Letter for Power of Attorney

This article provides guidance and examples for writing a letter for a power of attorney. A power of attorney is a legal document that allows someone (the "principal") to designate another person (the "agent" or "attorney-in-fact") to act on their behalf in legal, financial, or personal matters. The letter for a power of attorney is typically used to formally appoint the agent and outline the specific powers and responsibilities they will have.

Whether you are appointing a power of attorney for yourself or writing a letter on behalf of someone else, it is important to follow the correct format and include all necessary information. This article will provide examples of letter templates and offer suggestions for what to include in each section of the letter.

Examples of Letter for Power of Attorney

Letter Example 1: General Power of Attorney

Dear [Agent's Name],

I, [Principal's Name], hereby appoint you as my attorney-in-fact to act on my behalf in all legal and financial matters. This power of attorney shall be effective immediately and shall remain in effect until [specific end date or event, if applicable].

You are authorized to perform any and all acts necessary to manage my affairs, including but not limited to:

• Managing my bank accounts and financial transactions
• Selling, buying, or transferring real estate on my behalf
• Entering into contracts and agreements on my behalf
• Filing taxes and representing me before tax authorities
• Making healthcare decisions on my behalf, if specified in a separate healthcare power of attorney document

Please find enclosed a copy of the signed power of attorney document for your records. This letter and the attached document grant you full authority to act on my behalf. Should you require any further documentation or information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for accepting this responsibility.

Sincerely,

[Principal's Name]

Letter Example 2: Limited Power of Attorney for Real Estate Transactions

Dear [Agent's Name],

I, [Principal's Name], hereby appoint you as my attorney-in-fact for the sole purpose of handling real estate transactions on my behalf. This power of attorney shall be effective from [start date] until [end date or event, if applicable].

You are authorized to perform the following acts in relation to real estate matters:

• Sign and execute purchase or sale agreements for real property
• Obtain and review property documents and records
• Communicate and negotiate with real estate agents, attorneys, and other parties involved in the transaction
• Sign and deliver any necessary documents, including deeds, mortgages, and closing statements

Enclosed is a copy of the signed power of attorney document specifically granting you these limited powers. Please review it carefully and ensure you understand your responsibilities. If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to reach out to me.

Thank you for your assistance.

Best regards,

[Principal's Name]

Suggestions for Letters of Power of Attorney

When writing a letter for a power of attorney, consider the following suggestions:

• Clearly state the purpose of the letter and the specific powers being granted to the agent.
• Include the full names and contact information of both the principal and the agent.
• Specify the effective date and any end date or event that would terminate the power of attorney.
• If applicable, mention any limitations or restrictions on the agent's authority.
• Enclose a copy of the signed power of attorney document for reference.
• Express gratitude to the agent for accepting the responsibility.

Conclusions

A letter for a power of attorney is an essential document that formalizes the appointment of an agent to act on behalf of the principal. By following the correct format and including all necessary information, you can ensure that the letter accurately reflects the intentions of the principal and grants the appropriate powers to the agent.

FAQ:

Can a power of attorney be revoked?

Yes, a power of attorney can be revoked at any time by the principal. This can be done by creating a new power of attorney document that explicitly revokes the previous one or by notifying the agent in writing of the revocation.

Can a power of attorney be used after the principal becomes incapacitated?

It depends on the type of power of attorney. A durable power of attorney remains valid even if the principal becomes incapacitated, allowing the agent to continue acting on their behalf. However, a non-durable power of attorney becomes void if the principal becomes incapacitated.

Can multiple agents be appointed in a power of attorney?

Yes, it is possible to appoint multiple agents in a power of attorney. The principal can specify whether the agents must act jointly (unanimous agreement required) or severally (each agent can act independently).

Can a power of attorney be used for healthcare decisions?

Yes, a separate healthcare power of attorney document can be created to appoint an agent specifically for making healthcare decisions on behalf of the principal. This document is commonly referred to as a medical power of attorney or healthcare proxy.