Power of Attorney Form for Wisconsin

INSTITUTIONAL GENERAL POWER OF ATTORNEY

STATE OF WISCONSIN

DOCUMENT ID: WI-GPOA-2026-V1
EFFECTIVE DATE: [Effective Date]
VERSION: 1.0
GOVERNING JURISDICTION: State of Wisconsin (Chapters 240 and 244 of the Wisconsin Statutes)

---

SECTION 1: STATUTORY & LEGAL COMPLIANCE NOTICE

THIS IS A LEGAL DOCUMENT. IT IS DESIGNED TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF WISCONSIN LAW, INCLUDING CHAPTER 244 OF THE WISCONSIN STATUTES GOVERNING POWERS OF ATTORNEY. THIS DOCUMENT GRANTS THE DESIGNATED AGENT BROAD POWERS TO HANDLE THE FINANCIAL, BUSINESS, AND PROPERTY AFFAIRS OF THE PRINCIPAL. THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY IS DURABLE AND SHALL NOT BE AFFECTED BY THE SUBSEQUENT DISABILITY OR INCAPACITY OF THE PRINCIPAL. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE POWERS GRANTED HEREIN, COMPETENT LEGAL COUNSEL SHOULD BE CONSULTED BEFORE SIGNING.

---

SECTION 2: PARTIES & RECITALS

2.1 THE PRINCIPAL:
Name: [Principal Full Legal Name]
Address: [Principal Address]
Phone: [Principal Phone Number]
Email: [Principal Email Address]

2.2 THE AGENT (ATTORNEY-IN-FACT):
Name: [Agent Full Legal Name]
Address: [Agent Address]
Phone: [Agent Phone Number]
Email: [Agent Email Address]

2.3 SUCCESSOR AGENT (Optional):
Name: [Successor Agent Full Legal Name]
Address: [Successor Agent Address]
Phone: [Successor Agent Phone Number]
Email: [Successor Agent Email Address]

2.4 RECITALS:
A. The Principal desires to appoint the Agent as the Principal’s attorney-in-fact to act in the Principal’s name, place, and stead in accordance with the terms of this Wisconsin General Power of Attorney (the "Document").
B. The Principal intends for this Document to be a durable power of attorney pursuant to the Wisconsin Uniform Power of Attorney for Finances and Property Act, Chapter 244 of the Wisconsin Statutes.

---

SECTION 3: OPERATIVE CLAUSES & GRANT OF POWERS

3.1 GRANT OF AUTHORITY:
The Principal hereby appoints the Agent named in Section 2.2 as the Principal’s attorney-in-fact ("Agent") with full power and authority to act on behalf of the Principal. If the primary Agent is unable or unwilling to serve, the Principal appoints the Successor Agent named in Section 2.3 as alternate Agent with all the rights, powers, and authority granted to the primary Agent.

3.2 ENUMERATED POWERS:
The Principal grants the Agent the power and authority to act for the Principal in all matters, including but not limited to the following categories, as defined under Chapter 244 of the Wisconsin Statutes:

1. Real Property: To lease, sell, mortgage, purchase, exchange, maintain, alter, or encumber any real property or interest therein owned by the Principal.
2. Tangible Personal Property: To sell, lease, exchange, collect, insure, or maintain any tangible personal property belonging to the Principal.
3. Stocks and Bonds: To purchase, sell, transfer, exchange, vote, or otherwise manage any stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or other financial securities.
4. Commodities and Options: To establish, maintain, modify, or terminate trading accounts in commodities, options, and financial derivatives.
5. Banks and Other Financial Institutions: To open, maintain, or close bank accounts; write checks; deposit funds; execute electronic fund transfers; and conduct all banking transactions.
6. Operation of Entity or Business: To manage, control, vote, and execute documents related to any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other business entity in which the Principal holds an interest.
7. Insurance and Annuities: To purchase, maintain, modify, cancel, or pay premiums on life, health, property, or liability insurance and annuity contracts.
8. Estates, Trusts, and Other Beneficial Interests: To act for the Principal in all matters related to estates, trusts, or other beneficial interests, including the receipt of distributions and the disclaimer of property.
9. Claims and Litigation: To assert, prosecute, submit to arbitration, settle, or compromise any claims, demands, or legal proceedings by or against the Principal.
10. Personal and Family Maintenance: To pay necessary living expenses, medical bills, insurance premiums, and educational costs for the Principal and the Principal’s dependents.
11. Benefits from Governmental Programs or Civil or Military Service: To apply for, manage, and collect benefits from Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs, or any other federal, state, or municipal program.
12. Retirement Plans: To contribute to, withdraw from, roll over, or manage any retirement plans, including IRAs, 401(k)s, and pension accounts.
13. Taxes: To prepare, sign, file, and pay federal, state, and local tax returns; represent the Principal before the Internal Revenue Service and Wisconsin Department of Revenue; and execute tax waivers and closing agreements.

