Power of Attorney
A Power of Attorney is a written document that gives permission to another person to act on their behalf in certain matters. It is NOT a court form.
The "principal" is the person who creates the Power of Attorney and they give authority to another adult who is called an "attorney-in-fact." The attorney-in-fact does NOT have to be a lawyer, but MUST be a competent adult (18 years or older). The principal has the right to revoke or cancel the Power of Attorney at any time and may put a specific time limit in the document saying how long it is valid.
A Power of Attorney is often used when someone wants another person to handle financial or property matters for them. The courts generally do not get involved with Powers of Attorney. However, if someone becomes incapacitated or unable to make their own decisions (e.g., in a coma, mentally incompetent, etc.) and needs someone else make decisions for them, the court may get involved to order a legal Guardianship or Conservatorship for the incapacitated person.


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Note added at 33 mins (2009-03-20 00:05:06 GMT)
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http://www.abanet.org/rppt/public/power-of-atty.html

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Note added at 45 mins (2009-03-20 00:17:44 GMT)
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valid/effective/in power

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