A power of attorney agent is often times also called an "attorney-in-fact". This person is appointed by some one to legally represent them for specific or general tasks or situations. This is done by creating a power of attorney form, it only needs to be notarized (recorded by your county) if it involves real estate. This form will list the tasks that the agent is supposed to perform on behalf of the appointee. The form should also be passed out to anyone the agent has been appointed to handle business on your behalf with. Depending on what the agent is appointed to do, the appointee may need to send a copy to the bank, insurance companies, or even stockbrokers.
As an agent, your job is to act in the benefit of the appointee. The scope of what you can or can't do on the appointee's behalf is contained in the document. This document also may be used until it is revoked. This is done with a revocation power of attorney form or by specifying a termination date on the original document.
Most state's don't require a power of attorney to be filed with the County Clerk office, but estate lawyers and financial institutions will recommend you to place on file there to protect your estate upon death. Another thing commonly recommended is that you keep a list of who has a copy of it, and that you tell your agent to make it clear their signing on your behalf to whomever they do business with. If the appointee ever becomes incapacitated then the powers given to the agent is immediately revoked, unless a durable POA is used.
The best advice I've heard given to agents is to make decisions based on the way your appointee would make them. Your not suppose to mismanage your appointee's assets rather you should handle them as if they were your own. Also, avoiding misunderstandings by communicating is key.
Related Articles
A Power of Attorney is Your Legal Representative
By: James Hunt | 27/12/2005 | Law
What is a power of attorney? Most people have heard this phrase used before...
When Is It Appropriate To Have A Power Of Attorney?
By: Wade Anderson | 16/07/2006 | Law
Whenever you need to grant another entity or individual certain rights and privileges to act on your behalf it is imperative to execute a written power of attorney...not doing so could be disastrous.
Protect Your Rights, Wishes, And Family With A Durable Power of Attorney
By: Wade Anderson | 19/07/2006 | Law
Using a durable power of attorney to grant another person the right to act on your behalf should you become incapacitated is a great way to protect yourself, your family, and estate.
Legal Matters - Power Of Attorney
By: Lucy Bartlett | 19/08/2006 | Affiliate Programs
A person can issue a letter to another person authorizing him to act in business or legal matters on his behalf and this is called a letter of attorney, or power of attorney in common law.
The Purpose of a Medical Power of Attorney Form
By: Dan Copernicus | 13/11/2006 | National, State, Local
The main purpose of a medical power of attorney form also known as a health care power of attorney form, is made to give some one the right to control the decisions relating to your medical care if you can not communicate those decisions yourself.
Avoiding Serious Financial Problems With a Durable Power of Attorney Form
By: Dan Copernicus | 28/11/2006 | National, State, Local
A durable power of attorney form will authorize someone else to carry out specific tasks on your behalf, even if you become incapacitated. These tasks can include the power to buy, sell, borrow, sign checks, access bank accounts, sign tax returns, bring law suits on your behalf, carry out medical directives when incapacitated, etc.
The Path To Become An Attorney
By: Susan Jan | 15/12/2006 | Careers
If you aspire for a career in law you should be aware that there is a huge gap between harboring a strong ambition and actually turning that into reality and following your dream to become an attorney. Though it requires much hard work to become a qualified attorney, it is not impossible to accomplish this goal if you are clear about how to proceed from the beginning.
Living Will Form Vs. Health Care Power of Attorney Form
By: Dan Copernicus | 10/03/2007 | National, State, Local
A will to live, formally called a living will form, is a type of advance directive. These legal forms are usually required to be notarized or signed and dated by witnesses.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Law Articles
How to Get a Fair Insurance Settlement
By: Mark Decherd | 24/07/2008
No matter what has damaged your home, if it's covered by your insurance policy, you can rest easy knowing that it will be taken care of - or can you?
California Supreme Court Makes Confidentiality of Mediation Proceedings Iron Clad
By: Elizabeth A Moreno | 24/07/2008
The California Supreme Court, in Simmons v. Ghaderi (July 21, 2008), has hammered in the last nail and has made confidentiality of mediation proceedings iron clad. The court held that there can be NO implied waiver of mediation confidentiality. An oral settlement agreement that is not in writing, signed by the parties and where there is no express waiver of mediation confidentiality, is not admissible and will not be upheld in court.
