A New York General Power of Attorney Form is used to give the Attorney-in-Fact blanket power over the Principal’s financial affairs. This will generally include overseeing their bank accounts, managing their investments, giving gifts on their behalf, etc. This does not include power to make decisions about the Principal’s medical treatments, which are governed separately and therefore require a different form.
In order to be valid in New York, a Power of Attorney agreement is required to be witnessed by at least two (2) adults who are unrelated to either the Principal or the Attorney-in-Fact. Alternatively, it can be witnessed by a Notary Public, if the Principal cannot get two adult witnesses.