# Conditions

> Explanation of conditions of appointment under a Power of Attorney

Source: https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/conditions · Updated 2 February 2023

- [**Conditions** can be imposed in respect of an agent’s appointment](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/conditions#conditions-the-legislation)
- [Conditions and the **legislation**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/conditions#conditions-the-legislation)
- [Relevant **concepts**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/conditions#relevant-concepts)
- [Conditions may be imposed **upon an individual**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/conditions#conditions-upon-an-individual)
- [Using conditions to create a **priority scheme**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/conditions#using-conditions-to-create-a-scheme-of-priority)
- [Conditions may be imposed **upon a class**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/conditions#conditions-upon-a-class)
- [**Examining** a condition](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/conditions#examining-a-condition)
- [**Satisfaction** of a condition **and temporal nexus**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/conditions#satisfaction-of-a-condition-temporal-nexus)
- [**Other approaches** to conditions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/conditions#other-approaches-to-conditions)
- [**Drafting Tips** - Suggestions & ideas](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/conditions#drafting-tips-suggestions-ideas)

## Conditions Can Be Imposed In Respect Of An Agent’s Appointment

A [condition](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) controls the right of a potential candidate for appointment as an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal), [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) or [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-or-successor-agent-may-be-authorized-to-appoint-sub-agents) to be or remain appointed.

Before imposing a [condition](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) in respect of the potential appointment of a candidate for appointment as an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal), [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) or [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-or-successor-agent-may-be-authorized-to-appoint-sub-agents), a [prudent principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#being-a-prudent-principal-is-encouraged) might consider whether a [direction](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/directionwhatis#a-direction-regulates-matters-under-a-power-of-attorney) or [limitation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/limitwhatis#a-limitation-qualifies-another-provision-or-principle) may be used instead of a [condition](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment).

This is because [conditions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) determine whether an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) takes or remains in office, whereas a [direction](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/directionwhatis#a-direction-regulates-matters-under-a-power-of-attorney) or [limitation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/limitwhatis#a-limitation-qualifies-another-provision-or-principle) tends to qualify aspects of the operation of the *Power of Attorney*.

That said, it is not impossible for a [direction](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/directionwhatis#a-direction-regulates-matters-under-a-power-of-attorney) or [limitation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/limitwhatis#a-limitation-qualifies-another-provision-or-principle) to control the appointment of a candidate for appointment as an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal), [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) or [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-or-successor-agent-may-be-authorized-to-appoint-sub-agents), merely that [directions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/directionwhatis#a-direction-regulates-matters-under-a-power-of-attorney) and [limitations](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/limitwhatis#a-limitation-qualifies-another-provision-or-principle) deal with matters without necessarily affecting the [eligibility](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-eligible) for appointment of a candidate.

## Conditions & The Legislation

[Legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) in the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa) dealing with [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) of a *Power of Attorney* for a person[^1] [as against an agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-may-occur-only-as-against-the-agent) does not mention [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) of an [agent’s](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) appointment in the event that the [agent’s](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) breaches a [condition](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) of appointment.

This is illustrated in the [Summary Table - Legislation Grounds For Termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/tablelegislationtermination), which addresses [termination as against an agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-may-occur-only-as-against-the-agent) and [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) of the *Power of Attorney* separately, noting that the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) only refers to [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) in accordance with its terms in respect of [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) of the *Power of Attorney*.

In this regard, it is curious that:-

- the closest that [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) in any of the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa) comes to dealing with [conditions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) is reference to a *Power of Attorney* [terminating](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) in accordance with its terms, such reference only being found in the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) of **Texas** and **Florida**
- none of the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa) recognise [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) of a *Power of Attorney* [as against an agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-may-occur-only-as-against-the-agent) in accordance with the terms of the *Power of Attorney*

The position is curious in **Texas** and **Florida** because only **Texas** and **Florida** make provision with respect to [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) of a *Power of Attorney* according to its terms and in both these states, the provision dealing with [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) of a *Power of Attorney* according to its terms are directed to [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) of the *Power of Attorney*, not [termination as against an agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-may-occur-only-as-against-the-agent), the effect of which seems to falls short of the work necessary to effect [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) of an [agent’s](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) appointment if the [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) breaches a [condition](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) of appointment, notwithstanding that this does not prevent the *Power of Attorney* terminating according to its terms, merely gives it no [legislative](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) recognition in this context.

