# What is a Sub-Agent or Delegate?

> Insight about sub-agents under a Power of Attorney

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

This page explains

### What Is A Sub-Agent?

A [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) is a [legal entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-legal-entity) appointed by an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to perform [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) that the [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) is authorized to perform on behalf of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney).

## Original Or Successor Agent May Appoint Sub-Agent

A [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) is a [legal entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-legal-entity) appointed by an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal), to perform [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) that the [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) has consented to perform on behalf of the [agent’s](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney).

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| **California** | [§4205](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4205.html) provides that a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^1] may revocably delegate authority to perform “*mechanical acts*” to one or more persons qualified to exercise the authority delegated and remains responsible to the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) for the exercise or non-exercise of the delegated authority. |
| **Texas** | Appointment of [sub-agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) under a *Power of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^2] must be expressly authorized in a *Power of Attorney* (see [§751.031(b)(5)](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-031.html)). |
| **New York** | [Legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) does not prohibit the appointment of [sub-agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) under a *Power of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^3] and the topic of [sub-agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) is touched upon in the [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) in positive terms, noting that in addition to the [‘statutory’ tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#statutory-tasks-are-contained-in-the-legislation-of-many-states) there is a line in the [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) for ‘ticking’ to indicate authority to appoint [sub-agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) and space to name [sub-agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent). |
| **Illinois** | [Legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) does not prohibit the appointment of [sub-agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) under a *Power of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^4] and the topic of [sub-agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) is touched upon in the [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) in positive terms, noting a paragraph must be struck out of the [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) to overcome its operation that authorizes the appointment of [sub-agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent). |
| **Pennsylvania** | [§5602](https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-20-pacsa-decedents-estates-and-fiduciaries/pa-csa-sect-20-5602.html) [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) says a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) in respect of a *Power of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^5] may provide for “*the **delegation** to an original or successor agent of the **power to appoint** his successor or successors*”. |

In **Florida** appointing [sub-agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) under a *Power of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^6] is [prohibited](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#a-workaround-for-florida),[^7] unless:-

- the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) is a [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) (in which event [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) that prevents the appointment of a [sub-agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) does not apply)
- the *Power of Attorney* is for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) and for purposes [excluded](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) from the ambit of the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons)

### Appointment of Sub-Agent By A Successor Agent

As to whether any right to appoint a [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) extends to permit a [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) to appoint a [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent):-

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| **California** | The term “*attorney-in-fact*” used in [§4205](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4205.html) to denote who may appoint a [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) is defined in [§4014](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4014.html) to include a [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) (*accepting that a [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) is known in **California** as an “alternate agent”*). |
| **Texas** | Appointment of [sub-agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) under a *Power of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^8] must be expressly authorized in a *Power of Attorney* (see [§751.031(b)(5)](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-031.html)). [§751.031(b)(5)](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-031.html) speaks of an “agent” delegating authority. The term “agent” is defined in [§751.002](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-002.html) to include a [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible). |
| **Pennsylvania** | Appointment of [sub-agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) under a *Power of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^9] must be expressly authorized in a *Power of Attorney* (see [§5602(b)](https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-20-pacsa-decedents-estates-and-fiduciaries/pa-csa-sect-20-5602.html)). [§5602(b)](https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-20-pacsa-decedents-estates-and-fiduciaries/pa-csa-sect-20-5602.html) states “…*the delegation of one or more powers by the agent to such person or persons as the agent may designate and on terms as the *Power of Attorney* may specify*”. In [§5602](https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-20-pacsa-decedents-estates-and-fiduciaries/pa-csa-sect-20-5602.html) it is said of [successor agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) that a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) may provide for the “*appointment of one or more successor agents who shall serve in the order named in the Power of Attorney*.” It follows that a [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) may appoint a [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) (*noting for completeness, that the term “agent” is defined in [§5601](https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-20-pacsa-decedents-estates-and-fiduciaries/pa-csa-sect-20-5601.html) as "a person designated by a principal in a power of attorney to act on behalf of that principal.*" |

### New York & Illinois

In **New York** and **Illinois**:-

- [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) does not prohibit the appointment of [sub-agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) under a *Power of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^10] and
- the topic of [sub-agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) is touched upon in the [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) in positive terms and it seems reasonable to assume that if appointment of a [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) by an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-is-first-appointed) is permitted, this entitlement extends to a [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible)

## Authorizing Sub-Agents Has Advantages

There is always a risk that for a period of time, an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-is-first-appointed) or [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) has a personal crisis, overseas commitment or similar.

