Power of attorney
Also called POA
A document that lets a trusted person act for you, for example to run your bank account or sign papers.
A power of attorney lets someone you trust act for you: run an account, sign papers, deal with property. It’s most useful when age or illness makes those tasks hard. Timing matters, because under the Indian Contract Act the authority ends if the person who gave it becomes of unsound mind or dies. After death, a will and nominations take over. For anything beyond the basics, a lawyer can help draft one.
Questions people ask
What is a power of attorney?
A power of attorney is a written authority that lets one person act for another, for example to operate a bank account, sell property or deal with paperwork. It can be broad, covering many matters, or limited to one specific task.
When does a power of attorney end?
Under the Indian Contract Act, an agency ends if the person who gave the authority dies or becomes of unsound mind, among other cases. So a power of attorney meant to help an ageing parent has to be set up while they can still decide clearly. It can't be used after death, when a will or nomination takes over.
Is a power of attorney the same as a will?
No. A power of attorney lets someone act for you while you're alive. A will decides who gets your property after you die. They do different jobs, and many families need both.
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