LIMITED POAs

A Limited Power of Attorney (Limited POA) is a legal document that grants someone else—the agent or attorney-in-fact—the authority to act on your behalf, but only for specific tasks or for a limited time period. This type of POA is ideal when you need someone to handle a particular matter without giving them broad control over your affairs.

When to Use a Limited Power of Attorney

A Limited POA is commonly used for situations like:

  • Signing documents during your absence (e.g., while traveling)

  • Managing a specific real estate transaction

  • Handling a one-time financial deal

  • Representing you in a legal or government-related matter

  • Temporarily managing a business or property

It’s a flexible option for delegating authority without transferring full legal control.

What Makes It “Limited”?

The limitations can be defined in several ways:

  • Task-specific – Only authorizes your agent to perform a specific action (e.g., sell a car).

  • Time-bound – Only valid during a certain period (e.g., from Oct. 1 to Oct. 15).

  • Conditional – Only becomes active under certain conditions or events.

You define the limits when drafting the document.

Benefits of a Limited POA

  • Control – You specify exactly what your agent can and cannot do.

  • Security – Because powers are restricted, there’s less risk of misuse.

  • Convenience – Allows others to act on your behalf without your physical presence.

It’s especially useful for short-term needs or one-time transactions.

Important Considerations

  • Clearly define the scope, duration, and limitations in the document.

  • Ensure the POA is signed and notarized, if required by your jurisdiction.

  • Choose a responsible and trustworthy agent.

  • Revoke the POA in writing once it’s no longer needed.