A template general (ordinary) power of attorney, by which a person (the "Donor") appoints an attorney to handle their general legal and financial affairs, made under section 10 of the Powers of Attorney Act 1971 in England & Wales.
⚠️ A general power of attorney ENDS if the Donor loses mental capacity. An ordinary power of attorney is automatically revoked if the Donor becomes mentally incapable. So it is only suitable for short-term or specific use while the Donor still has capacity (for example, while abroad, or to complete a transaction). If you want someone to manage your affairs if you lose capacity, you need a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, which must be made while you still have capacity and registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. If capacity has already been lost, an LPA is no longer available; the usual route is an application to the Court of Protection for a deputyship order. Do not use this template as a substitute for an LPA.
How to use this template - Replace every
[SQUARE-BRACKET]field before use. - Section 10 form: a general power of attorney under section 10 of the Powers of Attorney Act 1971 should use the prescribed statutory form (Schedule 1 to the Act) or a form to the like effect. This template uses bespoke wording; have a solicitor confirm it achieves the intended statutory effect before use. - It must be executed as a deed. - You can make the power general (all affairs the law allows) or limit it to specific matters/time, complete clause 2 accordingly. - Have a solicitor review before use.
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THIS GENERAL POWER OF ATTORNEY is made as a deed on [DATE]
1. Appointment. I, [DONOR NAME] of [ADDRESS] (the "Donor"), appoint [ATTORNEY NAME] of [ADDRESS] (the "Attorney") to be my attorney in accordance with section 10 of the Powers of Attorney Act 1971.
2. Scope of authority. The Attorney may [act generally on my behalf in relation to all of my affairs that an attorney can lawfully do under a general power / act on my behalf only in relation to the following matters: [SPECIFY], and only for the period from [DATE] to [DATE]].
3. Duration. This power takes effect on [DATE] and continues until revoked by me or otherwise ended by law. It will end automatically if I lose mental capacity.
4. Attorney's duties. The Attorney will act in good faith and in my best interests, keep my money and property separate from their own, and keep records.
5. Third parties. Any person dealing with the Attorney may rely on this power as continuing in force unless they have notice of its revocation.
Execution
Executed as a deed by [DONOR NAME] in the presence of: Signature of Donor: __________________ Witness name: [NAME] · Witness address: [ADDRESS] · Witness signature: __________________ Date: [DATE]
--- This template is general information about the law of England & Wales as at 2026, not legal advice. It cannot be used to manage your affairs after you lose capacity, for that you need a Lasting Power of Attorney. Have a qualified solicitor review before use. Governing law: England & Wales.