general power of attorney

: an instrument containing an authorization for one to act as the agent of the principal that terminates especially upon revocation by the principal or death of the principal or agent — called also letter of attorney

— durable power of attorney
: a power of attorney that becomes effective immediately and is not affected by the principal's subsequent incapacity or that becomes effective only upon the principal's incapacity

— general power of attorney
: a power of attorney authorizing the agent to carry on business or an enterprise for the principal — compare special power of attorney in this entry

— health care power of attorney
: a power of attorney authorizing an agent to make health care decisions in the event of incapacity — called also medical power of attorney

— irrevocable power of attorney
: a power of attorney that cannot be revoked by the principal

— special power of attorney
: a power of attorney authorizing the agent to carry out a particular business transaction for the principal

— springing power of attorney
: a power of attorney that comes into effect only upon the occurrence of a specified condition (as the incapacity of the principal)