what is an "attorney-in-fact"? How does this differ from an attorney.?

Answer 1

attorney in fact is an agent (a fiduciary) for the principal. if there's a contract between the two, the contract is a separate issue from the power of attorney itself.

an attorney is actually licensed to practice law in a specific jurisdiction.

Answer 2

attorney-in-fact n. someone specifically named by another through a written "power of attorney" to act for that person in the conduct of the appointer's business. In a "general power of attorney" the attorney-in-fact can conduct all business or sign any document, and in a "special power of attorney" he/she can only sign documents or act in relation to special identified matters. Too often people sign themselves as attorney-in-fact for relatives or associates without any power of attorney. If someone claims to be able to sign for another, a demand to see the written power of attorney is reasonable and necessary. In real estate matters the power of attorney must be formally acknowledged before a notary public so that it can be recorded along with the real estate deed, deed of trust, mortgage, or other document.

Answer 3

Power of attorney. This allows someone to act as your agent and representative and to sign documents on your behalf.

But unless they are licensed to practice law, they are not an attorney at law. So there are merely an attorney-in-fact (de facto).

Answer 4

Attorney-in-fact, in layman's term is simply a representative of a busy person or unknowledgeable person to transact on his behalf. the former needs not to be a real attorney - a person who took a Law college degree in school.

Answer 5

Everyone here basically told you already.. Meanwhile, I hope you can be more specific about "Attorney-in-fact" because I have the very same question... I want to be one for my mom.

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