Power Of Attorney requirements in Wyoming
- Be at least 18 years old and of sound mind.
- Choose a trusted agent – this can be a family member, friend, or professional.
- The POA document must be signed by you (the principal) voluntarily.
- Wyoming requires your signature to be notarized for most POAs to be valid.
- For medical powers of attorney, you may also need witnesses, depending on the form.
- It's smart to have a backup agent in case your first choice can't serve.
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Create your power of attorneyHow to create a Power Of Attorney in Wyoming, step by step
- Decide what type of POA you need: durable (continues if you become incapacitated), medical (for health decisions), or financial (for money matters).
- Choose a form that meets Wyoming's requirements. You can find free forms online or use a lawyer for complex situations.
- Fill out the details: your name, your agent's name, and specify the powers you're granting.
- Sign the document in front of a notary public. Some medical POAs also need two adult witnesses.
- Give copies to your agent, your doctor (if medical), and your bank or financial institutions (if financial).
- Review and update your POA regularly, especially after major life changes like marriage, divorce, or moving.
Cost considerations
In Wyoming, a basic power of attorney form is free if you find a template online or at a local senior center. You'll just pay for notarization, which typically costs around $5 to $10 per signature. If you hire a lawyer to draft a custom POA, it might cost between $200 and $500, but it's often worth it for peace of mind.
Wyoming POA Pre-Start Checklist
Before you create a power of attorney in Wyoming, gather the right documents and understand the state's signing rules to avoid delays.
- Decide on the type: general, durable, or medical POA, and confirm whether it must be durable to survive incapacity.
- Have your full legal name, address, and Social Security number ready, plus the same for your chosen agent.
- Know Wyoming's signing rules: your signature must be acknowledged before a notary public—witnesses are not required but may be used.
- Identify a backup agent in case your primary agent cannot serve, and make sure they accept the role.
- Collect any existing estate planning documents (e.g., wills, trusts) to ensure your POA aligns with them.
- Print or order the correct Wyoming-specific form; avoid generic forms that miss state-required notary language.
Common questions
Does Wyoming require a power of attorney to be notarized?
Yes, for most POAs to be valid, your signature must be notarized. This confirms that you signed willingly and are of sound mind. Make sure your notary follows Wyoming rules.
What's the difference between a durable and non-durable POA in Wyoming?
A non-durable POA ends if you become incapacitated, while a durable POA stays in effect. Since the main reason people use a POA is for incapacity, most Wyoming residents choose a durable power of attorney.
Can I create a medical power of attorney without a lawyer?
Absolutely. Wyoming provides a statutory form for medical power of attorney that you can use. Just make sure you follow the signing rules: two adult witnesses and a notary are typically required.
Is a Wyoming POA valid in other states?
Generally, yes, but other states might have slightly different rules. If you travel or own property elsewhere, it's a good idea to check with a lawyer there to ensure your POA is accepted.