Sample Casual Letter Of Attorney

What is a Letter of Attorney?

A Letter of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that grants someone else (an “agent”) the power to act on your behalf. This can be for various reasons, like managing your finances, making medical decisions, or handling property matters.

When Do You Need a POA?

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You might need a POA if:

You’re going on a long trip or are unable to handle your affairs due to illness or injury.

You want to give someone else the authority to sell your property.

You’re planning for your estate and want to appoint someone to handle your affairs after you pass away.

Key Elements of a POA

A POA should include the following:

Principal’s Information: Your name and contact information.

Agent’s Information: The name and contact information of the person you’re appointing as your agent.

Scope of Authority: Clearly state what powers you’re granting to your agent. This could be specific actions (like selling a house) or a general grant of authority.

Duration: Specify how long the POA will be valid. It can be for a specific period or until you revoke it.

Signatures: Both you and your agent should sign the POA.

Sample POA

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]

To Whom It May Concern:

I, [Your Name], hereby appoint [Agent’s Name], of [Agent’s Address], as my attorney-in-fact to [state the specific powers you’re granting, e.g., “manage my bank accounts, pay my bills, and sell my property”].

This power of attorney shall be effective from [start date] until [end date or “until revoked by me in writing”].

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have signed this instrument on the date first written above.

[Your Signature]

[Witness Signature]

Conclusion

Creating a Letter of Attorney can be a valuable tool for planning your affairs and ensuring that your wishes are carried out. By following the guidelines outlined above and consulting with an attorney if necessary, you can create a document that is legally sound and meets your specific needs.

FAQs

1. Can I revoke a Letter of Attorney?
Yes, you can revoke a POA at any time. Simply provide your agent with written notice of the revocation.

2. Can I create a POA myself or do I need a lawyer?
While it’s possible to create a POA yourself, consulting with an attorney can help ensure that the document is legally sound and covers all the necessary bases.

3. What is a durable power of attorney?
A durable power of attorney remains valid even if you become incapacitated. This is important for ensuring that your affairs are taken care of if you’re unable to make decisions for yourself.

4. Can I limit the powers granted to my agent?
Yes, you can limit the powers granted to your agent by specifying the specific actions or types of decisions they can make on your behalf.

5. What should I consider when choosing an agent?
When choosing an agent, consider their trustworthiness, reliability, and understanding of your wishes. It’s also important to choose someone who is willing and able to take on the responsibilities associated with the POA.

Letter Of Attorney Sample