Definition of "Power of attorney"

Legal instrument whereby an individual is given the right to act on behalf of another individual. For example, the right to buy and sell stock and to sign all brokerage papers relating to buying and selling in a stockholder's account is given by the stockholder to another individual through power of attorney. Or the right to decide which settlement option is to be used under a life insurance policy may be given by a policy owner to another individual. Experts often advise extreme care in assigning a power of attorney since that person becomes free to make financial decisions that can enhance or ruin an individual represented.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Insurance Terms

Policy combining features Of UNIVERSAL LIFE INSURANCE and VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE in that excess interest credited to the cash value account depends on investment results of separate ...

Relationship between expected incurred insurance-related costs (not including claims) and expected written premiums. ...

Employer, association, labor union, or other group ...

Number of times a loss occurs. ...

Ending a pension plan at the election of an employer or sponsor. The employer has the unilateral right to change or terminate a pension plan at any time. However, the termination must meet ...

Law that established rules and regulations to govern private pension plans, including vesting requirements, funding mechanisms, and general plan design and descriptions. For example, three ...

Attachment to a general liability policy thereby eliminating the exclusion of property under the care, custody, and/or control of an insured. Without this endorsement there would be no ...

Covers property damage and theft coverage in two areas not subject to a coinsurance requirement or a deductible. Coverage A. If the bank becomes liable for loss to a customer's property ...

Type of trust used to remove assets from a surviving spouse's estate, thereby excluding such assets from federal estate tax upon the death of the surviving spouse. This type of trust allows ...

Popular Insurance Questions