# Framework > What does a great Power of Attorney look like? Source: https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/framework Β· Updated 14 February 2024 **Do you want a *Power of Attorney*?** ### What is A Suitable Framework For A *Power of Attorney*? A *Power of Attorney* should deal with the following issues, most of which are only capable of being addressed using a [custom-made](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/framework#features-of-custom-made-power-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney*. | | | | --- | --- | | **Identification of Principal** | | | Identification of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney), being the [legal entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-legal-entity) or [legal entities](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-legal-entity) recording the terms of appointment of their [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) or [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) in the *Power of Attorney* | | | May b | | | **Identification of Principal** | | | Identification of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney), being the [legal entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-legal-entity) or [legal entities](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-legal-entity) recording the terms of appointment of their [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) or [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) in the *Power of Attorney* | | | May b | | | **Identification of Principal** | Confirming that the *Power of Attorney* is [binding](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-legally-bind) upon the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) upon being signed by the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney), or otherwise (*see the discussion of 'becoming effective' in respect of [springing](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#springing-powers-of-attorney) *Powers of Attorney* for more insight) about the concept at stake*. | | **Inception** | Confirming that the *Power of Attorney* is [binding](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-legally-bind) upon the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) upon being signed by the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney), or otherwise (*see the discussion of 'becoming effective' in respect of [springing](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#springing-powers-of-attorney) *Powers of Attorney* for more insight) about the concept at stake*. | | **Identification of Agents** | Identification of the [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to be appointed under the *Power of Attorney* (*including identification of any [individual conditions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/conditions#conditions-upon-an-individual) applicable in respect of the appointment of an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal)*). | | **Acceptance of Appointment** | Definition of the the method by which any [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/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) may accept appointment (*explaining for example whether they must sign and deliver a copy of the signed *Power of Attorney* to the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) before their appointment can be effective*.) | | **Terms of Authority** | Identification of when [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) may commence to exercise authority to perform [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) they are authorized to perform under the *Power of Attorney* (*perhaps also identifying when [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) may not perform those [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks), during the [lifespan](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termaboutterm#term-term-of-authority-and-term-of-appointment-of-an-agent) of the *Power of Attorney**). | | **Termination** | Identifying when the *Power of Attorney* [terminates](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end). | | **Governing Jurisdiction** | Confirming the state from which laws are to be taken to be the laws under which the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) asserts to create the *Power of Attorney* etc. | | **Transactions & Tasks** | Providing insight about the [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) that [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) may perform. | | **Successor Agents** | Identifying [successor agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) for potential appointment (and any [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#what-is-a-protector) in **California**, Texas, Illinois or Pennsylvania). | | **Sub-Agents** | Explaining the authority of [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) or [successor agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) with respect to appointing [sub-agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent). | | **Class Conditions** | Defining of any [class conditions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/conditions#conditions-upon-a-class) operating in respect of any particular class of [officeholders](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introotherofficeholders#essential-officeholders-include-the-principal-and-agents). | | **Directions** | Recording any [directions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/directionwhatis#a-direction-regulates-the-core-terms-of-a-power-of-attorney) that [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) must follow. | | **Limitations** | Recording any [limitations](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/limitwhatis#a-limitation-regulates-the-core-terms-of-a-power-of-attorney) with respect to matters including for example, the ability of [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) tp perform [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks). | | **Other Provisions** | Addressing mechanical issues, like [revocation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#a-power-of-attorney-terminates-upon-revocation-by-the-principal) of earlier *Powers of Attorney*, overlapping [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks), [ineligible](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-ineligible) [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) becoming [eligible](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-eligible) etc. | ## Basics In A *Power of Attorney* A *Power of Attorney* typically discloses a number of key features, many of which are not dealt with in [government forms](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il). Issues that are dealt with in [government forms](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) include: ### The Principal (I.e. The Legal Entity Creating The *Power of Attorney*) Identification of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney), being the [legal entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-legal-entity) or [legal entities](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-legal-entity) recording the terms of appointment of an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) or [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) - when the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) intends that the *Power of Attorney* will become [binding](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-legally-bind) upon themselves or less commonly, the [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) - the [legal entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-legal-entity) or [legal entities](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-legal-entity) to be appointed as [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) - how an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) may [accept appointment](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#how-an-agent-may-accept-appointment-varies-in-the-six-6-greater-states) - the [term](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termaboutterm#term-term-of-authority-and-term-of-appointment-of-an-agent) of the *Power of Attorney* (time of commencement and termination) - within the [term](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termaboutterm#term-term-of-authority-and-term-of-appointment-of-an-agent) of the *Power of Attorney*:- - the [term of appointment](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termaboutterm#example-3-term-of-appointment) and [terms of authority](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termaboutterm#example-2-term-of-authority) of [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) appointed under the *Power of Attorney* - the [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#use-of-various-kinds-of-powers-of-attorney) authorized to be performed by the [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) during their [term of appointment](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termaboutterm#example-3-term-of-appointment) and upon the [terms of their authority](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termaboutterm#example-2-term-of-authority) - the terms generally upon which an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) may represent and [bind](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-legally-bind) the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) and otherwise perform as an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) ## Features Of Custom Made *Power of Attorney* A [custom-made](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/framework#features-of-custom-made-power-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney* facilitates more options and affords more certainty than a [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il). Issues often dealt with in a [custom-made](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/framework#features-of-custom-made-power-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney* that do not appear in a [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) include:- | | | | --- | --- | | πŸ”΄ **Defining methods for an** [**agent**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) **to** [**accept appointment**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#how-an-agent-may-accept-appointment-varies-in-the-six-6-greater-states) | πŸ“ A [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) may define a method for [acceptance of appointment](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#how-an-agent-may-accept-appointment-varies-in-the-six-6-greater-states) (*for example, requiring an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to sign and deliver the *Power of Attorney*, issue certain notice prior to [accepting appointment](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#how-an-agent-may-accept-appointment-varies-in-the-six-6-greater-states) etc*) which may be particularly usefel in Florida or Texas, where an agent might accept appointment by conduct[^20].) | | πŸ”΄ **Recording** [**individual and class conditions**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) | πŸ“ A [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) might wish to impose [conditions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/conditions#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) governing the right of a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) or [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) to be [appointed](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#how-an-agent-may-accept-appointment-varies-in-the-six-6-greater-states) as an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal). For example: (a) requiring any [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) to be over a certain age or have certain qualification are members of a specific group of candidates; (b) requiring that a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) remain married to a family member so as to remain qualified for appointment; (c) requiring that members of a particular [class of officeholders](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introotherofficeholders#types-of-officeholders) hold a certain qualification, or be a certain age etc.; (d) preventing a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) being appointed as an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) if certain other [persons](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) are willing and [eligible](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-eligible) to be appointed to create a 'priority of appointment scheme’. | | πŸ”΄ **Defining the ['lifespan'](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termaboutterm#term-term-of-authority-and-term-of-appointment-of-an-agent) of the *Power of Attorney*** | πŸ“A [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) might want to define the period between [creation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) and [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) of the *Power of Attorney* (*i.e. the lifespan of the Power of Attorney, between when it becomes legally effective and ceasing to be capable of being used by an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal)*) for example, to accommodate travel, hospital admission or other leave dates. | | πŸ”΄ **Defining varying** [**terms of authority**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termaboutterm#example-2-term-of-authority) | πŸ“ A [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) might want to define when during the lifespan of the *Power of Attorney* the [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) may exercise authority to perform certain [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks), perhaps at different times and similar. | | πŸ”΄ **Defining [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks)** that [**agents**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) **may perform** | πŸ“ A [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) might want to define the [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) that each [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) may perform: (a) using unique words; (b) by 'borrowing' [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#statutory-tasks-are-contained-in-the-legislation-of-many-states) from the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) of any of the five (5) of the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa) that have [statutory tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#statutory-tasks-are-contained-in-the-legislation-of-many-states) (and perhaps editing them); (c) adopting a pre-prepared suite of [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) etc. | | πŸ”΄ **Allocating [different tasks in various ways](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agenttaskalloc#tasks-may-be-allocated-differently-to-different-agents)** | πŸ“ A [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) might prefer to allocate different [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) to different [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal), some [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) being performed; (a) by agreement by less than all [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal); (b) independently by one [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal); (c) by all [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) by agreement; (d) by all agents by independently; (e) by either of two chosen [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) independently; (f) by majority etc. | | πŸ”΄ **Optional [relief arrangements](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agenttaskalloc#arguments-against-the-wide-and-various-allocation-of-tasks-are-misplaced)** | πŸ“ A [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) might authorize [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) who are [eligible](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-eligible) and appointed to perform a certain [task](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) if all [agent(s)](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) who