Ordinary Power of Attorney

Ordinary Power of Attorney: Create a Verified General Power of Attorney

A verified ordinary power of attorney is a legal document in which you (the donor) give another person (the attorney) authority to act for you in financial and legal matters. You can give general authority or limit it to particular tasks or a set period. Robot Lawyer drafts the power of attorney from your answers, for the law of the country or state you choose. On the Verified plan, a legal professional checks it before you sign.

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What Is an Ordinary Power of Attorney?

An ordinary power of attorney is for temporary or specific situations where you still have mental capacity but need someone else to act for you, such as while you are abroad, in hospital or simply unavailable. It ends automatically if you lose mental capacity, so it isn't a substitute for long-term planning.

When Do You Need One?

• Travelling or living abroad
  Someone needs to deal with your bank, bills or property while you are away.
• A specific transaction
  Selling a property or signing documents when you can't be there.
• Temporary illness or a hospital stay
  Someone to manage your affairs for a short time.

What's Included in Your Power of Attorney?

• The donor and attorney
  Who is giving the power and who is receiving it.
• The scope
  General authority over your financial affairs, or specific powers only.
• Duration
  When the power starts and when it ends.
• Joint attorneys
  Where there is more than one attorney, whether they act together or separately.
• Execution as a deed
  Signed and witnessed in the right form.

Ordinary and Lasting Powers of Attorney (UK Only)

In England and Wales, an ordinary power of attorney is made under the Powers of Attorney Act 1971 and must be signed as a deed in front of a witness. It stops working if you lose mental capacity. To appoint someone to act if you can no longer decide for yourself, you need a lasting power of attorney registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own systems.

How It Works on Robot Lawyer

1. Answer the questions
   Tell us who you are, who your attorney is and what they can do.
2. Generate your document
   We draft a complete power of attorney with the right signing section.
3. Get it verified
   On the Verified plan, a qualified legal professional checks the document within 24 hours and makes amendments where needed. See how our documents are verified.
4. Sign and witness
   Sign it as a deed in front of an independent witness.

Ordinary Power of Attorney FAQs

Who can be my attorney?

Anyone over 18 you trust, such as a family member, friend or professional adviser. Choose someone reliable and organised.

Can I cancel an ordinary power of attorney?

Yes. While you have capacity, you can revoke it at any time. Tell your attorney and anyone relying on it, such as your bank, in writing.

Will banks accept an ordinary power of attorney?

Most will, but some have their own requirements. It is worth checking with your bank before you need to use it.

Create a Verified Ordinary Power of Attorney

Let someone you trust act for you. Related documents: Last Will and Testament, Proxy Agreement, Affidavit of Identity and Living Trust.