What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that authorizes someone, known as the agent or attorney-in-fact, to act on behalf of another person, known as the principal. In California, a power of attorney can be used for a variety of purposes, including making financial transactions, managing real estate, making medical decisions, and making decisions on behalf of a minor or a person who is incapacitated. A POA must be signed in front of another adult witness, who must also sign the document. The power of attorney must also be notarized in order to be legally binding. The POA must also include the exact powers that the agent has been given. The powers may be limited, such as the ability to manage specific accounts or investments, or they may be broad, such as the ability to make any decision that the principal could legally make. The power of attorney is an important legal document in the state of California and is used in various situations, such as when a parent is temporarily unable to make decisions for a minor child, or when a principal has become incapacitated or unable to act on their own behalf. It is important to note that the agent must act in the principal’s best interest and must abide by the directions set forth in the POA. In addition, the POA may be terminated at any time, either by the principal or by a court of law.

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What is a power of attorney?

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