Connecticut
Connecticut Power of Attorney Laws: Durable, Medical, and Financial POA (2026)
Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited August 18, 2026). · Reviewed by the RecordingLaw editorial team. · Law checked current as of August 18, 2026. How we verify our legal content
Connecticut Power of Attorney Laws: Durable, Medical, and Financial POA (2026)
Connecticut adopted the Connecticut Uniform Power of Attorney Act (UPOAA) effective October 1, 2016, replacing the old statutory short-form framework with a modern, comprehensive scheme codified at Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-350 through 1-353b. Under that framework a financial power of attorney is durable by default, meaning the agent's authority survives the principal's incapacity unless the document explicitly provides otherwise. Execution requires the principal's signature and two adult witnesses under Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-350d; notarization is not required for validity, but acknowledgment before a notary public creates a statutory presumption that the signature is genuine under Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-350d and is strongly recommended because third parties may decline a POA that is not notarized. Health care decisions are handled through a completely separate document, the appointment of a health care representative, governed by Conn. Gen. Stat. 19a-575 et seq..
What a Power of Attorney Does in Connecticut
A power of attorney is a written document in which one person, the principal, grants another person, the agent (also called attorney-in-fact), authority to act on the principal's behalf. In Connecticut the authority can cover a single transaction or virtually all financial and legal affairs. Whatever scope the principal chooses, the agent steps into the principal's shoes for covered matters and is bound by strict fiduciary duties.
Connecticut draws a firm line between financial authority and health care authority. A financial POA under the UPOAA framework does not give the agent any power to make medical decisions. For health care, Connecticut uses a separate statutory instrument, the appointment of a health care representative under Conn. Gen. Stat. Ch. 368w. Many residents execute both documents as part of a complete incapacity plan.
A POA also ends at the principal's death. From that moment, only the executor named in a will, or an administrator appointed by the probate court in an intestate estate, has legal authority to manage and distribute assets. An agent who continues to act after learning of the principal's death may face civil and criminal liability.
Durable Power of Attorney in Connecticut
Durability is the feature that makes a POA useful for long-term planning. Without it, the agent's authority terminates the instant the principal becomes incapacitated, defeating the primary purpose of the document.
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-350c, every power of attorney created on or after October 1, 2016, is durable by default. The document does not need to contain any special "durable" language. Durability is presumed. A principal who wants a non-durable POA, one that terminates on incapacity, must include an express provision to that effect.
Connecticut also permits springing POAs that become effective only upon a specified future event, typically a written determination of the principal's incapacity. If the document does not specify how incapacity is to be determined, the default under Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-350h(c) is a written determination by two independent physicians, or by a judge if the type of incapacity involved falls under the judicial definition in section 1-350a(5)(B).
The UPOAA definition of "incapacity" means the inability of an individual, even with appropriate assistance, to manage their affairs because a mental, emotional, or physical condition prevents them from receiving and evaluating information or making and communicating decisions. This is a functional rather than a purely medical standard.
How to Create a Valid Connecticut Power of Attorney
Connecticut imposes two formal requirements for a valid power of attorney under Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-350d, plus a third step that is strongly recommended in practice:
Signature. The principal must sign the document. If the principal is physically unable to sign, another individual may sign the principal's name in the principal's conscious physical presence at the principal's direction.
Two witnesses. The signing must be witnessed by two adults. The witnesses attest that the principal signed (or directed another to sign) and appeared to be of sound mind and acting voluntarily. Chapter 15c does not disqualify the agent or a successor agent from serving as a witness to a financial POA, but using two disinterested witnesses is the safer practice because an interested witness invites a later challenge. The rule barring the appointee from witnessing belongs to the health care side: under Conn. Gen. Stat. 19a-576(a), the person named as health care representative may not act as a witness to that appointment or sign it.
