GENERAL POWER OF ATTORNEY
This General Power of Attorney (the "Agreement") is made and entered into on [effective date],
BY AND BETWEEN: | PRINCIPAL: |
AND: | ATTORNEY-IN-FACT (AGENT): |
WHEREAS, the Principal desires to grant the Agent broad legal authority to act on their behalf;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein, the Principal hereby grants the following powers to the Agent:
GRANT OF GENERAL AUTHORITY
The Principal grants the Agent full power and authority to act on their behalf in all matters, including but not limited to:
Financial Transactions: Managing bank accounts, deposits, withdrawals, payments, investments, and any financial matters.
Real Estate Transactions: Buying, selling, leasing, managing, and encumbering real estate.
Business Operations: Managing business interests, executing contracts, and representing the Principal in business affairs.
Tax and Legal Matters: Filing tax returns, handling legal claims, and representing the Principal before government agencies.
Personal Property Management: Buying, selling, or transferring personal assets.
Government Benefits: Applying for and managing benefits such as Social Security, Medicare, or any public assistance programs.
Digital and Online Accounts: Accessing, managing, and maintaining digital and online accounts, including email and social media.
LIMITATIONS ON AUTHORITY
The Agent shall not:
Make, revoke, or alter the Principal’s Will.
Transfer property to themselves unless specifically authorized.
Act in any manner that creates a conflict of interest.
EFFECTIVENESS AND DURATION
This Power of Attorney shall become effective immediately and shall remain in effect until:
It is revoked by the Principal in writing, or
The Principal becomes incapacitated unless this Power of Attorney is durable, or
The Principal’s death.
REVOCATION
The Principal retains the right to revoke this Power of Attorney at any time by providing written notice to the Agent.
THIRD-PARTY RELIANCE
Any third party acting in reliance on this document shall not be held liable for recognizing the authority of the Agent.
GOVERNING LAW
This Power of Attorney shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of [governing law state].
SIGNATURES AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Principal has executed this General Power of Attorney on the date first written above.
Principal’s Signature: ___________________________
Agent’s Signature: ___________________________
Notary Public:
State of [notary state]
County of [notary county]
Subscribed and sworn before me on [notary date].
\
Notary Public Signature: ___________________________
\
Seal Attached.
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About this template
What is this template?
This is a broad legal instrument that enables an agent to perform almost any act the principal could do themselves. It is not a Durable Power of Attorney by default, as it specifies termination upon the principal's incapacitation unless otherwise stated. It contains specific limitations preventing the agent from modifying the principal's Will.
When should you use it?
Use this when you need a representative to handle diverse affairs like real estate and taxes simultaneously. If you only need to grant power for a specific event or a single bank account, use a Special Power of Attorney instead.
What's inside
| Clause | Name | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | GRANT OF GENERAL AUTHORITY | The Principal grants the Agent authority over financial transactions, real estate, business operations, taxes, and digital accounts. |
| 2 | LIMITATIONS ON AUTHORITY | The Agent is prohibited from altering the Principal's Will or transferring property to themselves without specific authorization. |
| 3 | EFFECTIVENESS AND DURATION | The authority begins immediately and terminates upon the Principal's death, written revocation, or incapacitation unless declared durable. |
| 4 | REVOCATION | The Principal maintains the right to cancel the Agent's authority at any time via written notice. |
| 5 | THIRD-PARTY RELIANCE | Third parties are protected from liability when they recognize and act upon the Agent's stated authority. |
| 6 | GOVERNING LAW | The document is interpreted according to the laws of a specific State defined in the placeholder. |
Who it's for
- an individual granting broad management powers over bank accounts and personal property to a trusted agent
- a principal requiring representation before government agencies for Social Security or Medicare benefits
- business owners needing an agent to execute contracts and manage interests during their absence
How long it runs and how it's signed
United States note
This version is drafted for US law generally. Contract, employment and consumer rules vary by state — for example on non-competes and at-will employment. Tell GitLaw which state applies and it adjusts the draft.
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