- Secure Cloud Legal Documents and Forms

Free, Simple and Quick Legal Documents, Contracts and Forms

Login

Menu

  • Home
  • My Forms
  • Account
  • Support
  • Legal Forms
    • Business
      • Partnership Agreement
      • Non-Disclosure Agreement
      • Employment Agreement
    • Family
      • Affidavit of Heirship Form
      • Marital Separation Agreement
      • Prenuptial Agreement
    • Financial
      • Bill of Sale
      • Loan Agreement
      • Promissory Note
    • Wills & Estates
      • Last Will and Testament
      • Power of Attorney Form
      • Revocable Living Trust
      • Irrevocable Trust Form
      • Revocation of Revocable Trust Form
    • Real Estate
      • Rental Lease Agreement
      • Commercial Lease Agreement
      • Quitclaim Deed Form
      • Termination of Lease Agreement Form
    • Other
      • Affidavit
      • Release / Waiver Form
  • Knowledge Center

Signing Documents as a Power of Attorney Agent

Legally, the person allowed to sign as a power of attorney is the agent in the power of attorney document. A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document authorizing someone to conduct transactions or sign documents on another person’s behalf. The person appointed to make the decision is “the attorney-in-fact” or “agent,.” While the one creating and signing a power of attorney is called the principal.

Power of attorney can be narrowed and limited to a specific area of decision-making or broad, giving authority to decide everything on behalf of the principal. While the signing process might look simple, there are proper steps to follow to validate the power of attorney signature.

Read through this post to learn how to sign a power of attorney correctly.

Who is allowed to sign a power of attorney?

Legally, the person allowed to sign as a power of attorney is the agent in the power of attorney document. In most cases, the principal will appoint a backup or an alternate agent if the first option is unavailable for various reasons.

While it is possible to appoint two or more individuals to work as agents simultaneously, it is not recommended because it can lead to conflict.

If you are among more than two agents, you may need to determine if you are listed as a joint or concurrent agent with those also named in a power of attorney. Joint agents make decisions and find solutions to their problems together, while concurrent agents act independently.

Conflict resolution is sometimes included in the power of attorney document, or the partiers can devise their ways. However, it is recommended that you consult a lawyer if you have questions about conflict resolutions with other agents.

The correct way of signing as a power of attorney

Before signing a document as an agent, ensure you carry a copy of a power of attorney. While the principal might have filed them with the relevant department, it is crucial to have your copy available in case it’s requested.

It is also essential to call ahead and confirm the requirements for verification, such as a photo identity, a passport, or driver’s license.

The correct way to sign a power of attorney as an agent requires that you first sign against the principal’s full names, write the word “by,” then sign against your name. Also, you may want to show that you are an agent by indicating after the sign: attorney, in fact, agent, or POA.

The principal’s name comes first, followed by the agent’s because they are signing on behalf of the principal.

What happens when a person signs a power of attorney document?

When the attorney-in-fact signs a document, they have the same authority as the principal. Any transaction, agreement, or decision made is equally legal as if signed by the principal.

Most agencies or entities have different formatting requirements on how to sign as an attorney-in-fact. This is to keep track of the signing process in case of a dispute in the future.

Due to these differences, it is advisable to call the institution in advance to determine which format is preferred.

Conclusion

The authority to make decisions, get into agreements, or transact on behalf of some is a huge responsibility. If you act as an agent for someone, ensure you understand your responsibility and authority and make sure you indicate that you are operating under a power of attorney.

You may download a power of attorney template online from this website now.

Georgia Power of Attorney Form
Idaho Power of Attorney Form
Indiana Power of Attorney Form
Massachusetts Power of Attorney Form
Michigan Power of Attorney Form
Montana Power of Attorney Form
North Carolina Power of Attorney Form
Ohio Power of Attorney Form
Texas Power of Attorney Form
Utah Power of Attorney Form
Virginia Power of Attorney Form
Washington DC Power of Attorney Form

<< Using and Reviewing Non-Disclosure Agreement Steps for Filling Legal Separation and Things to Keep in Mind >>

Tags

affidavit affidavit-of-heirship-form bill-of-sale commercial-lease confidentiality-agreement employment-agreement last-will-and-testament loan-agreement marital-separation partnership-agreement power-of-attorney prenuptial-agreement promissory-note quitclaim-deed-form release-waiver rental-lease revocable-living-trust revocation-of-revocable-trust-form termination-of-lease-agreement-form


Know forms.legal

  • Knowledge Center
  • Customer Support
  • Terms Of Use
Secured by PayPal

Browse Our Legal Forms

  • Marital Separation Agreement
  • Rental Lease Agreement
  • Bill Of Sale Forms
  • Last Will and Testament
  • Power Of Attorney Form
  • QuitClaim Deed Form
  • Partnership Agreement
  • Employment Agreement
  • Non-Disclosure Agreement
  • Prenuptial Agreement
  • Loan Agreement
  • Promissory Note
  • Commercial Lease Agreement
  • Affidavit
  • Affidavit of Heirship Form
  • Release / Waiver Form
  • Revocable Living Trust
  • Irrevocable Trust Form
  • Revocation of Revocable Trust Form
  • Termination of Lease Agreement Form
© 2016-2025 forms.legal LLC All rights reserved.
Disclaimer. Communication between you and forms.legal is protected by our Privacy Policy and not by attorney-client privilege. forms.legal is not a law firm and cannot provide legal advice. We provide information and software and you are responsible for appropriately using this material. Your use of this site is subject to our Terms of Service.