Notarial acknowledgment (recommended, not required for validity). Under the second sentence of Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-350d, if the principal acknowledges the signature before a notary public, a commissioner of the Superior Court, or another individual authorized by law to take acknowledgments, the signature is presumed to be genuine. Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-350r(b) then allows a person who in good faith accepts the acknowledged POA, without actual knowledge that the signature is not genuine, to rely on that presumption. Acknowledgment is not a validity requirement under Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-350d, but it is strongly recommended: third parties may decline a POA that lacks notarization, even though they may be legally obligated to accept a properly executed document. A third party may balk at an unnotarized POA, so ask a Connecticut estate planning lawyer for a free case evaluation on a signing with two witnesses and a notary (attorney advertising).
Connecticut provides both a statutory short form and a long form POA at Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-352. These forms include all required components and are widely accepted. Principals who prefer answering questions to filling out a paper template can build a Connecticut power of attorney, then sign it before two witnesses as Connecticut requires. A POA that does not use the statutory form is still valid if it meets the execution requirements of Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-350d.
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-350e, a POA executed in Connecticut on or after October 1, 2016, is valid if its execution complies with Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-350d. A POA executed before that date remains valid under the prior law.
What a Connecticut Agent Can and Cannot Do
The scope of an agent's authority is defined by the document. Connecticut's UPOAA lists categories of general authority including banking, real property, tangible personal property, stocks and bonds, business operations, insurance, government benefits, retirement plans, taxes, and more. The agent may exercise any category the document grants.
Certain sensitive powers, called "hot powers," require an express grant of authority in the POA document. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-351, an agent may exercise the following powers only if the document explicitly authorizes them:
- Creating, amending, revoking, or terminating an inter vivos trust (Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-351(a)(1)).
- Making gifts on the principal's behalf (Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-351(a)(2)).
- Creating or changing rights of survivorship in property (Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-351(a)(3)).
- Creating or changing a beneficiary designation (Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-351(a)(4)).
- Waiving the principal's right to be a beneficiary of a joint and survivor annuity, including a survivor benefit under a retirement plan (Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-351(a)(5)).
- Exercising fiduciary powers that the principal has authority to delegate (Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-351(a)(6)).
- Disclaiming property, including a power of appointment (Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-351(a)(7)).
- Exercising all powers the principal may have over any digital device, digital asset, user account, and electronically stored information (Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-351(a)(8)).
- Acting with respect to any intellectual property interests of the principal, including copyrights, contracts for payments of royalties, and trademarks, in all ways as if the agent were the owner (Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-351(a)(9)).
Things an agent cannot do regardless of what the document says include making or changing the principal's will, voting in a public election on the principal's behalf, and making health care decisions (which require a separate health care representative appointment). An agent also cannot act contrary to the principal's reasonable expectations or, if those expectations are unknown, against the principal's best interests.
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-350m, an agent who accepts appointment must act loyally for the principal's benefit, avoid conflicts of interest, act with due care, cooperate with the principal's health care representative, and keep complete records. The agent must keep the principal's property separate from the agent's own property.
Third-party acceptance. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-350s, a person presented with an acknowledged POA must either accept it or request a certification, translation, or legal opinion within seven business days. If a certification or opinion is requested, the person must then accept within five business days of receiving it. A person who refuses without a permitted reason may be liable for damages and attorney's fees.
Health Care Representative and Living Will in Connecticut
Connecticut law separates financial authority from health care authority. A financial POA does not authorize any medical decision. Health care authority comes from two distinct instruments: the appointment of a health care representative and the living will (also called health care instructions), both governed by Conn. Gen. Stat. 19a-575 et seq.
Appointment of a health care representative (Conn. Gen. Stat. Ch. 368w). Any person 18 or older may appoint another adult to make health care decisions on their behalf when the principal lacks decision-making capacity. The appointment must be signed and dated by the principal in the presence of two adult witnesses who also sign. The person being appointed as representative may not act as a witness to the document. If the principal resides in a facility operated or licensed by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, at least one witness must be unaffiliated with the facility and at least one must be a physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training in treating mental illness. Notarization is not a statutory requirement for the appointment itself, though an optional self-proving witnesses' affidavit may be sworn before a notary under Conn. Gen. Stat. 19a-578.