In **California**:-

- [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) does not make mention of a *Power of Attorney* [terminating](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) according to its terms
- [§4152](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4152.html) (*being the substantive provision dealing with [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end)*[^2]) only deals with [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) as against the [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal)
- there is no reason no to assume [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) of a *Power of Attorney* according to its terms as against an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) in circumstances where an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) breaches a [condition](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment)
- it would be necessary for the *Power of Attorney* to deal with that [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) in all respects[^3]

In **Pennsylvania** and **Illinois** where there are no substantive [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) provisions in [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons), inclusion of a [condition](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) in a *Power of Attorney* would require the *Power of Attorney* to deal with that [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) in all respects.[^4]

## Relevant Concepts

Accepting that [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) governing *Powers of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-natural-person)[^5] in the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa) makes no mention of [conditions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment), a [prudent principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#being-a-prudent-principal-is-encouraged) would consider carefully how they deal with [conditions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment), presumably in full terms in their *Power of Attorney*.

Dealing with [conditions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) might involve for example:-

- including terms in a *Power of Attorney* that require any [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to [resign](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#renouncement-resignation) in the event that they breach a [condition](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment)
- defining different types of [conditions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) having regard to [temporal nexus](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/conditions#temporal-nexus) to improve clarity about the precise terms of any [condition](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment)
- dealing with issues like what transpires where a potential [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) is [ineligible](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-ineligible) by virtue of breaching a [condition](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment), being a [condition](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) capable of being subsequently satisfied and the potential [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) later satisfies that [condition](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment)
- dealing with whether a [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) who has replaced an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) who was earlier unable to satisfy a [condition](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) remains in office if the [condition](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) is subsequently satisfied
- dealing with the significance of a [condition](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) governing either or both the right to be appointed or remain appointed as an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal), [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) or [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-or-successor-agent-may-be-authorized-to-appoint-sub-agents)
- taking care to ensure a [condition](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) is worded to ensure it is always possible to ascertain whether or not it has been fulfilled

## Conditions Upon An Individual

An [individual condition](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-upon-an-individual) is a [condition](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) imposed in respect of less than a [class](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introotherofficeholders#essential-officeholders-include-the-principal-and-agents) of [officeholders](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introotherofficeholders#types-of-officeholders).

A [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) may for example, require that a person be married to a specified person, or own certain property, or engage in certain activities, so as to qualify for appointment or remain appointed as an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal), [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) or [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-or-successor-agent-may-be-authorized-to-appoint-sub-agents).

## Using Conditions To Create A Scheme Of Priority

[Individual conditions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-upon-an-individual) may be used to ‘prioritize’ the appointment of [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) using different [individual conditions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-upon-an-individual).

It would be important to ensure for example, that [conditions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) of this kind accord with the other terms of a *Power of Attorney* including in particular, terms dealing with appointment of [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) and similar.

#### Example

Imagine a *Power of Attorney* containing [individual conditions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-upon-an-individual) along the lines:-

- Bill is ineligible if Mary is willing and eligible to be appointed
- John is ineligible if Bill or Mary are appointed
- Peter is ineligible if Bill, Mary or John are appointed

In this example, Mary is first choice, Bill is second choice, followed by John and Peter.

## Conditions Upon A Class

A [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) may identify [conditions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) in respect of a particular [class](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introotherofficeholders#types-of-officeholders) of [officeholder](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introotherofficeholders#types-of-officeholders).

[Classes](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introotherofficeholders#types-of-officeholders) of [officeholder](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introotherofficeholders#types-of-officeholders) include [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-is-first-appointed), [successor agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) and [sub-agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-or-successor-agent-may-be-authorized-to-appoint-sub-agents).

There is nothing to prevent a *Power of Attorney* also defining [conditions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) applicable to all [classes](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introotherofficeholders#types-of-officeholders) of [officeholder](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introotherofficeholders#types-of-officeholders) (i.e. any [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-or-successor-agent-may-be-authorized-to-appoint-sub-agents) of any [class](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introotherofficeholders#types-of-officeholders)).

