Practical & Legal
Power of Attorney (POA)
Also known as: POA, Mandate, Procuration, Procura
Quick answer
UK Government — lasting power overview · UK Government — making decisions for someone · UK Government — document legalisation · checked 9 Nov 2026
Powers of attorney may concern finances, property or health decisions. For example, England and Wales distinguish ordinary powers used while the person retains mental capacity from registered lasting powers that can continue after capacity is lost. A health and welfare lasting power can be used only when the person cannot make the relevant decisions.
A document valid in one jurisdiction is not automatically effective everywhere: the UK Government says its lasting-power system is legally binding only in England and Wales. Before signing a power for use abroad, check the required wording, certification, translation and authentication with the receiving authority.
Sources
- UK Government — lasting power overview · checked 9 Nov 2026
- UK Government — making decisions for someone · checked 9 Nov 2026
- UK Government — document legalisation · checked 9 Nov 2026
Related terms
Notarization
Notarization is a formal act performed by an authorised notary, such as witnessing a signature or certifying a document. A notary's powers and the effect of the act depend on the jurisdiction and the document.
Apostille
An apostille certifies the origin of a public document for use where the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention applies. It replaces diplomatic or consular legalisation, but does not certify the document's contents or determine its legal effect.
Hague Conventions
The Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) develops treaties that help legal systems cooperate across borders. Its conventions cover subjects including public-document authentication, child abduction, intercountry adoption and service of legal documents.