Power of Attorney

Power of Attorney - A document used to appoint an attorney, which is someone with the power to act on behalf of another person (the donor). An attorney can then operate the bank account(s) of the donor.

People do not have to be legally qualified to be appointed as an attorney. Enduring Powers of Attorney, and since October 2007 Lasting Powers of Attorney; are used to authorise an attorney who can continue to act if the donor loses the capacity to look after their own affairs.