Power of Attorney Draft Generator

A power of attorney lets one person, the principal, authorise another, the agent, to act for them. People use it when they are abroad, ill, or simply too busy to deal with a bank, a tax office or the sale of a property in person. Because it hands over real authority, the document should say exactly what the agent may do, when the power starts and how it ends. This generator helps you draft those points.

General or special

A general power of attorney gives wide authority over the areas you choose. A special power of attorney is limited to named acts and nothing else, and for a single transaction it is usually the safer choice. The form begins with that choice, then asks for the principal, the agent, their addresses and the date.

For a general power you tick the areas: banking and financial accounts, buying, selling, renting and managing property, tax and government and licence matters, legal proceedings and signing documents, and running a business. Each switch adds a lettered power to the second clause, such as the power to open, operate and close bank accounts, sign cheques and pay bills. For a special power you type the specific acts, and the clause says the agent may do those acts “and nothing else”.

Starting, lasting and ending

The power can take effect immediately, or only if the principal becomes unable to manage their own affairs, as confirmed in writing by a qualified doctor. When it starts immediately, a durable switch says it continues even if the principal later loses capacity. An optional end date makes the power expire on that day unless revoked earlier; if it is empty, the power continues until revoked in writing or until the law ends it.

Standing clauses

The document also states that the agent will act in the principal’s best interests and within the powers given, keep the principal’s money separate, keep records and account when asked, and is not paid unless agreed in writing. A ratification clause confirms what the agent lawfully does and lets third parties rely on the power until they receive written notice of revocation. A revocation clause lets the principal cancel it at any time by written notice. The last clause names the country or state whose law applies. The document ends with signature blocks for the principal, the agent accepting and two witnesses, and a note that many places require witnessing, notarisation, stamping or registration.

Two worked drafts

The first sample is a general power dated 10 November 2026 in which Ramesh Kulkarni appoints Neha Joshi, with banking, property and tax switched on and the durable option on, governed by the law of India. Its second clause lists (a) bank accounts, (b) property and (c) tax and government matters. The second sample is a special power in which Mira Patel authorises Dev Malhotra to sell her flat at 5 Quay Street, Bristol, negotiate the price, sign the sale contract and transfer documents and receive the money, expiring on 31 March 2027, under the law of England and Wales.

Practical advice

Match the powers to the need. If someone only has to sign one sale deed, do not give general authority over your bank. Give a copy to the institutions that will rely on it and ask whether they need their own form, since banks and land registries often do. Review the document after major life changes, and revoke it in writing when it is no longer needed.

Limits

Powers of attorney are formal documents. Many countries require witnesses, a notary, stamp duty or registration, especially for property, and some have statutory forms, with special rules for health decisions and for lasting powers. The draft covers none of those local requirements. It is a general template, not legal advice, so ask a lawyer or the receiving authority what applies.

Related tools

• Affidavit Format Generator writes the sworn statement that sometimes accompanies a power of attorney.
• Board Resolution Generator authorises a person to act for a company, which is the corporate counterpart.
• Bill of Sale Generator records the sale an agent might complete under a special power.
• NDA Generator covers confidentiality when information is shared with an agent or adviser.