Powers of Attorney is described as a deed by which one person authorises another person to act on his behalf and in his name as an attorney, either generally or in a particular matter.
A Power of Attorney may be an independent instrument or incorporated in a deed relating to other matters, for example a mortgage, debenture or trust instrument. Execution as a deed is in all cases essential for the creation of a Power of Attorney in England and Wales.
The person who gives the power is known as the principal, donor or grantor, and the person to whom it is given, the attorney or donee.
The relationship thus created is one of agency and the law applicable to Powers of Attorney is to a large extent the law of principle and agent.
