A Power of Attorney empowers an agent to act on behalf of the principal, giving them the authority to enter into contracts and make decisions. It is important to note that the agent does not become a party to the contracts entered into on the principal’s behalf. 

When concluding a Power of Attorney, the principal must have the capacity to understand and recognize the consequences of said legal agreement. Naturally, this excludes minors and mentally impaired individuals. When an agent acts on behalf of the principal, the principal becomes legally bound by the agent’s actions toward third parties. Agents do not incur personal liability unless they exceed the scope of the Power of Attorney and misrepresent their authority. 

In order for a Power of Attorney to be deemed valid, the Power of Attorney must be in writing, signed by the principal, and must clearly identify both the principal and the agent. 

The primary types of Power of Attorney are classified as general and special. A general Power of Attorney grants the agent broad powers, while a special Power of Attorney limits the agent’s authority to specific activities. 

A Power of Attorney will terminate upon the principal’s death, mental incapacity, or insolvency. In the case of a special Power of Attorney, it ceases once the authorized legal action has been fulfilled. 

The Power of Attorney is a valuable legal tool that enables principals to manage their affairs, especially when faced with physical or mental challenges. 

By understanding the intricacies of a Power of Attorney, individuals can make informed decisions and protect their legal interests.

The content does not constitute legal advice, are not intended to be a substitute for legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Kindly contact us on info@cklaw.co.za or 021 556 9864 to speak to one of our attorneys.