A power of attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint a proxy to act on your behalf and in your stead. Whether you need help managing your finances, settling real estate matters or simply assisting with day-to-day tasks, a notarized Power of Attorney offers peace of mind by ensuring that your wishes are respected.
General or specific power of attorney: What's the difference?
LSA Notaire can help you draw up a power of attorney tailored to your specific needs. We offer two types of power of attorney:
Notarized general power of attorney
This power of attorney gives your proxy broad powers to act on your behalf in most legal matters, including managing your finances, selling real estate, signing contracts and representing you before the authorities.
Specific notarized power of attorney
This power of attorney limits the proxy’s powers to specific tasks, such as managing a bank account, selling a vehicle or representing the proxy at a specific meeting.
Why choose a notarized power of attorney?
There are several advantages to having a power of attorney notarized by LSA Notaire:
Enhanced authenticity
A notarized power of attorney is an authentic deed and has force of law upon its presentation. This makes it difficult to contest as its signing before a notary is legal proof of the engagement between you and your proxy. This allows the proxy to exercise the powers conferred to him without contest.
Sound legal advice
Added security
The original power of attorney is kept by the notary in a safe and secure place, minimizing the risk of loss and destruction.
When is a notarized general power of attorney useful?
A notarized general power of attorney is particularly recommended when you wish to entrust the management of all your affairs to a trustworthy person while you are competent, for example :
- On an extended trip
- In the event of physical disability or limitation
- Entrust the management of your finances to a professional
Specific power of attorney: For specific tasks
A specific power of attorney may be useful in the following situations:
- Sale of a property
- Signing a lease
- Managing a bank account
- Representation at a specific meeting
Power of attorney and mandate for protection: two distinct tools
It is important to distinguish between a power of attorney and a mandate of protection. A power of attorney is for a person of sound mind, while a mandate of protection is for a person who has lost his or her mental faculties. The power of attorney is valid only if you are fit and able to give your consent. In the event of legal incapacity, the power of attorney is automatically revoked and your mandate of protection comes into effect. This document, drawn up at a notary’s office, appoints a mandatary to manage your property and person in the event of incapacity. It’s possible to prepare the protection mandate and the general power of attorney under one single document and use them in a timely manner as the general power of attorney will cease to be valid once you’ve been declared incapable.
- Sale of a property
- Signing a lease
- Managing a bank account
- Representation at a specific meeting
Contact LSA Notaire in Laval to draw up your power of attorney
Our notaries in Laval can help you draw up a general or specific notarial power of attorney, taking into account your specific needs and wishes. Contact us for a free estimate and to arrange an appointment.
