The main mistake is the blanket power without details: authorities and clinics read literally, and an unnamed scope means no. The second: the only original in a bank safe whose access requires… this very document. The original belongs with your attorney or in a known folder at home.
Vorsorgevollmacht: Getting It Right
The free official BMJ form covers the essentials. Key decisions: scope, the banks doing their own thing, and when a notary is actually required.
✓ Verified: 18/07/2026
WHAT TO DO
› Details and tips
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Max recommends:
I used the official BMJ form — free, with guidance. The main mistake is a blanket power without details: offices read literally, an unnamed scope means no. I ticked scopes deliberately.
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Lea recommends:
Visit your bank with your attorney: banks accept external forms grudgingly, their in-house account mandate ends the argument in 15 minutes. The original goes to your attorney, not a bank safe whose access needs this very document.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can it be in Russian or English? ▾
Valid but practically useless: doctors and banks must understand instantly. Draft in German (BMJ forms with guidance), keep a translation for yourself.
The power works immediately — not dangerous? ▾
Legally it usually works from signing; the instruction to use only upon incapacity goes into the internal relationship. Your protection is choosing the person and controlling the original.
Can I name several representatives? ▾
Yes: several people, each acting alone or only jointly, plus a substitute. Acting alone is more practical — a duty to act jointly can deadlock in an emergency. Always name a substitute.