What is a person called who has authority under a power of attorney?

The individual who has authority under a power of attorney is referred to as the attorney in fact. This person is granted the legal authority to act on behalf of another individual, known as the principal, in specified matters, typically financial or medical decisions. The attorney in fact can make decisions, sign documents, and perform actions that the principal would otherwise be able to execute themselves.

The power of attorney document outlines the extent of this authority, and it is essential for the attorney in fact to act in the best interest of the principal. This role requires a significant level of trust, as the attorney in fact is entrusted with important decisions that can greatly impact the principal's well-being or financial status.

Other terms, such as principal and grantor, refer to different roles in this context. The principal is the person who grants the authority and thus has the power of attorney created in their name. Conversely, a grantor usually refers to someone who transfers property rights in contexts such as estate planning or trusts. A trustee, on the other hand, is someone who holds and manages property or assets for the benefit of another, typically in the context of a trust, and does not relate to powers of attorney.