Attorney-in-fact
Definition
An agent authorized to act on behalf of another person, but not necessarily authorized to practice law, e.g. a person authorized to act by a power of attorney. An attorney in fact is a fiduciary. Also known as attorney in fact or private attorney.
For example, Person A might give a power of attorney to Person B that allows Person B to manage Person A's bank accounts. In this example, Person A is the principal, and Person B is the attorney-in-fact.
Illustrative caselaw
See, e.g. Sperry v. State of Fla. ex. rel Florida Bar, 373 U.S. 379 (1963).
See also
Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary
A person named in a written power of attorney document to act on behalf of the person who signs the document, called the principal. The attorney-in-fact's power and responsibilities depend on the specific powers granted in the power of attorney document. An attorney-in-fact is an agent of the principal.
Definition provided by Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary.
August 19, 2010, 5:11 pm