Living will (Conn. Gen. Stat. 19a-575). A living will lets a person state specific instructions about end-of-life care and the use of life-sustaining treatment. It uses the same two-witness execution requirement as the health care representative appointment. A person may combine both documents in a single instrument under Conn. Gen. Stat. 19a-575a, which provides an optional combined form.
The health care representative has authority to make any decision about the principal's care, treatment, or placement that the principal would have the right to make if capable, subject to any instructions in the living will. The representative must follow the principal's expressed wishes and, when those wishes are unknown, act in the principal's best interests.
For a complete picture of how Connecticut handles advance health care planning, see the Connecticut Attorney General's office resources on living will laws.
Connecticut Forms on Screen, Witnesses in Person
Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-352 provides a statutory short form and long form, and the free generator linked above is another route to a Connecticut POA. PDFelement is paid software for filling in those forms as PDFs, editing text, or converting a draft from Word. Its e-signature does not replace the two adult witnesses Connecticut requires for a financial POA or for a health care representative appointment, and it is not the notary acknowledgment that makes a POA signature presumed genuine.
See What PDFelement DoesAffiliate disclosure: if you sign up through this link we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Revoking or Ending a Connecticut Power of Attorney
A principal who retains capacity may revoke a financial POA at any time and in any manner that communicates the intent to revoke. Written notice delivered to the agent is the safest approach. The principal should also notify any financial institution, government agency, or other third party that has relied on the document.
Under Connecticut's UPOAA, a financial POA terminates when:
- The principal revokes it.
- The principal dies.
- A court terminates the agent's authority or appoints a conservator who does so.
- The document itself specifies an expiration date or a terminating event.
- The agent dies, becomes incapacitated, or resigns and the document does not name a successor.
- A legal action for dissolution, annulment, or legal separation of the agent's marriage to the principal is filed, unless the document provides otherwise (Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-350i(b)(5)).
If the POA authorized real-property transactions and was recorded in the land records, revocation should also be recorded with the town clerk of the municipality where the original POA was recorded, to protect against third parties who might otherwise rely on the recorded document.
To revoke a health care representative appointment, Conn. Gen. Stat. 19a-575a(b) requires a written revocation signed by the declarant and two witnesses. A living will (the health care instructions portion) may be revoked at any time and in any manner under Conn. Gen. Stat. 19a-579a, including a verbal statement. Revocation of the appointment is effective when the signed writing is communicated to the health care provider, who must make it part of the medical record.
A principal should review POA documents after major life events such as divorce, a move to another state, or a significant change in the relationship with the named agent.
For a nationwide overview of how states treat financial and medical powers of attorney, see our Power of Attorney Laws guide.
This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Connecticut power of attorney law can have significant consequences for your finances and health care. Consult a licensed Connecticut attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Content reviewed May 2026.
More Connecticut Laws
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Connecticut power of attorney need to be notarized?
Not for validity, but acknowledgment is strongly recommended. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-350d, a valid financial POA requires only the principal's signature and two adult witnesses. Acknowledgment before a notary public, commissioner of the Superior Court, or other authorized officer is not a validity requirement; under Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-350d it creates a statutory presumption that the signature is genuine, and Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-350r(b) lets a person who accepts the POA in good faith rely on that presumption. Third parties may in practice decline a POA that is not notarized. For a health care representative appointment under Conn. Gen. Stat. Ch. 368w, notarization is not required; two witnesses are sufficient.
How many witnesses does a Connecticut POA require?
Two adult witnesses are required for a financial POA under Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-350d. The same two-witness requirement applies to an appointment of a health care representative under Conn. Gen. Stat. Ch. 368w. Chapter 15c does not disqualify the agent or a successor agent from witnessing a financial POA, though disinterested witnesses are the safer practice. For a health care representative appointment, Conn. Gen. Stat. 19a-576(a) does bar the person being appointed from acting as a witness.
Is a Connecticut power of attorney durable without special language?
Yes. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-350c, any POA created on or after October 1, 2016, is durable by default: it continues to be effective even if the principal later becomes incapacitated. A principal who does not want durability must include express language in the document terminating the POA on incapacity.
