Power of Attorney/Power of Authority

A written document signed by a person giving another person the power to act in conducting the signer's business, including signing papers, speaking for them in court hearings, and other activities in the name of the person granting the power. The person receiving the power ofattorney (the agent) is "attorney in fact" for the person giving the power, and usually signs documents as "Melinda Hubbard, attorney in fact for Guilda Giver." There are two types ofpower ofattorney: a) generalpower ofattorney, which covers all activities, and b) special power ofattorney, which grantspowers limited to specific matters, such as coming to court on a particular piecerental property. Apower ofattorney may expire on a date stated in the document or upon written cancellation. Usually the signer acknowledges before a notary public that he/she executed the power, so that it is recordable if necessary, as in a real estate transaction.