General Power of Attorney

General Power of Attorney (POA) Template

A General Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that lets you appoint someone you trust – an attorney-in-fact or agent – to act on your behalf. This could include managing your finances, signing contracts, dealing with property, or handling legal matters when you’re unable to do so yourself. It’s a practical way to ensure your affairs continue smoothly, even if you’re away, unwell, or temporarily unavailable.

Our template is designed for individuals in England and Wales and fully complies with current legal requirements. It’s simple to use, clear in its instructions, and flexible enough to cover a variety of personal, financial, or business-related matters.

You might need a General Power of Attorney if you want to:

• Give someone you trust authority over everyday financial or legal tasks

• Authorise someone to manage property, pay bills, or sign contracts on your behalf

• Make sure you have legal representation if you cannot act yourself

• Prepare for unexpected events, illness, or periods of absence

Why This Template Helps

• Fully editable in Word, so you can adjust it to suit your situation

• Written in plain, clear English – no confusing legal terms

• Accepted by banks, government authorities, and other organisations

• Clearly sets out the powers and responsibilities of your appointed attorney to avoid misunderstandings

Download your General Power of Attorney template today

and make sure your personal affairs are in safe hands.

Key Features

• Clear Delegation of Authority – spells out exactly what your attorney can and cannot do

• Legally Compliant – drafted to meet UK law and reduce the risk of disputes

• Protection Against Misuse – responsibilities and liabilities are clearly defined

• Flexible – suitable for managing finances, property, contracts, or other personal matters

• Easy to Adapt – delivered in Word for simple customisation

FAQ

Q: What is a General Power of Attorney (GPA)?
A: It’s a document that lets you authorise someone you trust – an attorney-in-fact – to handle your financial, legal, or personal matters when you cannot act yourself.

Q: How is it different from a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?
A: LPAs are mainly for long-term decisions, including health and welfare. GPAs are typically used for temporary delegation of financial or legal authority.

Q: Does a General Power of Attorney need registering?
A: Usually not. Registration is only required for property or land matters. Instructions are included in the template.

Q: What if the attorney goes beyond their powers?
A: Acting outside their authority can create legal liability for the attorney and risk for you. Clear definitions in the document help prevent this.

Q: Can anyone in the UK use this template?
A: Yes. It’s compliant with the laws of England and Wales and can be adapted to different personal circumstances.