What are the hot powers under Connecticut's POA Act?
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-351, an agent may exercise the following powers only if the POA document expressly authorizes each one: creating, amending, revoking, or terminating an inter vivos trust; making gifts; creating or changing rights of survivorship; creating or changing a beneficiary designation; waiving the principal's right to be a beneficiary of a joint and survivor annuity; exercising fiduciary powers the principal has authority to delegate; disclaiming property, including a power of appointment; exercising all powers over digital devices, digital assets, user accounts, and electronically stored information; and acting with respect to any intellectual property interests of the principal. These sensitive authorities will not be implied from general language.
Can a Connecticut POA be used for health care decisions?
No. A financial POA under the Connecticut Uniform Power of Attorney Act does not grant authority over health care. Medical and end-of-life decisions require a separate appointment of a health care representative under Conn. Gen. Stat. Ch. 368w, with its own execution requirements.
Can a bank refuse to accept a Connecticut power of attorney?
Only in limited circumstances. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-350s, a person presented with an acknowledged POA must accept it or request a certification within seven business days. If they request a certification or legal opinion, they must accept within five business days of receiving it. Refusing without a permitted reason can result in liability for damages and attorney's fees.
How do I revoke a Connecticut power of attorney?
You may revoke a financial POA at any time while you retain capacity. Written notice to the agent and any relying third parties is the safest method. For a POA recorded in the land records, also record a written revocation with the town clerk. To revoke a health care representative appointment, Conn. Gen. Stat. 19a-575a(b) requires a written revocation signed by the declarant and two witnesses. A living will may be revoked at any time and in any manner under Conn. Gen. Stat. 19a-579a, including a verbal statement to a health care provider.
Updates
Corrected the execution section and FAQs: Connecticut law does not bar the agent or a successor agent from witnessing a financial power of attorney (that restriction applies to health care representative appointments under Conn. Gen. Stat. 19a-576(a)), and the presumption that an acknowledged signature is genuine is created by Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-350d, with 1-350r(b) governing a third party’s good-faith reliance on it.
Corrected the meta description, which wrongly said notarization is required for a Connecticut financial power of attorney (only two witnesses are required by law), and added legal separation as a third statutory trigger that ends a spouse-agent's authority alongside dissolution and annulment.
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources; governing law re-checked for recent changes
Corrected the citation for Connecticut's appointment of a health care representative: the specific procedural details (two witnesses, facility-witness rule) are cited to the health care representative chapter (Conn. Gen. Stat. Ch. 368w) rather than to section 19a-575, which is actually the living-will form.
Governing law re-checked for recent changes
Reviewed and approved by an editor
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
Connecticut General Statutes, Title 01 (Provisions of General Application), Chapter 15c
§ 1-350dExecution of power of attorney.In force
A power of attorney must be dated and signed by the principal or in the principal's conscious physical presence by another individual directed by the principal to sign the principal's name on the power of attorney and witnessed by two witnesses. A signature on a power of attorney is presumed to be genuine if the principal acknowledges the signature before a notary public, a commissioner of the Superior Court or other individual authorized by law to take acknowledgments.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-07 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at cga.ct.gov
§ 1-350cPower of attorney is durable.In force
A power of attorney created under sections 1-350 to 1-353b, inclusive, is durable unless it expressly provides that it is terminated by the incapacity of the principal.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at cga.ct.gov
§ 1-351Authority that requires specific grant. Grant of general authority.In force
