Power of Attorney
A legal document that gives another person the authority to act on your behalf in financial or legal matters. The person you appoint is called your agent or attorney-in-fact.
Legal Definition
A written instrument by which a principal designates an agent to act on the principal's behalf with respect to specified matters, which may include financial, legal, and property transactions.
Practical Example
Before her surgery, Emma signs a power of attorney giving her husband the authority to manage her bank accounts, pay bills, and make financial decisions if she becomes unable to do so herself.