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If you want someone to be able to deposit your checks at your bank, file your taxes, or even sell or mortgage your home, you can create a handy document called a power of attorney (POA). A POA is a simple document that grants specific powers to someone you trust—called an "agent" or "attorney-in-fact"—to handle certain matters for you. The person who creates the POA is called the "principal."
You can make several different types of POAs in New Mexico. In particular, many estate plans include two POAs:
In most estate plans, these POAs are what are known as "durable" POAs, which means that they retain their effectiveness even after you're incapacitated. It's a good idea for most people to create these two documents, as they help plan for the unexpected.
To learn about other types of POAs, including non-durable (limited) and springing POAs, see What Is a Power of Attorney? Below, learn how to create a durable financial POA that is valid in New Mexico.
For your POA to be valid in New Mexico, it must meet certain requirements.
The person making a power of attorney must be of sound mind. The exact contours of this mental capacity requirement are open to interpretation by New Mexico courts. If you're helping someone make a POA and you're not sure if they meet the mental capacity requirement, you should consult a lawyer.
While New Mexico doesn't technically require you to get your POA notarized, notarization is strongly recommended. Under New Mexico law, when you sign your POA in the presence of a notary public, your signature is presumed to be genuine—meaning your POA is more ironclad. In addition, many financial institutions will require a POA to be notarized (even if state law doesn't require it) before they accept it. (N.M. Stat. § 45-5B-105 (2024).)
New Mexico has a statutory form for a financial POA that you can use. The form allows you to designate an agent (and co-agents and successor agents) and the powers you're giving your agent. (N.M. Stat. § 45-5B-301 (2024).)
Some private companies also offer forms or templates with blanks that you can fill out to create your POA. For a more user-friendly experience, try WillMaker, which guides you through a series of questions to arrive at a POA (and estate plan) that meets your specific aims and is valid in your state. You can also hire a New Mexico lawyer to create a POA for you. Many lawyers will include durable POAs as part of a more comprehensive estate plan alongside a will or living trust.
Whatever method you choose, the process of making the POA will include either granting your agent comprehensive powers or initialing, from a list, each specific power you want your agent to have. For example, you might choose to grant your agent the power to act for you with respect to these subject areas:
In New Mexico, your POA is durable (effective even after incapacitation) unless it explicitly states that it terminates when you become incapacitated. (N.M. Stat. § 45-5B-104 (2024).)
As mentioned above, in New Mexico, you should have your POA notarized.
Once you have completed the POA, store the original in a safe place that your loved ones can easily access, and let them know where to find it. (It won't do much good locked away in a safe that no one can get into.) If you become incapacitated, your attorney-in-fact might need the original POA to act on your behalf.
You should also give a copy of the power of attorney to your agent so that your agent is familiar with the contents of the document.
If you initialed "real property," giving your agent the power to conduct transactions with real estate, you should also file a copy of your POA in the land records office in the county where you own real estate or expect to deal with real estate in the future. In New Mexico, this office is part of the county clerk's office. If you put your POA on file, the clerk will be able to recognize your agent's authority if your agent ever needs to sell, mortgage, or transfer real estate for you.
You can also give copies of your durable financial POA to banks or other institutions that your agent might need to deal with in the future. This step might eliminate some hassles for your agent if your agent ever needs to use the POA. Banks can sometimes be finicky about accepting POAs; see Can Banks Refuse a Power of Attorney? for more details.
Legally speaking, you can name any competent adult to serve as your agent. But you'll want to take into account certain practical considerations, such as the person's trustworthiness and geographical location. For more on choosing agents, see What Is a Power of Attorney?
New Mexico allows you to appoint co-agents who are authorized to act at the same time, but it's usually advisable to stick to just one agent to minimize potential conflicts. However, naming a "successor" agent—an alternate who will become your agent if your first choice is unavailable for any reason—is always a good idea, as it creates a backup plan. (N.M. Stat. § 45-5B-111 (2024).)
Your POA is effective immediately unless it explicitly states that it takes effect at a future date. It's possible to create a condition that must be satisfied before the POA becomes effective—such as a doctor declaring that you're incapacitated—but there are many reasons why this type of "springing" power of attorney isn't usually advised. (N.M. Stat. § 45-5B-109 (2024).)
Any power of attorney automatically ends at the principal's death. Your durable POA also will end if:
(N.M. Stat. § 45-5B-110 (2024).)
Additionally, in New Mexico, if your spouse is named as your agent in your POA, that designation automatically ends once either of you files for divorce—unless your POA states otherwise. To be clear, your ex-spouse's authority to act as your agent ends, but your POA is still intact. So if you named a successor agent, that person would become your agent. (N.M. Stat. § 45-5B-110 (2024).)
To read New Mexico's Uniform Power of Attorney Act, view Chapter 45, Article 5B of the New Mexico Statutes. For more on New Mexico planning issues, see our section on New Mexico Estate Planning.