Why do Powers of Attorney look different? Why did my lawyer use a form that looks different from the one I got in the stationary store?
• The “statutory” or “short form” power of attorney is the common form Power of Attorney sold in Connecticut stores. The document lists the powers given to the attorney-in-fact by letter, but the statute fills in at length the detailed powers that are included. IMPORTANT: in the statutory form, ALL the powers listed are included; you initial in the boxes only to DELETE certain powers. The statutory form Power of Attorney included in this web site links to the statutory provisions. • Some attorneys prefer to use a “manuscripted” or “long form” Power of Attorney. Your attorney may feel that you would rather be able to read on the face of the document the powers you are conferring, instead of having to look at the statute. They may also worry that someone in another state would not be able to determine from the document whether or not it contains a particular power. If you do execute a “statutory short form” Power of Attorney, it would be wise to keep a copy of the statute handy. You can