The ability to appoint [sub-agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) is a good way to reduce risks associated with an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-is-first-appointed) or [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) being unable to perform as an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-is-first-appointed) or [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible), risks that might include them [resigning](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#renouncement-resignation).

Subject to considerations like for example, imposing [class conditions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/conditions#conditions-upon-a-class) requiring a [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) to perhaps be a certain age, have certain qualifications or similar, it may be prudent to include authority in a *Power of Attorney* permitting an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-is-first-appointed) or [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) to appoint [sub-agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent).

Of course, a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) may perceive an entitlement on the part of an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-is-first-appointed) or [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) to appoint [sub-agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) to involve unreasonable risks.

## Considerations Relating To Sub-Agents

A [prudent principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#being-a-prudent-principal-is-encouraged) would presumably ensure that the role of [sub-agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) are defined in any *Power of Attorney* under which they are authorized to be appointed, including terms dealing with:-

- liability for their actions
- the revocable nature of their appointment
- right of an appointing [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to impose [conditions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/conditions#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) in respect of their appointment
- whether any kind of [legal entities](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-legal-entity) may be appointed as a [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent)
- controls upon [remuneration or expenses](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agententitle#agent-may-be-entitled-to-remuneration-or-expenses) paid to [sub-agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent)
- entitlement of a [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) to appoint a [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent)

Other considerations might include, for example, whether one of the following approaches is suitable:-

- naming a series of candidates in the *Power of Attorney*, specifying whether they are to be appointed in the order they are named or otherwise
- naming a series of candidates in the *Power of Attorney*, to be appointed in the order they are named or otherwise and authorizing an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-is-first-appointed) or [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) to appoint someone else of their choice, if all of the named the candidates are either [ineligible](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-ineligible) or appointed
- naming a series of candidates in the *Power of Attorney*, specifying that the named candidates are to be appointed in the order they are named or otherwise and authorizing an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-is-first-appointed) or [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) to appoint someone else of their choice, whether or not all the candidates are either [ineligible](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-ineligible) or appointed
- allowing an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-is-first-appointed) or [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) to appoint anyone of their choice

### Appointment Of A Sub-Agent For More Than One Agent

A [prudent principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#being-a-prudent-principal-is-encouraged) would consider whether or not a [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) is authorized to be appointed as a [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) for more than one [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) at the same time.

Considerations might include for example, how things work where:-

- two [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) with authority to perform different [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) appoint a single [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) who can in turn, perform all of the different [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) either of them can perform
- two [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) with authority to perform a particular [task](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) by agreement appointing a [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) and in particular, whether the [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) may perform that [task](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) independently

Excluding authority to appoint the same [legal entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-legal-entity) as a [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) tends to reduce the number and complexity of the issues at stake and may be preferable, as opposed to prohibiting the appointment of [sub-agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent).

## *Third Restatement Of The Law Agency* - 2006

> **§1.01 Agency Defined**
> 
> *“Agency is the fiduciary relationship that arises when one person (a “principal”) manifests asssent to another person (an “agent”) that the agent shall act on the principal’s behalf and subject to the principal’s control, and the agent manifests assent or otherwise consents so to act.”*
> 
> **§3.15 Sub-Agency**
> 
> *"(1) A subagent is a person appointed by an agent to perform functions that the agent has consented to perform on behalf of the agent’s principal and for whose conduct the appointing agent is responsible to the principal. The relationships between a subagent and the appointing agent and between the subagent and appointing agent’s principal are relationships of agency as stated in §1.01.*
> 
> *(2) An agent may appoint a subagent only if the agent has actual or apparent authority to do so."*
> 
> ***Restatement of the Law (Third) Agency*, 2006 American Law Institute**

## Sub-Agents, Sub-Servants, Delegates & Liability For Actions

In the *Second Restatement of the Law Agency* published in 1958 by the American Law Institute, a “[sub-servant](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#sub-servants-delegates-liability-for-actions)” was observed to be:

“*a person appointed by a servant empowered to perform functions undertaken by the servant for the master and subject to the control as to his physical conduct both by the master and by the servant, but for whose conduct the servant agrees with the principal to be primarily responsible*”.