(a) An agent under a power of attorney may perform the activities listed in this subsection on behalf of the principal or with the principal's property only if the power of attorney expressly grants the agent the authority to perform such activities and exercise of the authority to perform such activities is not otherwise prohibited by another agreement or instrument to which the authority or property is subject such as a trust agreement: (1) Create, amend, revoke, or terminate an inter vivos trust, provided, in the case of a trust established for a disabled person pursuant to 42 USC 1396p(d)(4)(A) or 42 USC 1396p(d)(4)(C), the creation of such trust by an agent shall be only as permitted by federal law; (2) Make a gift; (3) Create or change rights of survivorship; (4) Create or change a beneficiary designation; (5) Waive the principal's right to be a beneficiary of a joint and survivor annuity, including a survivor benefit under a retirement plan; (6) Exercise fiduciary powers that the principal has authority to delegate; (7) Disclaim property, including a power of appointment; (8) Exercise all powers the principal may have over any of the principal's digital device,…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at cga.ct.gov
§ 1-350rAcceptance of and reliance upon acknowledged power of attorney.In force
(a) For purposes of this section and section 1-350s, “acknowledged” means purportedly verified before a notary public, a commissioner of the Superior Court or other individual authorized to take acknowledgments. (b) A person that in good faith accepts an acknowledged power of attorney without actual knowledge that the signature is not genuine may rely upon the presumption under section 1-350d that the signature is genuine. (c) A person that in good faith accepts an acknowledged power of attorney without actual knowledge that the power of attorney is void, invalid, or terminated, that the purported agent's authority is void, invalid, or terminated, or that the agent is exceeding or improperly exercising the agent's authority may rely upon the power of attorney as if the power of attorney were genuine, valid and still in effect, the agent's authority were genuine, valid and still in effect, and the agent had not exceeded and had properly exercised the authority.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at cga.ct.gov
§ 1-350sLiability for refusal to accept acknowledged power of attorney.In force
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section: (1) A person shall either accept an acknowledged power of attorney or request a certification, a translation, or an opinion of counsel under subsection (d) of section 1-350r not later than seven business days after presentation of the power of attorney for acceptance; (2) If a person requests a certification, a translation, or an opinion of counsel under subsection (d) of section 1-350r, the person shall accept the power of attorney not later than five business days after receipt of the certification, translation, or opinion of counsel; and (3) A person may not require an additional or different form of power of attorney for authority granted in the power of attorney presented.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at cga.ct.gov
§ 1-350iTermination of power of attorney or agent's authority.In force
(a) A power of attorney terminates when: (1) The principal dies; (2) The principal becomes incapacitated, if the power of attorney is not durable; (3) The principal revokes the power of attorney; (4) The power of attorney provides that it terminates; (5) The purpose of the power of attorney is accomplished; (6) The principal revokes the agent's authority or the agent dies, becomes incapacitated, or resigns and the power of attorney does not provide for another agent to act under the power of attorney; or (7) The power of attorney is terminated by a court pursuant to subsection (b) of section 1-350g. (b) An agent's authority terminates when: (1) The principal revokes the authority; (2) A court terminates the agent's authority pursuant to subsection (b) of section 1-350g; (3) The agent dies or resigns; (4) The agent becomes incapacitated.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at cga.ct.gov
Cited in 1 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Marchetti (District Court, D. Connecticut 2026)“…nated at the time of his passing, id. at 13 (Section 4.4); Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 1-350i(a)(1), so it does not appear that he co…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 1-350mAgent's duties.In force
(a) Notwithstanding provisions in the power of attorney, an agent that has accepted appointment shall: (1) Act in accordance with the principal's reasonable expectations, and, if such expectations are unknown, make reasonable efforts to ascertain the principal's expectations and act, otherwise, in the principal's best interest; (2) Act in good faith; and (3) Act only within the scope of authority granted in the power of attorney. (b) Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, an agent that has accepted appointment shall: (1) Act loyally for the principal's benefit; (2) Act so as not to create a conflict of interest that impairs the agent's ability to act impartially in the principal's best interest; (3) Act with the care, competence and diligence ordinarily exercised by agents in similar circumstances; (4) Keep a record of all receipts, disbursements and transactions made on behalf of the principal; (5) Cooperate with a person that has authority to make health care decisions for the principal to carry out the principal's reasonable expectations to the extent actually known by the agent and, otherwise, act in the principal's best interest; and (6) Attempt to…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at cga.ct.gov
