Homepage Fill Out Your Wells Fargo Power of Attorney Form
Article Structure

The Wells Fargo Power of Attorney (POA) form is a crucial document for anyone looking to delegate financial authority to another individual, often referred to as an attorney-in-fact. This form allows you to designate someone to manage your Allspring Funds accounts on your behalf, whether for day-to-day transactions or specific financial decisions. It’s important to note that this power cannot be applied to custodial, estate, or guardianship accounts. The form requires detailed information, including the names of account owners, Social Security numbers, and account specifics. You have the option to establish this power broadly across all accounts or limit it to certain funds. The POA can be durable, ensuring that it remains effective even if you become incapacitated, or nondurable, where it terminates upon your incapacitation. Understanding the rights you grant to your attorney-in-fact is important; they will be able to perform various tasks, from executing transactions to managing distributions. Moreover, the form emphasizes the significance of a notary to validate your decision, underscoring the legal weight of such a transaction. This introductory piece sheds light on the significance of the Wells Fargo Power of Attorney form, its structural components, and the vital role it plays in estate and financial planning.

Wells Fargo Power of Attorney Example

Adding a Power of Attorney (POA) to a

Home Equity or Mortgage Account

Apotential attorney-in-fact ("Agent") must complete and submit the following required documentation:

The Submission Cover Sheet and notarized Affidavit provided on the following pages.

A certified copy of the POA document. A certified copy must be verified by an official with certification duties (such as a notary public or court official) as a true and correct duplicate of the original.

A copy of documents verifying the Agent’s Social Security number, which could be:

oSocial Security card or W2

A copy of documents verifying the Agent’s name, address, and date of birth, which could be:

oDriver’s license

oState ID card

oUS government issued alien ID card.

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

© 2022 Wells Fargo Bank. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801 593821 (Rev 05 - 09/22)

Page 1 of 4

Power of Attorney Submission Cover Sheet

Please complete all sections of the form below and submit it with your Power of Attorney documents. Incomplete submissions may be delayed in processing or may be declined.

(A)Principal Information:

The “Principal” is the Borrower or Accountholder (the person for whom the Agent will be acting).

Today’s Date (mm/dd/yyyy)

Account Number

 

 

 

 

Principal Name

 

 

 

 

 

Principal Street Address

 

 

 

 

 

City

State

ZIP Code

 

 

 

Principal Phone Number

Principal Alternate Phone Number

 

 

 

(B)Agent Information: To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. You must provide your name, address, date of birth, and other information that will allow us to identify you.

The “Agent” is the person who will be using the Power of Attorney to act on the Principal’s behalf.

Agent Name (First, Middle, Last)

Agent Street Address

City

 

State

ZIP Code

 

 

 

 

Agent Phone Number

Agent Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)

Agent Social Security Number

 

 

 

 

Are you a U.S. citizen?

 

Are you a permanent resident

alien?

Yes

 

Yes

 

No

 

No

 

 

 

 

Relationship to Principal

 

How long have you known the Principal?

 

 

 

 

Agent Occupation:

Executive/Professional

Office

Student

Other

Homemaker

Production

Teacher

 

Labor

Retired

Trade

 

Military/Diplomat/Government Official Manager

Sales

Unemployed w/ income

 

Owner

Service

Unemployed w/o income

 

To help us better understand the nature of the request, please advise specifically what types of requests the Agent will be doing on the Principal’s account and the purpose of the requests going forward: (must check at least one; check all that apply)

Payments Only

Update Account Information

Inquiries

Make Advances (lines of credit only)

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. ©

 

2022 Wells Fargo Bank. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801

 

593821 (Rev 05 - 09/22)

Page 2 of 4

General Awareness

Close Account (lines of credit only)

Obtain Documentation

Other: (please explain)

 

____________________________________________________________

In an effort to protect the privacy of our borrower, please indicate the need for a Power of Attorney:

(must check at least one; check all that apply)

Principal Overseas

Possible Future Need

Medical Purposes

Other: (please explain)

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Is the Principal incapacitated or otherwise unable to care for his/her financial affairs? An “incapacitated” person may not be able to make or communicate responsible personal decisions; and/or may exhibit an inability to meet his/her own personal needs for medical care, nutrition, clothing, shelter, or safety.