are authorized to perform that [task](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) are [ineligible](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-ineligible). | | πŸ”΄ **Authorizing the appointment** [**sub-agents**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) | πŸ“ A [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) might want to allow an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to appoint someone to 'stand in their shoes' if they have a crisis that prevents them acting as an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) for a period of time, or they want to delegate an important [task](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#statutory-tasks-are-contained-in-the-legislation-of-many-states) to an expert, or as part of arrangements whereby family members as [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) have a role limited to selecting whom should manage the affairs of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) at any given time[^30]. | | πŸ”΄ **Appointing a** [**protector**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#what-is-a-protector) **or** [**monitor**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/monitor#in-new-york-a-principal-may-appoint-a-monitor) | πŸ“ In Texas, ****California****, Illinois or Pennsylvania a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) might want to appoint a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#what-is-a-protector), being someone authorized to designate [successor agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) on behalf of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) and in New York, a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) might want to appoint a [monitor](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/monitor#in-new-york-a-principal-may-appoint-a-monitor) being someone authorized to inspect [records](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/recordkeeping#any-list-of-relevant-records-is-substantial) relating to a *Power of Attorney*. | | πŸ”΄ **Defining concepts like** [**incapacity**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#the-six-6-greater-states-have-defined-incapacity-in-legislation) | πŸ“ A [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) might want to define '[incapacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#the-six-6-greater-states-have-defined-incapacity-in-legislation) ' using their preferred definition, perhaps avoiding one statutory definition in favour of another that is β€˜borrowed’ from another state, or using unique words (*for example, words focusing upon the [principal's](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) ability to perform the [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) authorized to be performed under the Power of Attorney, as opposed to loss of [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) in any broader sense*). | | πŸ”΄ **Planning what occurs when an** [**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) | πŸ“ A [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) might want to include detail about issues like what occurs when an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) who is [ineligible](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-ineligible) becomes [eligible](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-eligible) again, after they have been replaced by a [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible). | | πŸ”΄ **Manage** [**conflicts of interest**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-conflict-of-interest) | πŸ“ A [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) might want to deal with issues like benefits enjoyed by [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) or [third parties](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-third-party), for example defining different [remuneration](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agententitle#agent-may-be-entitled-to-remuneration-or-expenses) (i.e. payment) arrangements in respect of different [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal), rights and obligations of different [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) with respect to receiving loans or dividends, retention and use of confidential information and similar. | | πŸ”΄ **Including** [**risk management provisions**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/insightrisks#there-are-risks-associated-with-using-a-power-of-attorney) | πŸ“ A [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) might want to include provisions dealing with [benefits payable to agents to be paid by another agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agententitle#checks-balances-preventing-an-agent-abusing-a-power-of-attorney-are-ripe-for-inclusion) (i.e. not themselves), [audit arrangements](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/insightrisks#imposing-review-requirements-may-reduce-risks) and similar. | | πŸ”΄ **Having** [**commercial entities**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) **as** [**principal**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) **or** [**agent**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) | πŸ“ An author might prefer to name a [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) (*i.e. business trading as a company, partnership, corporation, trust, association etc.*) as the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) or as an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) in a *Power of Attorney*[^10]. | ## A Suggested Framework A *Power of Attorney* might usefully consist of the following parts:- | | | | --- | --- | | **Inception** | Confirming that the *Power of Attorney* is [binding](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-legally-bind) upon the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) upon being signed by the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney), or otherwise (*see the discussion of 'becoming effective' in respect of [springing](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#springing-powers-of-attorney) *Powers of Attorney* for more insight) about the concept at stake*. | | **Identification of Agents** | Identification of the [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to be appointed under the *Power of Attorney* (*including identification of any [individual conditions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/conditions#conditions-upon-an-individual) applicable in respect of the appointment of an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal)*). | | **Acceptance of Appointment** | Definition of the the method by which any [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/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) may accept appointment (*explaining for example whether they must sign and deliver a copy of the signed *Power of Attorney* to the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) before their appointment can be effective*.) | | **Terms of Authority** | Identification of when [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) may commence to exercise authority to perform [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) they are authorized to perform under the *Power of Attorney* (*perhaps also identifying when [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) may not perform those [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks), during the [lifespan](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termaboutterm#term-term-of-authority-and-term-of-appointment-of-an-agent) of the *Power of Attorney**). | | **Termination** | Identifying when the *Power of Attorney* [terminates](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end). | | **Governing Jurisdiction** | Confirming the state from which laws are to be taken to be the laws under which the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) asserts to create the *Power of Attorney* etc. | | **Transactions & Tasks** | Providing insight about the [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) that [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) may perform. | | **Successor