type.

Table of Contents

  1. What Is a Vermont Power of Attorney?
  2. Types of Power of Attorney in Vermont
  3. How to Write a Power of Attorney for Vermont
  4. Legal Requirements and Considerations for Vermont POAs

What Is a Vermont Power of Attorney?

A Vermont power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows you (the principal) to appoint another person (the agent) to act on your behalf in financial, medical, or legal matters.
 This document ensures your affairs are managed according to your wishes if you become unavailable or incapacitated.

Vermont’s POA laws are established under the Vermont Uniform Power of Attorney Act, Title 14, Chapter 123, and for healthcare directives under the Vermont Statutes Title 18 – Health Chapter 231.

Types of Power of Attorney in Vermont

Vermont recognizes multiple POA types that serve different purposes. Here’s how each one works:

TypeWhat It DoesSigning/Notarization Requirements
Durable (Financial)Authorizes your agent to handle financial and property matters, even if you become incapacitated.Notary public (14 VT Stats § 4005)
Non-Durable (General)Grants authority to manage your affairs but ends when you become incapacitated.Notary public (14 VT Stats § 4005)
Medical (Advance Directive)Allows your agent to make healthcare and end-of-life decisions when you can’t.Two adult witnesses (18 VT Stats § 9703)
Limited (Special)Restricts authority to specific tasks, such as handling one bank account or completing a transaction.Notary public
Real EstateAuthorizes your agent to buy, sell, or manage property on your behalf.Notary public
Vehicle (Form VD-119)Allows your agent to sign vehicle-related documents through the Vermont DMV.Notary public
Tax (Form PA-1)Authorizes an agent to represent you before the Vermont Department of TaxesNotary public
Minor (Child)Temporarily lets another adult make your decisions about your child's care.Notary public
RevocationTerminates a previously executed POA.Notary public

How to Write a Power of Attorney for Vermont

To make a valid Vermont POA, follow these steps:

    1. Name the principal and agent: Include full names, addresses, and contact details. You may also appoint successor agents.
    2. Define the scope of powers: Clearly state the actions your agent can take—such as handling property, finances, or healthcare.
    3. Choose durability: In Vermont, a POA is durable by default unless it specifically states it ends upon incapacity (14 VT Stats § 4004).
    4. Add any limitations: Specify when the POA takes effect, when it ends, or any powers the agent does not have.
    5. Sign and notarize: Financial POAs must be signed before a notary public (14 VT Stats § 4005). Medical directives require two witnesses, neither of whom can be your agent or healthcare provider (18 VT Stats § 9703).

Legal Requirements and Considerations for Vermont POAs

Execution

The principal must sign the POA while of sound mind. Notarization or witness signatures are required for the form to be valid.

Durability

Unless stated otherwise, Vermont POAs remain effective even if the principal becomes incapacitated (14 VT Stats § 4004).

Filing

A POA involving real estate should be recorded with the town clerk in the county where the property is located.

Revocation

A principal may revoke a POA at any time by signing a written revocation form and notifying the agent and relevant third parties.

Termination

A Vermont POA automatically ends when:

  • The principal dies or revokes it.
  • The principal becomes incapacitated (if the POA is non-durable)
  • The agent resigns, becomes incapacitated, or dies.
  • The document specifies an expiration.
  • The purpose of the POA is fulfilled.
  • A court declares it invalid.

If the principal’s spouse is named as the agent, their authority terminates upon divorce unless the document states otherwise.