In addition to the notion of [sub-servants](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#sub-servants-delegates-liability-for-actions), from time to time we also find mention of “[delegates](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subservantsdelegates#sub-servants-and-delegates)”.

### Difference Between Sub-Agents, Delegates & Sub-Servants

It seems the term “[sub-servant](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#sub-servants-delegates-liability-for-actions)” is synonomous with “[sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent)” at least as they appear in the *Restatements of the Law of Agency* published in 1958 and 2006, as referred to above.

Upon the question of what is the difference between a [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent), [sub-servant](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#sub-servants-delegates-liability-for-actions) and [delegate](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subservantsdelegates#sub-servants-and-delegates), it is fair to say:-

- all of these descriptors are used to refer to persons who assume [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) otherwise authorized to be performed by an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-is-first-appointed) or [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible)
- it seems sensible to differentiate a [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) and a [delegate](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subservantsdelegates#sub-servants-and-delegates) upon grounds that:-

  - liability for the actions of a [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) falls upon the appointing [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-is-first-appointed) or [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible)
  - liability for the actions of a [delegate](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subservantsdelegates#sub-servants-and-delegates) falls upon the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney)

- beyond liability for their actions, other indicia that may distinguish a [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) from a [delegate](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subservantsdelegates#sub-servants-and-delegates) include:-

  - whether [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-may-occur-only-as-against-the-agent) of their appointment is controlled by the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) or the appointing [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-is-first-appointed) or [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) (or both)
  - whether the appointing [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-is-first-appointed) or [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) or the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) is responsible for determining their [entitlements](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agententitle#agent-may-be-entitled-to-remuneration-or-expenses) or paying them
  - from whom a [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) is entitled to indemnity, let’s say for example in the context of a liability they acquire in the course of acting as a [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent)

- it seems the term “[sub-servant](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#sub-servants-delegates-liability-for-actions)” is synonomous with “[sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent)” at least as they appear in the *Restatements of the Law of Agency* published in 1958 and 2006, as referred to above

The considerations above illustrate the fundamental position, that:-

- what constitutes a [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) or [delegate](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subservantsdelegates#sub-servants-and-delegates) is very much a matter of how the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) sees fit to define the roles of any such [officeholders](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introotherofficeholders#types-of-officeholders)
- there is no ‘standard definition’ of the role of a [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) or [delegate](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subservantsdelegates#sub-servants-and-delegates) with regard to the kinds of issues referred to above
- every [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) should define their preferences in terms of how the appointment of a [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) or [delegate](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subservantsdelegates#sub-servants-and-delegates) operates

### A Special Word About California

**California** is the only one of the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa) that says anything about liability of a [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) in its [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons).

[§4205](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4205.html) assigns responsibility for the actions of a [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent)[^11] to the [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) who appointed them, by providing:-

*"An attorney-in-fact may revocably delegate authority to perform mechanical acts to one or more persons qualified to exercise the authority delegated.*

*(b) The attorney-in-fact making a delegation remains responsible to the principal for the exercise or nonexercise of the delegated authority."*

Notably in **California**, [§4101](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4101.html) identifies non-variable provisions in the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) and [§4101](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4101.html) does not exclude from potential variation the effect of [§4205](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4205.html) (*which deals with appointment of [sub-agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent)*) seemingly leaving open the possibility that a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) may define liability for the actions of a [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent)[^12] however they see fit, which seems correct given the use of the term “default rule” in the extract below.

