Legal Template
Free Power of Attorney Template
A power of attorney authorises someone to act on your behalf for specific matters.
Template
Copy this markdown, replace the {{variables}}, and send via API.
# Limited Power of Attorney
**Principal:** {{principalName}}
**Agent:** {{agentName}}
**Date:** {{date}}
## Grant of Authority
I, {{principalName}}, appoint {{agentName}} as my attorney-in-fact for the following specific purposes:
{{authorisedActions}}
## Limitations
{{limitations}}
## Duration
This power of attorney is effective from {{startDate}} to {{endDate}}.
## Revocation
I may revoke this power of attorney at any time in writing.Send for e-signature
curl -X POST https://signb.ee/api/send \
-H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{
"content": "YOUR_RENDERED_MARKDOWN",
"senderName": "Your Name",
"senderEmail": "you@company.com",
"recipientName": "Recipient",
"recipientEmail": "recipient@email.com"
}'What happens next
- Signbee converts the markdown to a professional PDF
- Recipient gets an email with a signing link
- Both parties sign with an animated handwriting signature
- Both receive the signed PDF with a SHA-256 certificate
All signatures are legally binding under the ESIGN Act, eIDAS, and ECA.
More details
A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that grants one person (the agent or attorney-in-fact) the authority to act on behalf of another (the principal). It's one of the most powerful legal instruments available — and one of the most commonly misunderstood.
Types of power of attorney: - General POA: Broad authority to handle all financial and legal matters. Used when the principal is unavailable (travelling, deployed, temporarily incapacitated). Terminates if the principal becomes mentally incapacitated. - Limited (Special) POA: Authority restricted to specific transactions or time periods. Common for real estate closings, business transactions, or financial matters while abroad. - Durable POA: Remains effective even if the principal becomes mentally incapacitated. Essential for estate planning and elder care. Must explicitly state durability. - Springing POA: Only activates upon a specified event (typically the principal's incapacitation). Requires a medical determination before the agent can act. - Healthcare POA: Grants authority to make medical decisions. Separate from financial POA and governed by different regulations.
Critical safeguards to include: 1. Specific scope — Narrow the agent's authority to exactly what's needed. General POAs are powerful and dangerous in the wrong hands. 2. Expiration date — For limited POAs, set a clear end date. Indefinite authority creates risk. 3. Accounting requirements — Require the agent to keep records of all transactions and provide periodic accountings to the principal. 4. Co-agents or successor agents — Appoint backup agents in case the primary agent is unable to serve. 5. Revocation process — The principal can revoke at any time while mentally competent. Revocation must be communicated to all relevant parties. 6. Third-party reliance — Banks and institutions sometimes refuse to honour POAs they didn't draft themselves. Some jurisdictions have statutory POA forms that institutions must accept.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a general and limited power of attorney?
A general POA grants broad authority over all financial and legal matters. A limited POA restricts authority to specific transactions or time periods. Use limited POAs whenever possible to minimise risk — only grant the authority actually needed.
Does a power of attorney survive incapacitation?
Only if it's explicitly 'durable'. A standard POA terminates when the principal becomes mentally incapacitated. A durable POA must state that it remains effective during incapacity. This distinction is critical for estate and elder care planning.
Can a power of attorney be signed electronically?
It depends on the jurisdiction and type. Many jurisdictions accept e-signed POAs for financial matters under ESIGN and UETA. However, some states require notarisation or witnesses for certain POA types, which may need in-person execution.
Related resources
Send this template for signing — free, no credit card.