Chapter 56 of Title 20 Pa.C.S.A. provides, in part:
§ 5602. Form of power of attorney
(a) Specification of powers.--A principal may, by inclusion of the language quoted in any of the following paragraphs or by inclusion of other language showing a similar intent on the part of the principal, empower an agent to do any or all of the following, each of which is defined in Section 5603 (relating to implementation of power of attorney):
" To create a trust for my benefit.
" To make additions to an existing trust for my benefit.
" To disclaim any interest in property.
" To withdraw and receive the income or corpus of a trust.
" To engage in tangible personal property transactions.
" To engage in banking and financial transactions.
" To enter safe deposit boxes.
" To handle interests in estates and trusts.
" To pursue claims and litigation.
Power of attorney for someone in prison refers to the legal document that grants a designated individual the authority to act on behalf of an incarcerated individual. This legal arrangement allows someone, who has been sentenced to life in prison, to designate a person to handle specific matters and make decisions on their behalf. A power of attorney for someone in prison for life is crucial for ensuring that their affairs are managed efficiently and that their desires and interests are upheld even while incarcerated. Keywords: power of attorney, prison, life sentence, legal document, incarcerated individual, designated individual, decision-making, affairs management, interests, desires. There are two primary types of Power of Attorney applicable to someone in prison for life: 1. General Power of Attorney: This type of power of attorney grants broad authority to the designated person known as the attorney-in-fact or agent. The attorney-in-fact can act on behalf of the incarcerated individual in various matters, such as managing finances, making healthcare decisions, and handling legal affairs. A general power of attorney is exceptionally versatile and can cover a wide range of actions. However, it is important to ensure that the chosen attorney-in-fact is trustworthy and capable of making sound decisions in the incarcerated individual's best interest. 2. Limited Power of Attorney: As the name suggests, a limited power of attorney grants specific and limited powers to the designated individual. The incarcerated individual can specify the particular areas in which the attorney-in-fact is authorized to act. For example, they may grant power solely for financial matters, property management, or other specific responsibilities. This type of power of attorney allows the incarcerated individual to exercise control over their limited affairs while still incarcerated. In both types of power of attorney, it is vital to consider the qualifications, integrity, and reliability of the attorney-in-fact. They should be someone who is trusted explicitly by the incarcerated individual to handle their affairs responsibly and according to their wishes. By executing a power of attorney, an individual in prison for life can ensure that their legal and personal matters are taken care of by a trusted individual. The chosen representative becomes legally empowered to act in their best interest, carrying out their wishes and protecting their rights, even in the unique circumstances of incarceration. It is important to consult with an attorney experienced in this area of law to ensure that all legal requirements are met and that the power of attorney accurately reflects the designated individual's intentions.