Agents** | Identifying [successor agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) for potential appointment (and any [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#what-is-a-protector) in **California**, Texas, Illinois or Pennsylvania). | | **Sub-Agents** | Explaining the authority of [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) or [successor agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) with respect to appointing [sub-agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent). | | **Class Conditions** | Defining of any [class conditions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/conditions#conditions-upon-a-class) operating in respect of any particular class of [officeholders](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introotherofficeholders#essential-officeholders-include-the-principal-and-agents). | | **Directions** | Recording any [directions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/directionwhatis#a-direction-regulates-the-core-terms-of-a-power-of-attorney) that [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) must follow. | | **Limitations** | Recording any [limitations](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/limitwhatis#a-limitation-regulates-the-core-terms-of-a-power-of-attorney) with respect to matters including for example, the ability of [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) tp perform [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks). | | **Other Provisions** | Addressing mechanical issues, like [revocation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#a-power-of-attorney-terminates-upon-revocation-by-the-principal) of earlier *Powers of Attorney*, overlapping [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks), [ineligible](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-ineligible) [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) becoming [eligible](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-eligible) etc. | ## Using Custom-Made *Powers of Attorney* ### California ##### (Optional Government Form For *Powers of Attorney*) An optional [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) is available for use to [create](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a *Power of Attorney* in ****California****:- - whether or not a [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) is used, a Court may be approached for help, if a [third party](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-third-party) will not accept a *Power of Attorney* - unless a [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) is used, it is not possible to incorporate [statutory tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#statutory-tasks-are-contained-in-the-legislation-of-many-states) by [mere reference](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#in-some-circumstances-incorporation-may-be-achieved-by-mere-reference) - that said, nothing prevents the [statutory tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#statutory-tasks-are-contained-in-the-legislation-of-many-states) from being set out in full in a [custom-made](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/framework#features-of-custom-made-power-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney* (*although the language in the legislation that tends to expand the scope of the [statutory tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#statutory-tasks-are-contained-in-the-legislation-of-many-states) where they are cited in a [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il), [may not operate](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#the-defined-statutory-tasks-are-expanded-in-certain-respects), if a [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) is not used*). ### **Florida & Pennsylvania** ##### (No Government Form) There is no [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) available in Florida or Pennsylvania to [create](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a *Power of Attorney*. A [custom-made](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/framework#features-of-custom-made-power-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney* could be used in Florida or Pennsylvania. ### Texas ##### (Optional Government Form For Durable *Powers of Attorney*) An optional [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) is available for use to [create](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#durable-powers-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney*. A [custom-made](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/framework#features-of-custom-made-power-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney* could be used in Texas, to [create](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) either a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#durable-powers-of-attorney) or [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney*. ### New York ##### (Government Form Employs Enforcement Scheme) In New York (unlike ****California****, Florida, Pennsylvania, Texas and Illinois):- - a *Power of Attorney* scheme operates under which the use of a [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) makes a difference, in terms of whether a [Court may be asked to compel a third party](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/thirdparty/interests#in-most-of-the-six-6-greater-states-an-agent-can-demand-a-third-party-do-business-with-an-agent) to do business with an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) - unless a [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) has been used, the [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) and [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) cannot approach a [Court to compel a third party](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/thirdparty/interests#in-most-of-the-six-6-greater-states-an-agent-can-demand-a-third-party-do-business-with-an-agent) to do business with an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) - A [custom-made](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/framework#features-of-custom-made-power-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney* could be used in New York In New York, a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) could use a [custom-made](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/framework#features-of-custom-made-power-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney* and a [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) (see the heading [Using A Government Form In Conjunction With a Custom *Power of Attorney*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/ideas#using-a-government-form-in-conjunction-with-a-custom-power-of-attorney)) to achieve objectives. ### Illinois ##### (Government Form Without Enforcement Scheme) Illinois does not have a regime that permits a [Court to compel a third party](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/thirdparty/interests#in-most-of-the-six-6-greater-states-an-agent-can-demand-a-third-party-do-business-with-an-agent) to do business with an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal). An optional [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) is available for use. A [custom-made](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/framework#features-of-custom-made-power-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney* could be used in Illinois. --- ## Next Page Guide ##### Features **Next page overview** - **The [next page](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/framework) examines the key features of a *Power of Attorney*.** **Do you want to create a *Power of Attorney* online?** **Next page headings** - [**Basics** of a *Power of Attorney*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/framework#basics-in-a-power-of-attorney) - [**Features** of a **Custom-Made *Power of Attorney***](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/framework#features-of-custom-made-power-of-attorney) - [A **Suggested Framework** for a *Power of Attorney*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/framework#a-suggested-framework)