Powers of Attorney & Advance Directives in Utah What They Do and How to Use Them
Plain-English guide to types, Utah signing rules, how to execute, revoke, store, and use them in real life
Utah Law Explained helps you choose who can make decisions if you cannot. In Utah, powers of attorney and advance directives let you name a trusted person to handle finances or medical care if you are unable to speak or act for yourself.
This guide covers the Utah-specific forms, how to create and revoke them, where to store them, and what real Utahns should know so banks and doctors accept them when it matters.
What Is a Power of Attorney in Utah
A power of attorney lets you appoint an agent to manage financial or legal tasks. In Utah you can make it durable so it continues if you become incapacitated.
Durable vs. Non-Durable
Durable POA stays valid if you lose capacity. Non-durable ends if you do. Choose based on your needs.
Common Uses
Pay bills, manage property, sign routine documents, handle taxes while you are away or unable to act.
Utah Signing Rule
Sign before a notary. Keep the original safe and give copies to your agent and any bank that will rely on it.
Statutory Form
Utah provides a standard POA template. Using familiar language helps institutions accept it faster.
Medical POA & Advance Directive
Utah Advance Health Care Directive
Appoint Your Agent
Sign & Update
Organ Donation & Preferences
How To Execute Your Utah Documents
Gather Key Info
Your full legal name, your agent’s details, and a clear list of powers you want to grant.
Choose the Correct Forms
Financial POA for money and property. Advance Health Care Directive for medical decisions and preferences.
Sign Properly
Financial POA requires a notary. The advance directive needs a witness or a notary. Date all pages.
Distribute & Register
Give copies to your agent, banks, and doctors. Consider filing your directive with Utah’s registry for fast hospital access.
Revoking or Changing Your Documents
While you are mentally competent you can revoke a POA or advance directive at any time. Sign a written revocation, notify your agent and anyone relying on the old document, and provide new copies if you appoint a replacement agent.
Keep a short paper trail: revocation letter, list of who you notified, and the date you delivered updates.
Safe Storage & Real-World Use
Store originals in a secure but accessible place like a home safe or with your attorney. Tell trusted family where they are. Many Utahns keep scanned copies in encrypted cloud storage and with their primary care provider.
When it is time to use a POA or directive, your agent presents the signed document to the bank, hospital, or clinic. Valid Utah documents are generally accepted under state law.
Need Help Applying This To Your Situation
Every family is different. If you want to confirm your forms meet Utah requirements or set clear limits on your agent’s powers, a short consult can help.
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Key Takeaways
Utah POA covers money and property. Make it durable if you want it to continue after incapacity.
Utah Advance Health Care Directive lets you name a health agent and record treatment preferences.
Sign with the correct formalities, share copies, review after major life changes, and revoke in writing when needed.
This page is legal information, not legal advice. When in doubt, get counsel before you sign.
Next Step
Ready to protect your finances and health choices. Gather your agent’s info, pick the right Utah forms, and schedule a quick signing with a notary or witness.
Book a POA-Directive ConsultWe will help you confirm the right powers, complete Utah-compliant signatures, and share copies with banks and providers.