Where can I find an executed Power of Attorney?

Question

We are having some family issues and we think that someone has tricked my Grandmother into signing a power of attorney. Are these records available online? She is in Alabama (Mobile).

Thanks so much

Answer 1

If the power of attorney has been filed/recorded with whatever office is the appropriate one to do this with in Alabama (in NC it would be the Register of Deeds), then you can get a copy of it from that office. Whether those records are available online you'll have to find out; in NC some counties are and some aren't.  If it hasn't been filed or recorded, and it isn't necessarily required to be, then you can only find out by asking your grandmother or the person you think got her to sign one...if they intend to use it, then they should have no reason to be shy about telling you she did sign one for them.  If you believe a lawyer was involved and you know which one, you could ask them.  They're not really supposed to tell you anything (client confidentiality), but if you explain your concerns you might luck out and they may be willing to at least confirm whether they prepared one for her or not.

Answer 2

If they are online, they will be posted by the county clerk's office where it was filed.  Some counties do post filed documents, especially deed records.  The key is that the power of attorney must be filed with the clerk's office before it can be posted anywhere.  A lot of people do not file or "record" their POAs with the county clerk.