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

Protection of Specified Adults (SB 556) This law aims to prevent the financial exploitation of elderly or vulnerable adults under the power of attorney, guardianship, or conservatorship. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025

Paula Shugart, former president of the Miss Universe Organization who resigned in 2023, has also given power of attorney for a lawyer in Thailand to file a criminal claim on her behalf against Jakrajutatip for defamation. —Marjorie McAfee, ABC News, 25 Nov. 2024

Advanced directives, like a living will, medical power of attorney., etc. A chronological record of all appointments Test results Medications Any research that pertains to your medical history And while a medical binder is an excellent tool, not everyone has the time or luxury to put one together. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 17 Oct. 2024

The first set has to do with health care, which combines the appointment of a healthcare representative, the healthcare power of attorney and advanced directive, which includes a living will, into a single document. —Elliot Raphaelson, Orlando Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2025

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)