Cited in 1 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Daigneault v. Kolashuk (Connecticut Appellate Court 2026)“…make gifts to herself, her spouse and her issue and where [General Statutes § 1-350m (a) (3)]7 authorizes an attorney-in-fac…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 1-350hWhen power of attorney effective.In force
(a) A power of attorney is effective when executed unless the principal provides in the power of attorney that it becomes effective at a future date or upon the occurrence of a future event or contingency. (b) If a power of attorney becomes effective upon the occurrence of a future event or contingency, the principal, in the power of attorney, may authorize one or more persons to determine in a writing or other record that the event or contingency has occurred. (c) If a power of attorney becomes effective upon the principal's incapacity and the principal has not authorized a person to determine whether the principal is incapacitated, or the person authorized is unable or unwilling to make the determination, the power of attorney becomes effective upon a determination in a writing or other record by: (1) Two independent physicians that the principal is incapacitated within the meaning set forth in subparagraph (A) of subdivision (5) of section 1-350a; or (2) A judge that the principal is incapacitated within the meaning set forth in subparagraph (B) of subdivision (5) of section 1-350a.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at cga.ct.gov
§ 1-352Power of attorney short form, long form and optional information form.In force
(a)(1) A document substantially in the form of either the short form, as set forth in subdivision (2) of this subsection, or the long form, as set forth in subdivision (3) of this subsection, may be used to create a statutory power of attorney that has the meaning and effect prescribed in sections 1-350 to 1-353b, inclusive. No provision of sections 1-350 to 1-353b, inclusive, shall be construed to bar the use of any other or different form of power of attorney desired by the parties concerned. (2) “DURABLE STATUTORY POWER OF ATTORNEY - SHORT FORM Notice: The powers granted by this document are broad and sweeping. They are defined in the Connecticut Uniform Power of Attorney Act, which expressly permits the use of any other or different form of power of attorney desired by the parties concerned. The grantor of any power of attorney or the agent may make application to a Probate Court for an accounting as provided in subsection (d) of section 45a-175 of the general statutes. This power of attorney does not authorize the agent to make health care decisions for you.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at cga.ct.gov
§ 1-350eValidity of power of attorney.In force
(a) A power of attorney executed in this state on or after October 1, 2016, is valid if its execution complies with section 1-350d. (b) A power of attorney executed in this state before October 1, 2016, is valid if its execution complied with the law of this state as it existed at the time of execution. (c) A power of attorney executed other than in this state is valid in this state if, when the power of attorney was executed, the execution complied with: (1) The law of the jurisdiction that determines the meaning and effect of the power of attorney pursuant to section 1-350f; or (2) The requirements for a military power of attorney pursuant to 10 USC 1044b, as amended from time to time. (d) Except as otherwise provided by statute, other than sections 1-350 to 1-353b, inclusive, or unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, a photocopy or electronically transmitted copy of an original power of attorney has the same effect as the original.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at cga.ct.gov
Cited in 1 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2024
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Airey v. Feliciano (Supreme Court of Connecticut 2024, 350 Conn. 162)“…ply with the law under which they were executed. See General Statutes §§ 1-350e and 1- 350f. There is no indicat…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 1-350aDefinitions.In force
As used in sections 1-350 to 1-353b, inclusive: (1) “Agent” means a person granted authority to act for a principal under a power of attorney, whether denominated an agent, attorney in fact, or otherwise. Agent includes an original agent, coagent, successor agent and a person to which an agent's authority is delegated. (2) “Durable” means, with respect to a power of attorney, not terminated by the principal's incapacity. (3) “Electronic” means relating to technology having electrical, digital, magnetic, wireless, optical, electromagnetic or similar capabilities. (4) “Good faith” means honesty in fact. (5) “Incapacity” means inability of an individual, even with appropriate assistance, to perform the functions inherent in managing his or her affairs because the individual: (A) Has a mental, emotional or physical condition that results in the individual being unable to receive and evaluate information or make or communicate decisions; or (B) Is: (i) Missing; (ii) Detained, including incarcerated in a penal system; or (iii) Outside the United States and unable to return.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at cga.ct.gov