(you must check either yes or no)

Yes

No

You can submit your request by mail or fax to:

Wells Fargo

PO Box 10335

Des Moines, IA 50306

Home Equity

Fax: 1-866-834-7850

Home Mortgage

Fax: 1-866-590-8910

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. ©

 

2022 Wells Fargo Bank. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801

 

593821 (Rev 05 - 09/22)

Page 3 of 4

AFFIDAVIT

I, ________________________________________________ having a mailing address of

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

being duly sworn, hereby make the following statements based upon my personal knowledge:

1.I am the Attorney-in-Fact/Agent/under a power of attorney from ______________________________________

(the Principal), which power of attorney is dated _______________________, ________. (Please insert the date that the original Power of Attorney document was signed by the Principal)

2.As of this date:

The power of attorney has not been amended, revoked or terminated by the Principal;

The principal has not died;

If I am the spouse of the Principal, no action for divorce, annulment or separation has been commenced by me or the Principal;

A guardian has not been appointed for the Principal.

3.I have examined the legal descriptions(s), if any, attached to the power of attorney and certify that the description(s) have not been changed, replaced, or amended subsequent to the signing of the power of attorney by the Principal.

4.I make this affidavit with the intention that it be relied upon by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A, in connection with a loan or line of credit to the Principal, secured by a mortgage or deed of trust of the Principal’s real estate (the “transaction”).

5.For purposes of the transaction, I understand that Wells Fargo will continue to rely on the representations contained in this affidavit after the loan or the line of credit is opened. I will promptly notify Wells Fargo of any future modification or revocation by the Principal.

6.I certify that I am submitting a true and correct duplicate of the original power of attorney.

7.For Line of Credit Products Only: If I am granted the power to make advances, I certify that any advances I make are only going to be utilized strictly for the benefit of the Principal and/or the collateral. The Bank may suspend the use of the Account and prohibit future advances during the Draw Period for any reason permitted by applicable law and/or the Account documents.

Initials ________

I declare under penalty of perjury that the information I have provided in this Affidavit and Cover Sheet is true and correct. Knowingly submitting false information on this form could subject you to civil and/or criminal prosecution.

Signed this _________day of ________________________, 20_____

_________________________________________ (Signature of Agent)

State of _______________________County of __________________________ Date _______________

This document was acknowledged and sworn to before me by ____________________________________ (Insert

name of the person signing the affidavit). They have presented the original Power of Attorney and I certify that this is a true and correct duplicate.

Signature of Notarial Officer ____________________________________________

Printed Name of Notarial Officer _________________________________________

Commission Expires: _______________

(Place seal of notary in the space below)

A notary public or other officer completing this certificate verifies only the identity of the individual who signed the document, to which this certificate is attached, and not the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of that document.

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. ©

 

2022 Wells Fargo Bank. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801

 

593821 (Rev 05 - 09/22)

Page 4 of 4

 

Form Characteristics

Fact Description
Purpose The Wells Fargo Power of Attorney form allows an individual to designate someone as their attorney-in-fact for managing their Allspring Funds account(s).
Limitations It cannot be used to designate an attorney-in-fact for custodial, estate, or guardianship accounts.
Durability Option Users can choose between durable and nondurable power of attorney, determining whether the authority continues after the principal becomes incapacitated.
Governing Law This power of attorney is governed by applicable California law.

Guidelines on Utilizing Wells Fargo Power of Attorney

Once you have the Wells Fargo Power of Attorney (POA) form in hand, it’s important to fill it out carefully to ensure that your chosen agent has the authority to manage your Allspring Funds accounts according to your wishes. Follow the steps below to complete the form properly.

