How to revoke a power of attorney in Missouri

What Missouri law says about revoking a power of attorney, and a free letter you can fill in and print.

Checked against official sources: October 31, 2026.

Short answer

You can end or change your power of attorney by telling the attorney in fact, orally or in writing. You can also file a written notice of modification or termination for record with the recorder of deeds in the city or county where you live (or, as the law specifies, where the attorney in fact lives if you live out of state, or where property named in the power of attorney is located).

If it was recorded
A written notice of modification or termination can be filed for record in the recorder of deeds office of the city or county where you live, where the attorney in fact lives (if you live out of state), or where property named in the power of attorney is located.

Words used in Missouri

In Missouri you name an attorney in fact in a power of attorney. It keeps working after you lose capacity only if it is called a 'Durable Power of Attorney', contains the statutory durability statement, and is notarized. Health care decisions are delegated in a durable power of attorney for health care, and a separate declaration states end-of-life wishes. A probate court can appoint a guardian (personal care) or conservator (money) if less restrictive alternatives will not work.

An agent (also called an attorney-in-fact) is the person you choose to act for you. You are the principal.

Money and property
Durable power of attorney (Durable Power of Attorney Law of Missouri); a power of attorney that is not durable is also allowed
The person you choose
Attorney in fact
Health care
Durable power of attorney for health care
Treatment wishes
Declaration (living will declaration) directing withholding or withdrawal of death-prolonging procedures
Court-appointed decision-maker
Guardian (or limited guardian) of an incapacitated person; conservator (or limited conservator) of the estate of a disabled person

What Missouri law says about revoking a power of attorney

How to revoke

You can end or change your power of attorney by telling the attorney in fact, orally or in writing. You can also file a written notice of modification or termination for record with the recorder of deeds in the city or county where you live (or, as the law specifies, where the attorney in fact lives if you live out of state, or where property named in the power of attorney is located).

Law: RSMo 404.717.1

Telling others

A third person is bound by the termination only once it has actual knowledge of your death or of the termination. A business may set by contract how it must be notified. An attorney in fact who acts in good faith without actual knowledge of the termination (or constructive notice from a recorded notice) is not liable to you.

Law: RSMo 404.721; RSMo 404.710.10; RSMo 404.717.3

If it was recorded

A written notice of modification or termination can be filed for record in the recorder of deeds office of the city or county where you live, where the attorney in fact lives (if you live out of state), or where property named in the power of attorney is located.

Law: RSMo 404.717.1(3)

Law: RSMo §§ 404.717, 404.719, 404.721

Source: Official text

Free letter: revoke a power of attorney

The date on the document you signed. If you are not sure, use your best estimate.

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Other formats

Sign the letter and keep a copy. This tool does not check whether your document is valid, and it is not legal advice.

When it ends and how to revoke it

It ends when
  • The date or terms stated in the power of attorney
  • You tell the attorney in fact, orally or in writing, that it is changed or ended
  • A written notice of termination is recorded with the recorder of deeds as the law describes
  • Your death (with limited exceptions for autopsy and anatomical gift powers)
  • The attorney in fact is not qualified to act
  • Filing of a divorce or dissolution action between you and your spouse-attorney in fact, unless the document says otherwise
  • Your disability or incapacity suspends a power of attorney that is not durable
Banks and other businesses

A third person acting in good faith may rely on a power of attorney without liability and has no duty to check many listed matters. It may ask for signature specimens and other reasonable information, and may require indemnity; a bond cannot be required for a durable power of attorney when the principal or attorney in fact has lived in Missouri at least two years and the attorney in fact gives a satisfactory indemnity agreement. State policy is that an attorney in fact with general powers be treated as if you were present. The law does not set a deadline or penalty for refusing a power of attorney.

Law: RSMo 404.719; RSMo 404.719.4; RSMo 404.710.9

Law: RSMo §§ 404.714.6, 404.717.1

Good to know in Missouri

  • A Missouri power of attorney is NOT durable unless it is titled 'Durable Power of Attorney', contains the statutory durability statement and is notarized.

    Law: RSMo 404.705

  • A health care attorney in fact can stop tube feeding or IV fluids only if you specifically granted that power.

    Law: RSMo 404.820

  • Unless you say otherwise, two physicians must certify your incapacity before your health care attorney in fact can act.

    Law: RSMo 404.825

  • Filing for divorce ends your spouse's authority as attorney in fact unless the power of attorney says otherwise.

    Law: RSMo 404.717.1(6)

Free help in Missouri

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Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services - Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline · 1-800-392-0210

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