Cited in 2 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Airey v. Feliciano (Supreme Court of Connecticut 2024, 350 Conn. 162)“…that is . . . retrievable in perceivable form’’; General Statutes § 1-350a (7) and (11); and it must be dat…”
- In re Probate Appeal of Barbera (Connecticut Appellate Court 2025)“…person to which an agent’s authority is delegated.’’ General Statutes § 1-350a (1). By its plain language, that…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 1-350Short title: Connecticut Uniform Power of Attorney Act.In force
Sections 1-350 to 1-353b, inclusive, may be cited as the “Connecticut Uniform Power of Attorney Act”.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at cga.ct.gov
Cited in 4 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Airey v. Feliciano (Supreme Court of Connecticut 2024, 350 Conn. 162)“…e Connecticut Uniform Power of Attorney Act (act), General Statutes § 1-350 et seq., provides such legal a…”
- In re Probate Appeal of Barbera (Connecticut Appellate Court 2025)“…Connecticut Uniform Power of Attorney Act (act), General Statutes § 1-350 et seq.9 It provides in relev…”
- Marchetti (District Court, D. Connecticut 2026)“…ecticut has adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act, see Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 1-350, et seq.), and review of relevant prov…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 1-353bEffect on existing powers of attorney.In force
(a) Except as otherwise provided in sections 1-350 to 1-353b, inclusive, on and after October 1, 2016, said sections apply to: (1) A power of attorney created before, on, or after October 1, 2016; (2) A judicial proceeding concerning a power of attorney commenced on or after October 1, 2016; and (3) A judicial proceeding concerning a power of attorney commenced before October 1, 2016, unless the court finds that application of a provision of sections 1-350 to 1-353b, inclusive, would substantially interfere with the effective conduct of the judicial proceeding or prejudice the rights of a party, in which case that provision does not apply and the superseded law applies. (b) An act performed by an agent under a power of attorney before October 1, 2016, is not affected by sections 1-350 to 1-353b, inclusive.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at cga.ct.gov
Connecticut General Statutes, Title 19a (Public Health and Well-Being), Chapter 368w
§ 19a-575aForm of document re health care instructions, appointment of health care representative, designation of conservator for future incapacity and anatomical gift. Revocation of appointment. Absence of knowledge of revocation.In force
(a) Any person eighteen years of age or older may execute a document that contains health care instructions, the appointment of a health care representative, the designation of a conservator of the person for future incapacity and a document of anatomical gift. Any such document shall be signed and dated by the maker with at least two witnesses and may be in the substantially following form: THESE ARE MY HEALTH CARE INSTRUCTIONS. MY APPOINTMENT OF A HEALTH CARE REPRESENTATIVE, THE DESIGNATION OF MY CONSERVATOR OF THE PERSON FOR MY FUTURE INCAPACITY AND MY DOCUMENT OF ANATOMICAL GIFT To any physician or advanced practice registered nurse who is treating me: These are my health care instructions including those concerning the withholding or withdrawal of life support systems, together with the appointment of my health care representative, the designation of my conservator of the person for future incapacity and my document of anatomical gift.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at cga.ct.gov
§ 19a-576Appointment of health care representative.In force
(a) Any person eighteen years of age or older may appoint a health care representative by executing a document in accordance with section 19a-575a or section 19a-577, signed and dated by such person in the presence of two adult witnesses who shall also sign the document. The person appointed as representative shall not act as witness to the execution of such document or sign such document. (b) For persons who reside in facilities operated or licensed by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, at least one witness shall be an individual who is not affiliated with the facility and at least one witness shall be a physician, advanced practice registered nurse or licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training in treating mental illness. (c) For persons who reside in facilities operated or licensed by the Department of Developmental Services, at least one witness shall be an individual who is not affiliated with the facility and at least one witness shall be a physician, advanced practice registered nurse or licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training in developmental disabilities.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at cga.ct.gov