  1. Print your account information in Section 1:
    • Name of account owner or trustee (first, middle initial, last)
    • Name of joint account owner or co-trustee (if applicable)
    • Name of trust (if applicable)
    • Social Security number
    • Date of trust (if applicable)
    • Check one option to establish the power of attorney on all accounts or specific accounts only. If choosing specific accounts, list each fund and account number.
  2. In Section 2, select your type of power of attorney, either durable or nondurable. Then, fill in your name and the name of the person you are appointing as your attorney-in-fact (agent).
  3. Allow your agent to act on your behalf by signing and dating the agreement in Section 3. This is where you acknowledge the powers granted to your agent.
  4. Get your signature notarized. A notary public must sign and stamp this section to validate your signature.
  5. In Section 4, provide information for the appointed attorney-in-fact which includes their name, date of birth, Social Security number, and residential address.
  6. Have the agent sign and date the affirmation in Section 4. Their signature will also need notarization.

Once all sections are completed and signatures are notarized, the form is ready to be submitted to Wells Fargo. Make sure to keep a copy for your records as it contains important information regarding your account management.

What You Should Know About This Form

What is the Wells Fargo Power of Attorney form used for?

The Wells Fargo Power of Attorney (POA) form allows you to appoint an individual, known as the attorney-in-fact, to manage your Allspring Funds accounts on your behalf. This form gives your agent the authority to make financial decisions, handle transactions, and operate within your investment accounts. It is important to note that this designation cannot be made for custodial, estate, or guardianship accounts.

What types of power of attorney can I choose from?

You have the option to select between a durable and a nondurable power of attorney. A durable power of attorney remains in effect even if you become incapacitated, allowing your agent to continue acting on your behalf. In contrast, a nondurable power of attorney will automatically terminate if you become incapacitated.

Do I need to get the form notarized?

Yes, the Power of Attorney form must be notarized. This requirement ensures that your signature is verified and that you understand the legal implications of granting authority to your agent. A notary public will confirm your identity and witness the signing of the document.

Can I limit the powers I grant to my attorney-in-fact?

Yes, you can specify the powers you are granting to your attorney-in-fact in the form. You may choose to allow them broad authority over all of your Allspring Funds accounts or restrict the designation to specific funds and account numbers. Clearly outlining the extent of these powers is crucial for your peace of mind.

What happens if I change my mind about the Power of Attorney?

You have the right to revoke or change the Power of Attorney at any time, as long as you are competent to do so. To amend this document, you simply need to create a new Power of Attorney or execute a formal amendment. It's important that you clearly communicate any changes to your agent and ensure they possess the latest version of the document.

Is my agent allowed to benefit financially from actions taken under the Power of Attorney?

Your agent may be entitled to receive reasonable payment for services rendered under the Power of Attorney unless you specify otherwise in the document. However, they are generally prohibited from accepting gifts or benefits from your property unless you provide explicit permission for such actions in the form.

What should I do if I have additional questions about the Power of Attorney form?

If you have further questions or need assistance while completing the Power of Attorney form, you can call 1-800-222-8222. It is always advisable to consult with a qualified attorney if you have concerns about the implications of the Power of Attorney or if there are specific legal issues you need guidance on.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Wells Fargo Power of Attorney (POA) form can seem straightforward, but many people make critical mistakes. One common error is failing to include the necessary account information. It's important to provide the full name of the account owner, any joint account owners, and the specific fund and account numbers. Missing even one detail can delay or nullify the authority granted in the document.

Another frequent mistake involves the choice of power of attorney type. Applicants must decide whether they want a durable or nondurable power of attorney. Many people ignore this selection or misunderstand the implications. A durable POA remains effective even if the principal becomes incapacitated, while a nondurable one does not. If you choose incorrectly, it can severely limit the agent's ability to act on your behalf when it matters most.

Individuals also often overlook the requirement for notarization. The form must be signed in front of a notary public. Omitting this step can invalidate the form altogether. Some may assume that a simple signature is enough, but without the notary's stamp, the document lacks legal standing.

