power of attorney

noun phrase

: a legal instrument authorizing one to act as the attorney or agent of the grantor

Examples of power of attorney in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Since her mom was on a joint bank account with her grandmother, Revere was able to get her mom to give her power of attorney to tap that money for the late mortgage payments. —Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024

Even younger individuals benefit from creating healthcare directives, financial powers of attorney, and clear plans for asset distribution. —Ashley Case, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024

According to Priscilla's complaint filed earlier this week, Kruse and Elvis' ex-wife developed a relationship over the years, and the auction house owner began to assist with Priscilla's finances and act as her power of attorney. —Charlotte Phillipp, Peoplemag, 20 July 2024

The commissioner is also accused of fraudulently obtaining a second power of attorney to buy a home with the 96-year-old woman as the co-signor without her knowledge or consent, for a cost of more than $400,000, according to the FDLE. —Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 2 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1716, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

power of attorney

: an instrument containing an authorization for one to act as the agent of the principal that terminates especially upon revocation by the principal or death of the principal or agent

called also letter of attorney

— durable power of attorney

: a power of attorney that becomes effective immediately and is not affected by the principal's subsequent incapacity or that becomes effective only upon the principal's incapacity

— general power of attorney

: a power of attorney authorizing the agent to carry on business or an enterprise for the principal compare special power of attorney in this entry

— health care power of attorney

: a power of attorney authorizing an agent to make health care decisions in the event of incapacity

called also medical power of attorney

— irrevocable power of attorney

: a power of attorney that cannot be revoked by the principal

— special power of attorney

: a power of attorney authorizing the agent to carry out a particular business transaction for the principal

— springing power of attorney

: a power of attorney that comes into effect only upon the occurrence of a specified condition (as the incapacity of the principal)