Senate Bill 569 Summary

• Adopts the Uniform Power of Attorney Act in North Carolina by creating new Chapter 32C of the General Statutes, replacing former Chapter 32A provisions on powers of attorney effective January 1, 2018.

• Establishes durable powers of attorney by default (continuing despite principal's incapacity) and requires acknowledgment before a notary public; defines agent duties including loyalty, good faith, and proper recordkeeping.

• Grants agents general authority over specified subjects (real property, financial institutions, business operations, taxes, gifts, etc.) only when expressly authorized in the power of attorney document.

• Creates statutory form power of attorney templates and agent certification procedures; allows courts to approve gifts beyond those authorized and to determine agent compensation.

• Requires registration of powers of attorney affecting real property in the register of deeds; permits third parties to rely on acknowledged powers of attorney in good faith and sets timelines for accepting or refusing powers of attorney (seven business days).