Finally, not providing proper documentation for trust accounts is a major pitfall. If you're filling out the form in relation to a trust, you must enclose copies of the trust's title page and the section allowing for an appointment of an agent. Failure to do this can result in the form being rejected. Taking the time to understand these requirements can help ensure the form is filled out correctly and functions as intended.

Documents used along the form

The Wells Fargo Power of Attorney (POA) form serves as a vital document for individuals seeking to designate someone else to manage their account-related affairs. This form alone may not be sufficient, as there are other important documents and forms that complement its use. Below is a list of some of these relevant documents. Each plays a significant role in the overall process of granting authority and managing finances.

  • Durable Power of Attorney: This document allows an individual to assign decision-making authority to another person that continues even when the principal becomes incapacitated. It ensures that financial and medical decisions can be made on behalf of the principal at any time.
  • Revocation of Power of Attorney: When the principal wishes to terminate a previously granted power of attorney, this document serves that purpose. It clearly states that the authority given to the attorney-in-fact is no longer valid, thereby protecting the principal’s interests.
  • Advance Healthcare Directive: This form allows an individual to specify their medical preferences should they become incapacitated. It often includes a living will and a healthcare power of attorney and is essential for ensuring that healthcare decisions align with the person's wishes.
  • HIPAA Authorization: This document allows the designated agent to access the principal's medical records and communicate with healthcare providers. It is crucial for the agent to make informed decisions regarding the principal's medical care.
  • Financial Power of Attorney: Similar to the general power of attorney, this document specifically addresses financial matters. It empowers the agent to manage financial transactions, including bank accounts, investments, and property management on behalf of the principal.
  • Trust Documents: If the principal has placed assets in a trust, these documents may need to be referenced alongside the power of attorney. They outline the terms of the trust and the responsibilities of the trustees, and they occasionally allow the designation of a power of attorney concerning the trust assets.

Understanding these accompanying documents is essential for ensuring that your financial and medical affairs can be managed seamlessly. Each document plays a unique role in helping both the principal and attorney-in-fact operate effectively together. Proper planning and documentation will provide peace of mind and clarity in the event of incapacity or personal management needs.

Similar forms

  • Durable Power of Attorney: Like the Wells Fargo POA, a durable power of attorney allows your agent to manage your financial matters even if you become incapacitated. Both documents serve to give the agent certain powers regarding your accounts.
  • Nondurable Power of Attorney: Similar to the Wells Fargo POA, this type ends if you become incapacitated. The main difference is that while Wells Fargo offers both options, a nondurable POA is usually more limited in scope.
  • Medical Power of Attorney: This document allows someone to make healthcare decisions for you if you can't. While the Wells Fargo POA focuses on finances, both empower someone to act on your behalf during critical times.
  • Living Will: With a living will, you outline your wishes regarding medical treatment. While the Wells Fargo POA appoints an agent for finances, a living will focuses on your healthcare preferences, emphasizing different aspects of decision-making.
  • Trust Document: A trust can manage your assets like the Wells Fargo POA does for your accounts. Both documents provide mechanisms for handling your affairs but differ in structure and purpose.
  • Guardian Appointment: Similar in that it allows someone to act in your interests, a guardian appointment is specific to minors or incapacitated adults. The Wells Fargo POA specifically addresses financial matters oversights without declarations of guardianship.
  • Advance Directive: This document names someone to make decisions for you if you cannot. While the Wells Fargo POA covers financial power, both ensure that someone you trust makes choices aligned with your wishes.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Wells Fargo Power of Attorney form, it’s important to approach the process with care. Here’s a list of do’s and don’ts to ensure everything goes smoothly.