#### Examples Of Class Conditions

For example:-

- a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) might impose [class conditions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-upon-a-class) in respect of any [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-or-successor-agent-may-be-authorized-to-appoint-sub-agents) that requires them to be a suitably qualified professional, perhaps older than a certain age and similar
- a [class condition](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-upon-a-class) might be used to limit the number of agents appointed at any given time (*i.e. recording a* [*class condition*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-upon-a-class) *in respect of* [*sub-agents*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-or-successor-agent-may-be-authorized-to-appoint-sub-agents) *that not more than three (3)* [*sub-agents*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-or-successor-agent-may-be-authorized-to-appoint-sub-agents) *are already appointed under the Power of Attorney)* or otherwise define limited circumstances in which a particular class of [officeholder](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introotherofficeholders#types-of-officeholders) may be appointed and similar

## Examining a Condition

Examining whether for example, a [condition](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) has been satisfied might include consideration of matters like:-

- what precisely constitutes satisfaction
- when the [condition](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) must be satisfied
- whether the [condition](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) must remain satisfied

## Satisfaction Of A Condition & Temporal Nexus

Defining when a [condition](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) must be satisfied may be best achieved using one of the following six (6) alternatives:-

A [condition](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) that must be fulfilled:-

- **before** the [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) takes office
- **before** the [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) takes office **and must continue to be satisfied**
- **at the time** that the [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) takes office
- **at the time** that the [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) takes office **and must continue to be satisfied**
- at a **future point in time**
- at a **future point in time** **and must continue to be satisfied**

## Other Approaches To Conditions

### Staged Conditions

The ‘six-type’ approach above does not account for other forms of [conditions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment), for example ‘staged conditions’ involving a series of criteria required to be satisfied, staggered over time.

For example, a ‘staged condition’ might involve the candidate in respect of whom the [condition](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) applies to have completed a university degree by 31 December 2025, married by 1 January 2027 and remain married as at 30 December 2030.

Anyone attempting to define a ‘staged condition’ might be assisted by consideration of the concepts above.

### Reliance Upon Agent’s Certificates

In **Texas**, **Illinois** and **Florida**, provisions dealing with [certification of a contingency](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/commencement#certification-of-occurrence-of-a-contingency) seem to offer scope for an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to certify certain matters which probably include an assurance that they are not [ineligible](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-ineligible) by virtue of breach of any [condition](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment).

This is less applicable in **California**, **New York** and **Pennsylvania** where:-

- an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) can [certify a contingency has occurred](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/commencement#certification-of-occurrence-of-a-contingency)
- the relevant provisions fall short of authority for an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to certify various matters relevant to the existence of their authority (*i.e. that the *Power of Attorney* has not [terminated](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) and [other matters](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/commencement#certification-of-occurrence-of-a-contingency) which in **Texas**, **Illinois** or **Florida** might amount to an assurance that the relevant [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) has not breached a [condition](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment)*)

## Drafting Tips - Suggestions & Ideas

### Focus On Names

When drafting [conditions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment), focus on using the name of the person in respect of whom the condition applies. For example:-

- a condition in respect of Bill Smith that “*Bill Smith must be 25 years or older*” is better than “*must be 25 years or older*" which may be uncertain as to who must be 25 years of age
- taking the example above a step further, for example, in respect of Bill Smith there might equally be a [condition](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) that “*Mary Smith must be 25 years or older*” the effect of which is that unless Mary Smith is 25 years of age, Bill Smith cannot be appointed

References like ‘brother’ or ‘sister’ should be avoided in favour of full names and where names are mentioned inclusion of an address is also warranted, unless specified elsewhere in the *Power of Attorney*

### Focus On Dates & Times

Dates and times are important and so rather than expressions like “*12pm (GMT) in ………. on May 12, 2029 in Austin, Texas*” preferred over say, “*May 12, 2029*”.

### Test The Condition

The wording of [conditions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) is a delicate exercise with serious ramifications.

A simple test to apply when wording a [conditions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) is to determine if any other construction other than the intended construction could be given to the [condition](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) or uncertainty exists as to its construction and operation.

If so, refining the words of the [condition](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) and possibly other words in the *Power of Attorney* to remove these outcomes is the only way that the [condition](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) could be used effectively.

There are literally hundreds of examples of ways to draft better [conditions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment), these are just two suggestions.

Many lawyers would recommend drafting of [conditions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) and related provisions in a *Power of Attorney* be done by a lawyer, given the impact they can have upon the effectiveness of a *Power of Attorney* and the need to appreciate their effect as part of the whole terms.

[^1]: Being not *Powers of Attorney* excluded from the ambit of the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) - [click here](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) to read more.
[^2]: See also [§4155](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4155.html)
[^3]: See for example, the heading [Relevant Concepts](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/conditions#relevant-concepts)
[^4]: Ibid.
[^5]: Being not *Powers of Attorney* excluded from the ambit of the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) - [click here](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) to read more.