What the rule says
Connecticut adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act effective October 1, 2016, codified at Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-350 et seq.
Default durability
A Connecticut POA is durable by default — the agent's authority survives the principal's incapacity unless the document expressly states otherwise.
Specific powers
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-350m, certain powers require express authorization (gifts, beneficiary changes, trust modifications, etc.).
Third-party acceptance
Connecticut law provides protections for third parties accepting properly executed POAs.
Execution requirements
A valid Connecticut POA must be:
- Signed by the principal - Acknowledged before a notary public
Healthcare power of attorney is separate
Connecticut separates property and healthcare frameworks. Healthcare decisions require a separate Connecticut Health Care Representative designation under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 19a-575 et seq.
What happens without a POA
If a Connecticut resident becomes incapacitated without an executed durable POA, the family must seek conservatorship under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 45a-644 et seq. Connecticut Probate Court proceedings.
What you can do about it
For Connecticut residents:
- Execute a Uniform Power of Attorney. - Acknowledge before a notary. - Specifically enumerate hot powers if needed. - Designate a successor agent. - Coordinate with the Health Care Representative designation. - Update older POAs. POAs from before October 1, 2016 may not benefit from the current framework.
Who this affects most
Connecticut's POA framework is most consequential for Connecticut adults without executed POAs and households with older POAs.