  • Do: Read the entire form carefully before filling it out. Understanding the document is crucial to ensure you’re making informed decisions.
  • Do: Provide accurate information. This includes names, Social Security numbers, and account details. Any inaccuracies could delay processing.
  • Do: Have your signature notarized. Without this step, the form may not be considered valid.
  • Do: Specify the powers you want to grant to your attorney-in-fact. Being clear about these powers will help avoid confusion later on.
  • Do: Keep a copy of the completed form for your records. This way, you have important information handy if questions arise.
  • Don’t: Sign the form without reading the fine print. The terms can have significant implications for your agent's powers.
  • Don’t: Neglect to consult an attorney if you have any doubts. Seeking professional advice is always a wise step when dealing with legal documents.
  • Don’t: Include any incomplete information, such as missing dates or signatures. This may render the form invalid.
  • Don’t: Use this form for custodial, estate, or guardianship accounts, as those types cannot be designated under this power of attorney.
  • Don’t: Forget to check for updated regulations. Laws regarding powers of attorney can change, so be sure your form complies with the latest legal requirements.

Misconceptions

  • Misconception 1: A Power of Attorney form is only for wealthy individuals.
  • This is far from the truth. Anyone can benefit from having a Power of Attorney (POA) in place, regardless of their financial status. It enables someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated, ensuring your wishes are honored.

  • Misconception 2: A POA gives unlimited power to the agent.
  • Not at all. A POA grants specific powers that you define. You can choose the extent of those powers, whether they are broad or limited to certain actions or accounts. Clarity is key, and the form allows you to specify what your agent can and cannot do.

  • Misconception 3: Once I sign a POA, it cannot be changed.
  • Actually, you have the right to amend or revoke a POA at any time, as long as you remain competent. Creating a new POA or executing an amendment is a straightforward process that keeps your intentions clear.

  • Misconception 4: The agent is free to act without any oversight.
  • Your agent is legally obligated to act in your best interest. They must keep your property separate from theirs and can be held accountable if they breach these duties. Transparency and trust are fundamental aspects of this arrangement.

  • Misconception 5: A POA is only necessary for older adults.
  • This can lead to dangerous assumptions. Health issues or unforeseen circumstances can affect anyone, regardless of age. Having a POA can prepare you for unexpected situations, providing peace of mind.

  • Misconception 6: A POA automatically expires when I become incapacitated.
  • This depends on the type you choose. A durable POA continues to be effective even after incapacitation, while a nondurable POA terminates under such conditions. Knowing the difference can help you choose the right document for your needs.

  • Misconception 7: My spouse automatically has authority to make decisions for me.
  • While many assume this is the case, it’s not true. Unless a POA is in place, your spouse does not have any predetermined rights to manage your affairs. It's crucial to setup the proper documentation if you want this authority to be clear.

  • Misconception 8: I don’t need a POA if I have a will.
  • A will and a POA serve different purposes. A will comes into effect after your death, while a POA is used during your lifetime if you’re unable to make decisions. They complement each other and provide a thorough plan for both life and afterlife decisions.

  • Misconception 9: My bank or other institutions will accept any POA.
  • Different institutions have varying requirements. Institutions like Wells Fargo may have specific forms they prefer you use, which is essential to ensure your document is effective. It's wise to check ahead of time to avoid complications.

Key takeaways

Here are some key points to remember when filling out and using the Wells Fargo Power of Attorney form:

  1. Designate an Agent: Choose a trusted person to act on your behalf. This individual will have access to your Allspring Funds account(s).
  2. Account Limitations: The form cannot be used for custodial, estate, or guardianship accounts. Ensure you are filling it out for appropriate accounts.
  3. Durable vs. Nondurable: Decide if the power of attorney will remain in effect if you become incapacitated (durable) or if it will end upon incapacitation (nondurable).
  4. Notarization Required: Signature verification is necessary. Ensure you have the document notarized for it to be valid.
  5. Understanding Powers Granted: The agent can manage investments, receive account statements, and initiate beneficiary changes. Know what powers you are granting.
  6. Right to Revoke: You can revoke or change this power of attorney at any time, as long as you are competent to do so.