3.3 INTERPRETATION OF POWERS:
Any grant of authority in this Document shall be construed broadly as a general grant of power to the Agent to act on behalf of the Principal in all commercial, legal, and financial matters. The enumeration of specific powers shall not be construed to limit or restrict the general powers granted herein.

---

SECTION 4: ADMINISTRATIVE, FIDUCIARY, AND MISCELLANEOUS TERMS

4.1 DURABILITY:
This Power of Attorney is durable. It shall not be affected by the subsequent disability, incompetence, or incapacity of the Principal, and all acts done by the Agent pursuant to this Document during any period of disability or incapacity shall have the same force and effect as if the Principal were fully competent and capable.

4.2 RELIANCE BY THIRD PARTIES:
Any third party, including banks, corporations, insurance companies, and governmental agencies, may rely upon the authority of the Agent under this Document without inquiry, provided that the third party is presented with a copy of this Document. No third party shall incur any liability to the Principal for acting in good faith reliance upon the instructions of the Agent.

4.3 FIDUCIARY DUTIES OF AGENT:
The Agent accepts the appointment created by this Document and agrees to serve in a fiduciary capacity. The Agent shall act in accordance with the Principal’s reasonable expectations, to the extent actual knowledge is held by the Agent, and otherwise in the Principal’s best interest. The Agent shall keep accurate records of all receipts, disbursements, and transactions conducted on behalf of the Principal.

4.4 COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT:
The Agent [Choose one: shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for services rendered / shall serve without compensation]. Regardless of compensation, the Agent shall be entitled to immediate reimbursement from the Principal’s funds for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the execution of duties under this Document.

4.5 REVOCATION AND AMENDMENT:
The Principal retains the right to revoke or amend this Document at any time by executing a written instrument of revocation or amendment. Revocation shall not be effective as to any third party until actual notice of revocation is received by said third party.

4.6 GOVERNING LAW:
This Power of Attorney shall be construed, interpreted, and governed in accordance with the laws of the State of Wisconsin, specifically Chapter 244 of the Wisconsin Statutes. If any provision of this Document is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

---

SECTION 5: EXECUTION & FORMAL SIGNATURE BLOCKS

PRINCIPAL SIGNATURE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT:
By signing below, the Principal acknowledges that the Principal has read, understood, and accepted all terms and conditions of this Wisconsin General Power of Attorney.

Signature: _____________________________________
Printed Name: [Principal Full Legal Name]
Date: [Date]

---

NOTARY PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGMENT (STATE OF WISCONSIN):

State of Wisconsin, County of [County Name]

Personally came before me this _____ day of _______________, 20, the above-named [Principal Full Legal Name], known to me to be the person who executed the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged the same.

---

Notary Public, State of Wisconsin
My Commission Expires: ___________________________

---

AGENT ACCEPTANCE:
By signing below, the Agent acknowledges receipt of this appointment and accepts the fiduciary duties and responsibilities outlined herein.

Signature: _____________________________________
Printed Name: [Agent Full Legal Name]
Date: [Date]

---

SECTION 6: STEP-BY-STEP EXECUTION & FILING GUIDE

1. Document Review: Review all bracketed fields (e.g., [Principal Full Legal Name], [Principal Address], [Agent Full Legal Name]) and replace them with accurate, verified legal data. Ensure the correct compensation option in Section 4.4 is selected.
2. Execution Ceremony: The Principal must sign this document in the physical presence of a licensed Notary Public of the State of Wisconsin.
3. Notarization: The Notary Public must complete the acknowledgment block in Section 5, affixing their official stamp or seal in accordance with Wisconsin statutory requirements.
4. Agent Acceptance: The designated Agent should sign the Agent Acceptance block to confirm understanding and acceptance of fiduciary responsibilities under Chapter 244 of the Wisconsin Statutes.
5. Record Retention: Store the original, executed document in a secure location (such as a fireproof safe or safety deposit box). Provide certified copies to the Agent, financial institutions, healthcare providers, and any relevant third parties as needed.
6. Digital Execution Note: If executed via digital signature platforms (e.g., DocuSign or Adobe Sign), ensure that the platform supports cryptographic audit trails and complies with the Wisconsin Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (Chapter 137 of the Wisconsin Statutes), though physical notarization remains strongly recommended for real estate and banking acceptance.