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Powers of attorney and health care directives are some of the most important papers a family signs. Maine treats financial and health care documents differently, so it helps to know what each one requires before you book.
Financial (Durable) Power of Attorney
Under the Maine Uniform Power of Attorney Act, 18-C MRSA §5-905:
- A power of attorney must be signed by the principal, or by someone signing in their conscious presence at their direction.
- It is not valid unless it is acknowledged before a notary public or another person authorized to take acknowledgments.
- A durable power of attorney must also contain specific notices to the principal and agent, in substantially the form the statute provides.
That's where we come in. We verify the principal's identity, confirm they're signing willingly, and complete the acknowledgment.
Health Care Power of Attorney and Advance Directives
Under 18-C MRSA §5-803, a Maine power of attorney for health care must be:
- In writing
- Signed by the principal and two witnesses
- Signed in person, not electronically, by the principal and the witnesses
Maine's statute doesn't require notarization for a health care power of attorney. Some families still choose to notarize. For example, a form may include a notary block, or it may be headed for use in another state.
About Witnesses
Bring two adult witnesses if your form calls for them. Some forms list who may or may not serve as a witness. Read those instructions carefully.
Our Role
- We notarize signatures.
- We must be satisfied the signer is who they say they are and is acting willingly. If a signer seems confused or pressured, we may decline.
Signing at Home, Hospital, or Care Facility
Many POA signings happen at home, in a hospital room, or at an assisted living facility. We'll come to you. Call ahead so we can plan for:
- The signer's ID, which is often kept by family or the facility
- Witnesses, if your document needs them
- Facility visiting rules
Our confidential concierge service is designed for exactly these sensitive moments.
Serving Southern Maine Families
We help families in Scarborough, Falmouth, Cape Elizabeth, Brunswick, Portland, South Portland, and nearby towns.
Keep Reading
- Hospital, Nursing Home, and Jail Notary Visits in Maine
- Notary vs. Attorney in Maine: Who Do You Need?
- Affidavits, Jurats, and Acknowledgments: What's the Difference?
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Maine power of attorney have to be notarized?
A financial power of attorney under Maine's Uniform Power of Attorney Act isn't valid unless it's acknowledged before a notary or other authorized official.
Does a Maine health care directive need a notary?
Maine's statute requires a health care power of attorney to be signed by the principal and two witnesses. Notarization isn't required by that statute.
Can you come to a hospital to notarize a POA?
Yes. Call ahead so we can plan for ID, witnesses, and visiting rules.
What should I bring to a POA signing?
Your finished form, a current photo ID, and any witnesses the form calls for. Questions? Contact us and just ask: call or text 207-808-0550.
Book Your Appointment
Call or text 207-808-0550 to schedule with Notary Java. We are based at 50 Market Street, #400, South Portland, ME 04106, and we come to you across Greater Portland, York and Cumberland counties, and beyond. If you need documents printed, use the Upload Document Now (Send Documents) button in our contact section, or email files to SigningService@NotaryJava.com. That inbox is for sending documents only, so please call or text to book.