Cited in 2 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2012
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Hannaford v. Mann (Connecticut Appellate Court 2012, 134 Conn. App. 265)“…pecifying who may or may not act as a witness. For example, General Statutes § 19a-576, which authorizes a person to execute a…”
- Rzayeva v. United States (District Court, D. Connecticut 2007, 492 F. Supp. 2d 60)“…related to the principal by blood, marriage, or adoption.” Conn. Gen. Stat. § 19a-576(d).…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 19a-578Proof of living will document or document appointing health care representative. Physician to make documents and oral communications re health care and withdrawal of life support systems part of medical record.In force
(a) Any or all of the attesting witnesses to any living will document or any document appointing a health care representative may, at the request of the declarant, make and sign an affidavit before any officer authorized to administer oaths in or out of this state, stating such facts as they would be required to testify to in court to prove such living will. The affidavit shall be written on the living will document, or if that is impracticable, on some paper attached thereto. The sworn statement of any such witness so taken shall be accepted by a court of competent jurisdiction as if it had been taken before such court. (b) A physician or other health care provider who is furnished with a copy of a written living will or appointment of health care representative shall make it a part of the declarant's medical record.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at cga.ct.gov
§ 19a-575Form of document re health care instructions and withdrawal or withholding of life support systems.In force
Any person eighteen years of age or older may execute a document that contains directions as to any aspect of health care, including the withholding or withdrawal of life support systems. Such document shall be signed and dated by the maker with at least two witnesses and may be in substantially the following form: DOCUMENT CONCERNING HEALTH CARE AND WITHHOLDING OR WITHDRAWAL OF LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS. If the time comes when I am incapacitated to the point when I can no longer actively take part in decisions for my own life, and am unable to direct my physician or advanced practice registered nurse as to my own medical care, I wish this statement to stand as a testament of my wishes. “I, .... (Name), request that, if my condition is deemed terminal or if it is determined that I will be permanently unconscious, I be allowed to die and not be kept alive through life support systems. By terminal condition, I mean that I have an incurable or irreversible medical condition which, without the administration of life support systems, will, in the opinion of my attending physician or advanced practice registered nurse, result in death within a relatively short time.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at cga.ct.gov
Cited in 2 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2000
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- O'Connell v. Bridgeport Hospital, No. Cv99 036 25 25 S (May 17, 2000) (Connecticut Superior Court 2000, 2000 Conn. Super. Ct. 5811)“…ion of the documents that the decedent executed pursuant to General Statutes §§ 19a-575 3 and 19a-575a . 4 (See Plainti…”
- Vacco v. Quill (Supreme Court of the United States 1997, 521 U.S. 793)“…112(1), 15-18.5-101(3), 15-18.6-108 (1987 and Supp. 1996); Conn. Gen. Stat. § 19a-575 (Supp. 1996); Del. Code Ann., Tit. 16,…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
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Sources and References
- Conn. Gen. Stat. Ch. 15c - Connecticut Uniform Power of Attorney Act(cga.ct.gov)
- P.A. 15-240 - Adopting the Connecticut Uniform Power of Attorney Act(cga.ct.gov)
- P.A. 16-40 - Revisions to the Connecticut Uniform Power of Attorney Act(cga.ct.gov)
- Power of Attorney Hot Powers - OLR Research Report 2020-R-0285(cga.ct.gov)
- Conn. Gen. Stat. Ch. 368w - Health Care Representative (19a-575 et seq.)(cga.ct.gov)
- Connecticut Attorney General - Connecticut Living Will Laws(portal.ct.gov)
- Connecticut Judicial Branch Law Library - Powers of Attorney Research Guide(jud.ct.gov)
- Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-350d - Execution of power of attorney (two witnesses; presumption of genuine signature on acknowledgment)(cga.ct.gov)
- Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-350r - Acceptance of and reliance upon acknowledged power of attorney (subsection (b): good-faith reliance on the presumption under 1-350d)(cga.ct.gov)
- Conn. Gen. Stat. 19a-576(a) - Appointment of health care representative; the person appointed shall not act as witness(cga.ct.gov)
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