General Power of Attorney (Powers of Attorney Act 1971) — 2026 template

Important: a general power of attorney stops working if the donor loses mental capacity. To appoint someone to act if you lose capacity, make a lasting power of attorney under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and register it with the Office of the Public Guardian. A general power under section 10 does not cover functions the donor has as a trustee or personal representative (s. 10(2)); some banks and the Land Registry may ask for additional evidence or their own forms.

1. Appointment

This General Power of Attorney is made on [Date] by [Donor full name] of [Donor address] (the "Donor").

I appoint [Attorney full name] of [Attorney address] (or: [Attorney 1 full name] of [Address] and [Attorney 2 full name] of [Address] [jointly / jointly and severally]) to be my attorney[s] in accordance with section 10 of the Powers of Attorney Act 1971.

2. Scope (optional limitations)

(Leave this section as "No limitations" for a full general power, or limit it: This power is limited to [Limited scope], e.g. dealing with my account no. [Account number] at [Bank]; the sale of [Property or asset]; managing my business [Business name] while I am abroad).

3. Duration

This power takes effect on [Date or "the date of execution"] and (continues until revoked by me in writing / ends on [End date]).