Free Divorce Records Search: Can You Search for Copies of Public Divorce Records for Free?
By: Chad Kiser | 24/07/2008
It is possible to find free divorce records if you are looking for records from a long time ago. Until the 19th century, divorce was almost unheard of. If in fact you are seeking divorce records that you know date back this far, you may be able to find them using sites like Ancestry and RootsWeb.
Patent License Agreements
By: Mark Warner | 23/07/2008
A patent license agreement has become a valuable and trusted technique for companies to share knowledge in a protected way. No company wants to invest time and money in an invention, only to give it away without the prospect of compensation. Thus, the patent license agreement was created. It is...
Three Deadly Sins That Can Ruin a Mold Case
By: Jonathan Cooper | 23/07/2008
This article discusses the importance of appropriate mold testing and allergy testing to mold claims from the vantage point of the property owner and the personal injury plaintiff.
Finding the Best Virginia Personal Injury Attorney for Your Accident Case
By: Benjamin Glass | 23/07/2008
If you've been injured in a car accident in Virginia you may find the choices of attorney to be daunting. Having a hard time differentiating one from another? Follow this simple check list of steps to finding the right Virginia accident attorney for your case.
Easy Ways to Find Best Trainee Solicitor Jobs
By: Tomer Harel | 23/07/2008
Choosing the best trainee solicitor jobs tips and guidelines.
Just Versus Petty Suits in Pennsylvania
By: Art Gib | 22/07/2008
Do you really know the consequences of going to court? The decision might affect more lives than your own.
More from Nicholas Copernicus
Preparing a Bill of Sale for a Used Car
By: Nicholas Copernicus | 20/07/2008 | National, State, Local
Preparing a bill of sale for a used car is a professional, organized way to sell a vehicle. Mike Meredith of MSN autos even believes by using one it will help to "maximize the dollars that you put into your pocket".
What is a Partnership Agreement?
By: Nicholas Copernicus | 12/07/2008 | National, State, Local
A partnership agreement is a legal document, which outlines and governs how a partnership will be managed. Having one will prevent any disagreements later on down the road by clearly outlining each person's responsibilities and objectives.
Information About Prenuptial Agreements
By: Nicholas Copernicus | 09/07/2008 | National, State, Local
A prenuptial agreement is basically a legal contract where the couple will agree to who will own what when married. Having a prenup will prevent a contested divorce.
What is a Uncontested Divorce?
By: Nicholas Copernicus | 04/07/2008 | National, State, Local
A uncontested divorce is a simple and inexpensive way that most people divorce. It gives you and your spouse the chance to agree upon the terms of the divorce so that you can end your marriage quietly and with dignity.
How to Make an Auto Bill of Sale
By: Nicholas Copernicus | 10/06/2008 | National, State, Local
An auto bill of sale is a simple form used to document the sale of a vehicle. It's always a good idea to create a bill of sale for your records even if your local DMV doesn't require it to transfer the title. This is because it's a legal agreement and can be enforced if the sale is disputed afterwards. It also can be used to prove the date that ownership of the vehicle was transferred.
How to Get a Durable Power of Attorney
By: Nicholas Copernicus | 25/05/2008 | Health and Safety
A durable power of attorney is a form that is used as a legal way to appoint some one to act on your behalf if you become incapacitated. To get one you can go down to your county's courthouse and pay a 'print fee' for a copy for one. An even easier way to get one though is by going online and finding a durable POA form you can fill out at home on your PC then print out yourself; theirs many sites out there that offer these kind of fillable forms.
Legal Partnership Agreements
By: Nicholas Copernicus | 21/05/2008 | National, State, Local
A legal partnership agreement is a documented, signed, and notarized agreement between two or more people or entities such as a business. A lawyer is not required to create this document; many people even feel it’s a complete waste of money to pay one.
What is a Bill of Sale for a Car?
By: Nicholas Copernicus | 20/05/2008 | Law
When buying a car you should always receive an auto bill of sale with the vehicles details on it, and signed by the seller. This is proof that the vehicle was legally sold to you, and the title has been transferred to you.
Law 
