Power of Attorney
Power of Attorney, or Letter of Attorney, a document by which one person authorizes another to do some act or acts for him, such as to collect rent, sell real estate, execute a deed, or sign checks. Such an instrument makes the person to whom it is given an agent, or attorney, of the person giving it. The agent is called an “attorney-in-fact,” as distinguished from an “attorney-at-law.” A general power of attorney authorizes the agent to act generally in behalf of his principal. A special power of attorney limits the agent to specified acts.
State laws regulate many of the details regarding power of attorney. Sometimes the law requires the recording of the instrument. An attorney-in-fact is subject to the rules regarding an agent.