Chapter 244 — UNIFORM POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR FINANCES AND PROPERTY

244.01 Short title. This chapter may be cited as the Uniform Power of Attorney for Finances and Property Act. History: 2009 a. 319. Procedural Gray Areas: New POA for Finances. Beermann & Johnson. Wis. Law. Oct. 2011.

244.02 Definitions. In this chapter: (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. (2) “Domestic partner” has the meaning given in s. 770.01 (1). (3) “Durable power of a…

244.03 Applicability. This chapter applies to all powers of attorney except for the following: (1) A power to the extent it is coupled with an interest in the subject of the power, including a power given to or for the benefit of a creditor in connection with a credit transaction…

244.04 Power of attorney is durable. A power of attorney created under this chapter is durable unless it expressly provides that it is terminated by the incapacity of the principal. History: 2009 a. 319.

244.05 Execution of power of attorney. (1) To execute a power of attorney, the principal must sign the power of attorney, or an individual 18 years of age or older at the express direction and in the physical presence of the principal must sign the principal’s name on the power o…

244.06 Validity of power of attorney. (1) A power of attorney executed in this state on or after September 1, 2010, is valid if its execution complies with s. 244.05. (2) A power of attorney executed in this state before September 1, 2010, is valid if its execution complied with …

244.07 Meaning and effect of power of attorney. (1) The meaning and effect of a power of attorney is determined by the law of the jurisdiction indicated in the power of attorney and, May 22, 2026, are designated by NOTES. (Published 5-22-26) 244.07 Updated 23-24 Wis. Stats. UNIFO…

244.08 Nomination of guardian; relation of agent to court-appointed fiduciary. (1) In a power of attorney, a principal may nominate a guardian of the principal’s estate or guardian of the principal’s person for consideration by the court if protective proceedings for the principa…

244.09 When a power of attorney is effective. (1) 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. (2) If a power of attorney b…

244.10 Termination of power of attorney or agent’s authority. (1) A power of attorney terminates when any of the following occurs: (a) The principal dies. (b) The principal becomes incapacitated, if the power of attorney so provides. (c) The principal revokes the power of attorne…

244.11 Coagents and successor agents. (1) A principal may designate in a power of attorney 2 or more persons to act as coagents. Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, each coagent may exercise its authority independently. (2) A principal may designate in a power of att…

244.12 Reimbursement and compensation of agent. Except as otherwise provided in the power of attorney, an agent is entitled to reimbursement of any expenses reasonably incurred on behalf of the principal and to compensation that is reasonable under the circumstances. History: 200…

244.13 Agent’s acceptance. Except as otherwise provided in the power of attorney, a person accepts appointment as an agent under a power of attorney by exercising authority or performing duties as an agent or by any other assertion or conduct indicating acceptance. History: 2009 …

244.14 Agent’s duties. (1) Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary in the power of attorney, an agent who has accepted appointment shall do all of the following: (a) Act in accordance with the principal’s reasonable expectations to the extent actually known by the agent an…

244.15 Exoneration of agent. A provision in a power of attorney relieving an agent of liability for breach of duty is binding on the principal and the principal’s successors in interest except to the extent that the provision does any of the following: (1) Relieves the agent of l…

244.16 Judicial relief. (1) The following persons may petition the circuit court of the county where the principal is present or of the county of the principal’s legal residence to construe a power of attorney or review the agent’s conduct, and grant appropriate relief: (a) The p…

244.17 Agent’s liability. An agent who violates this chapter is liable to the principal or the principal’s successors in interest for the amount required to do all of the following: (1) Restore the value of the principal’s property to what it would have been had the violation not…

244.18 Agent’s resignation; notice. Unless the power of attorney provides a different method for an agent’s resignation, an agent may resign by giving notice to the principal and, if the principal is incapacitated, to any of the following: (1) To the guardian, if one has been app…

244.19 Protection of persons that accept and rely upon an acknowledged power of attorney. (1) For purposes of this section and s. 244.20, “acknowledged” means the taking of an acknowledgment before a notarial officer authorized to take acknowledgements under ch. 140. (2) A person…

244.20 Refusal to accept acknowledged power of attorney. (1) A person may, in good faith, refuse to accept an acknowledged power of attorney within 10 business days of presentment if any of the following applies: (a) The person is not otherwise required to engage in a transaction…

244.21 Laws applicable to financial institutions and entities. This chapter does not supersede any other law applicable to financial institutions or insurance companies, and the other law controls if in conflict with this chapter. History: 2009 a. 319. SUBCHAPTER II AUTHORITY 244…

244.41 Authority that requires specific grant, grant of general authority.

244.42 Incorporation of authority.

244.43 Construction of authority generally.

244.44 Real property.

244.445 Digital property.

244.45 Tangible personal property.

244.46 Stocks and bonds.

244.47 Commodities and options.

244.48 Banks and other financial institutions.

244.49 Operation of entity or business.

244.50 Insurance and annuities.

244.51 Estates, trusts, and other beneficial interests.

244.52 Claims and litigation.

244.53 Personal and family maintenance.

244.54 Benefits from governmental programs or civil or military service.

244.55 Retirement plans.

244.56 Taxes.

244.57 Gifts.

244.61 Statutory Form Power of Attorney for Finances and Property.

244.62 Agent’s certification.

244.63 Distribution of forms.

244.64 Relation to power of attorney for health care. (9) “Power of attorney” means a writing or other record that grants authority to an agent to act in the place of the principal, whether or not the term power of attorney is used. (10) “Presently exercisable general power of ap…