+16 Power Attorney Meaning References. A legal document that allows you to appoint a person. A power of attorney (poa) or letter of attorney is a written authorization to represent or act on another's behalf in private affairs, business, or some other legal matter.

A special power of attorney limits the authority so that the person acting on another’s behalf can only do so in specific situations. The person who is giving his or her power is known as the principal, the grantor or the donor. The party or individual who endorses the poa is referred to as the principal while the party to whom the authority is given is.