Connecticut Power of Attorney Signing Rules

Connecticut requirements

• Connecticut adopted the Connecticut Uniform Power of Attorney Act, General Statutes sections 1-350 to 1-353b, effective October 1, 2016.
• The document must be dated and signed by the principal, or by another individual in the principal's conscious physical presence at the principal's direction, and witnessed by two witnesses (CGS 1-350d).
• Notarization is not an express condition of validity, but a signature acknowledged before a notary public or a commissioner of the Superior Court is presumed genuine under CGS 1-350d, so acknowledgment is standard practice.
• The execution statute does not list witness disqualifications; using two disinterested adults who are not named as agent is the safe approach.
• A Connecticut power of attorney is durable by default: it survives the principal's incapacity unless the document expressly provides that it terminates on incapacity (CGS 1-350c).
• Connecticut publishes statutory short form, long form, and optional information form templates in CGS 1-352; our general durable form is a general-purpose alternative executed under the same rules.

Frequently asked questions

How many witnesses does a Connecticut power of attorney need?

Two. CGS 1-350d requires the document to be dated, signed by the principal, and witnessed by two witnesses. Most signers also acknowledge the document before a notary public so the signature is presumed genuine.

Is a Connecticut power of attorney durable by default?

Yes. Under CGS 1-350c, a power of attorney created under the act remains effective through the principal's incapacity unless the document expressly says otherwise.

Official sources

• https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_015c.htm