> **More Insight About California**
> 
> The following extract from the [1994 California Law Revision Commission Report](http://www.clrc.ca.gov/pub/Printed-Reports/Pub181.pdf) which led to enactment of [Division 4.5 of the Probate Code](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayexpandedbranch.xhtml?tocCode=PROB&division=4.5.&title=&part=&chapter=&article=&nodetreepath=6) is informative, speaking of law as it was prior to the amendments and proposed changes (footnotes are in brackets):
> 
> *"Existing law is unclear on the extent to which an… [agent] may delegate authority under a power of attorney for property. The Power of Attorney statutes are silent on the matter, but the general agency statutes permit delegation (1) if the act is “purely mechanical,” (2) if the act cannot be performed by the… [agent] but can be by the subagent, (3) if it is the “usage of the place” to delegate the authority, or (4) if the delegation is authorized by the principal. (Civ. Code § 2349) Under these general rules, a subagent is not responsible to the principal, nor is the original… [agent] responsible to third persons for the acts of a “lawfully appointed” subagent. (Civ. Code §§ 2022, 2350, 2351; see also Civ. Code § 2400.5, proxy given by agent to exercise stock voting rights). The language of these sections seems more appropriate to business agencies than to the type of Power of Attorney prepared by an individual to manage private affairs.*
> 
> *As the default rule, the proposed law permits delegation of mechanical acts. However, unlike the general agency rule, the original… [agent] remains responsible to the principal for the exercise of the authority delegated.*"

## A Workaround For Florida

In **Florida** appointing [sub-agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) is [not permitted](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#a-workaround-for-florida), if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) is a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^13] (see [§709.2114(b)](https://codes.findlaw.com/fl/title-xl-real-and-personal-property/fl-st-sect-709-2114.html)).

For a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) in **Florida** [creating](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a Power of Attorney for a person not [excluded](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) from the ambit of the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons), who might contemplate authorizing the appointment of [sub-agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) but for [§709.2114(b)](https://codes.findlaw.com/fl/title-xl-real-and-personal-property/fl-st-sect-709-2114.html), there may be a partial solution achieved by:-

- appointing an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) with authority to perform the same [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) as all of the other [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal)
- recording a [direction](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/directionwhatis#a-direction-regulates-the-core-terms-of-a-power-of-attorney) or other terms, limiting the entitlement of that [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to perform the authorized [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) other than where they are acting under direction of another [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal), requiring the [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to comply with these terms etc.

For someone in **Florida** who needs to ensure an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) can arrange someone else to perform a [task](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) they are otherwise authorized to perform, this may be some sort of solution, if a lawyer agrees.

## *Powers of Attorney* for Commercial Entities & Excluded Purposes

As a matter of principle, there is nothing to prevent the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) in respect of a *Power of Attorney* for a [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) or a *Power of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) for a purpose [excluded](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) from the ambit of the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) from including authority to appoint [sub-agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent).

## What Is A Sub-Agent

- [An **agent or successor agent may** be authorized to **appoint sub-agents**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent)
- [**Authorizing the appointment of sub-agents** has advantages](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#authorizing-sub-agents-has-advantages)
- [**Considerations** relating to sub-agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#considerations-relating-to-sub-agents)
- [**Extracts** from the ***Third Restatement of the Law of Agency*** about sub-agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#third-restatement-of-the-law-agency-2006)
- [Sub-agents, **sub-servants, delegates and liability for actions**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#sub-agents-sub-servants-delegates-liability-for-actions)
- [A workaround for **Florida**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#a-workaround-for-florida)

[^1]: Being not a *Power 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]: Ibid.
[^3]: Ibid.
[^4]: Ibid.
[^5]: Ibid.
[^6]: Ibid.
[^7]: See [§709.2114(b)](https://codes.findlaw.com/fl/title-xl-real-and-personal-property/fl-st-sect-709-2114.html)).
[^8]: see [§751.031(b)(5)](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-031.html)) **TX** and [§5602(b)](https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-20-pacsa-decedents-estates-and-fiduciaries/pa-csa-sect-20-5602.html) **PA**)
[^9]: Being not a *Power 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.
[^10]: Ibid.
[^11]: Under a *Power of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) that is not 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.
[^12]: Ibid.
[^13]: Being a restriction which only applies to *Powers of Attorney* that are not 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.