DPOA
Law & Legal abbreviation · Estate and Family Law
| Stands for | Durable power of attorney |
|---|---|
| Categories | Law & Legal |
DPOA stands for Durable power of attorney, an estate and family law abbreviation.
Power of attorney that stays in effect if the principal later becomes mentally incapacitated, allowing the agent to keep managing finances without a court-appointed guardian or conservator. Durability comes from specific language in the document or, in many states, by default under statute.
Example: Because Mom had a DPOA, her son could sell the house to pay for memory care without going to court.
Usage notes
Under the Uniform Power of Attorney Act, a power of attorney is durable unless it says otherwise; older laws required words such as "this power shall not be affected by subsequent disability". DPOA can also refer to a durable power of attorney for health care. Agents owe fiduciary duties and must keep the principal's money separate from their own.
Related abbreviations
More estate and family law abbreviations
- CHINS – Child in need of services
- CLT – Charitable lead trust
- CPS – Child Protective Services
- CRT – Charitable remainder trust
- DAPT – Domestic asset protection trust
- dec'd – Deceased
- DVRO – Domestic violence restraining order
- EPA – Enduring power of attorney
- EPO – Emergency protective order
- FBO – For the benefit of
- FOC – Friend of the Court
- GAL – Guardian ad litem
See all 50 estate and family law abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not legal advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.