What is a power of attorney?
A power of attorney is a legal document that authorizes someone to act for you. Its wording and state law determine the authority.
You will see this term when you list your important papers and the person you chose for financial decisions. Knowing where a document is differs from knowing what it authorizes. Ask a lawyer in your state about its scope.
What we checked
| Fact | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| A power of attorney is a legal document allowing another person to act for you. | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau | Oct 15, 2026 |
This definition is general information, not legal advice. Something wrong here? Tell us.
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