A Power of Attorney is a legal document that lets you appoint someone to manage your finances, property, or health decisions if you’re unable to do so yourself. It gives you control, peace of mind, and helps avoid confusion or disputes if you become ill or unavailable. With a clear, written power of attorney, your wishes are respected and your loved ones are protected from unnecessary stress.
Below you’ll find a free, copy-and-paste template for Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Apple Pages. You can write your own power of attorney instantly—no login, no payment, and no need for a solicitor. Just fill in the details, print, and sign. If you want feedback or help, Caira can review your draft in seconds—just upload or paste it in the chat.
Power of Attorney Template (Free, DIY, Copy & Paste)
This Power of Attorney is made on [Date] by me, [Full Name], of [Address].
Appointment of Attorney:
I appoint [Full Name and Address of Attorney] to act as my attorney.Powers Granted:
My attorney may manage my finances, property, and legal affairs, including (but not limited to):Accessing bank accounts
Paying bills
Buying or selling property
Managing investments
Dealing with tax matters
Duration:
This power of attorney remains valid until revoked by me in writing or until my death.Signatures:
Signed by me, [Full Name], in the presence of a witness who signs below.
Signature: ______________________
Witness:
Name: _________________________
Address: _______________________
Signature: ______________________
Example: Power of Attorney (Save time, Caira can write one in seconds for you)
This Power of Attorney is made on 1 October 2025 by me, Thomas Edward Green, of 7 Cherry Lane, Leeds, England.
1. Appointment of Attorneys:
I appoint the following persons to act as my attorneys, to act jointly and severally unless stated otherwise:
My sister, Rachel Louise Green, of 15 Oak Street, Leeds, England
My business partner, Samuel David Lee, of 3 King’s Court, London, England (for business matters only)
My cousin, Maria Elena Green, of 22 Rue de la Paix, Paris, France (for my overseas assets only)
2. Powers Granted:
My attorneys may, subject to any restrictions below, do the following on my behalf:
Access and operate all my UK and international bank accounts, including HSBC, Barclays, and Crédit Agricole
Pay household bills, school fees for my children, and medical expenses for my dependants
Buy, sell, or let residential and commercial properties in the UK, France, and Spain
Manage my shareholdings in GreenTech Ltd, including voting at shareholder meetings and signing contracts
Oversee my rental portfolio, including negotiating leases and instructing agents
File and manage my UK and French tax returns, liaise with HMRC and French tax authorities
Make charitable donations up to £5,000 per year to registered charities
Arrange and pay for care for my mother, Margaret Green, if required
Access and manage my digital assets, including online investment accounts and cryptocurrency wallets
Deal with my vehicles, including sale, insurance, and registration
Instruct solicitors, accountants, and financial advisers as needed
3. Restrictions and Conditions:
My business partner, Samuel David Lee, may only act in relation to GreenTech Ltd and related business interests
My cousin, Maria Elena Green, may only act in relation to my assets in France and Spain
No attorney may make gifts exceeding £1,000 per person per year, except for charitable donations as above
No attorney may change my will or create new trusts
Major property sales (over £250,000) require the written agreement of at least two attorneys
4. Duration:
This power of attorney remains valid until revoked by me in writing or until my death.
5. Signatures:
Signed by me, Thomas Edward Green, in the presence of a witness who signs below.
Signature: ______________________
Witness:
Name: Michael John Carter
Address: 22 Pine Road, Leeds, England
Signature: ______________________
Details to Consider When Writing Your Power of Attorney
Attorney(s):
Select attorneys who are not only trustworthy but also financially literate and available. Consider appointing more than one attorney, and specify whether they must act jointly (all decisions together) or jointly and severally (independently or together). Joint appointments can prevent misuse but may cause delays if attorneys disagree or are geographically distant.
Scope of Powers:
List all areas you want covered—banking, property, investments, business interests, tax, digital assets, and care arrangements. If you have assets abroad, specify which attorney can act in each jurisdiction. Consider including powers to deal with HMRC, foreign tax authorities, and digital accounts. If you want to exclude certain powers (e.g., making gifts, selling your home, or changing investments), state this clearly.
Technical note: Some institutions (banks, investment platforms) may require specific wording or additional forms—check their requirements before finalising.
Duration and Revocation:
State whether the power of attorney is “general” (valid while you have capacity) or “lasting” (continues if you lose capacity). For business owners, consider a separate business power of attorney. Specify how it can be revoked (e.g., written notice to all attorneys and relevant institutions).
If you move abroad, check if your UK power of attorney will be recognised in other countries—sometimes a local version is needed.
Witnessing and Certification:
Your signature must be witnessed by someone independent (not an attorney, family member, or beneficiary). For Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA), a certificate provider must confirm you understand the document and are not under pressure.
Technical issue: If the witnessing or certification is invalid, banks and other institutions may refuse to accept the document, causing delays or disputes.
Storage and Registration:
For LPAs, registration with the Office of the Public Guardian is required before use. For general powers, keep originals in a secure place and provide certified copies to attorneys and key institutions.
If you have international assets, consider registering or notarising the document in relevant countries.
Common mistakes and issues that arise later
Missing or unclear details:
Ambiguous instructions—such as “manage my assets” without listing which assets—can lead to disputes between family members, especially if some feel excluded or uncertain about what the attorney can do. Banks and investment firms may refuse to act if the wording is not precise, causing delays in urgent situations.Not specifying limits:
If you do not restrict powers (for example, the ability to make gifts, sell property, or change investments), attorneys may act in ways that other family members or beneficiaries dispute. This is a common source of litigation, especially if an attorney benefits personally or is perceived to favour one beneficiary over another.Invalid witnessing or certification:
If a witness is a beneficiary or related to the attorney, gifts or transactions may be challenged and declared void. In contested estates, family members may scrutinise the witnessing process and raise allegations of undue influence or fraud.Not updating after life changes:
Divorce, remarriage, or new children can create conflicts if the power of attorney is not updated. An ex-spouse or estranged relative may retain powers, leading to disputes or court intervention. Beneficiaries may challenge decisions made by an attorney who is no longer close to the donor.Failure to notify institutions:
If banks, investment platforms, or HMRC are not informed, attorneys may be unable to access funds or file tax returns, causing financial hardship or penalties. Family members may blame attorneys for delays or missed deadlines.Disputes between attorneys:
Joint attorneys may disagree on major decisions, such as selling the family home or making investments. Without a dispute resolution mechanism (e.g., majority vote, tie-breaker, or referral to a trusted adviser), deadlock can occur, sometimes requiring court intervention.International complications:
Powers of attorney may not be recognised in other countries, especially for property or business interests abroad. Family members may challenge the attorney’s authority to act internationally, or local law may require notarisation, translation, or registration. This can delay urgent transactions and create cross-border disputes.Allegations of misuse or conflict of interest:
Attorneys who are also beneficiaries may face accusations of self-dealing, especially if they make decisions that benefit themselves or disadvantage others. Family members may seek removal of the attorney or challenge transactions in court.
If you want instant feedback or a check for common mistakes, upload your draft to Caira for a quick review.
Disclaimer: This article does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Outcomes can vary depending on individual circumstances and the evidence presented to the court.