A power of attorney is a document that authorizes one person to appoint another as their agent to perform specified acts or handle their affairs. The person to whom a power of attorney is given is referred to as an attorney-in-fact or agent.
Specific vs General. If the power entrusted is for a specific purpose or task, i.e., conveying a piece of property, it is known as a specific, special, or limited power of attorney. If the power conveys broad general powers to an agent, it is known as a general or full power of attorney. While the specific power of attorney ends when the agent's task is completed, a general power of attorney ends when the principal dies or cancels it by issuing a notice to his agent.
Durable Power of Attorney. A durable power of attorney allows someone to make decisions on the principal's behalf even if the principal becomes incapacitated. It is often used as an estate planning tool. A nondurable power of attorney automatically ends if the grantor loses mental capacity or is otherwise incapacitated.
Proxy. A proxy is a specific power of attorney that allows one person to act on another person's behalf at membership meetings, e.g., to vote. The person receiving the proxy is called a proxyholder. As required by the Davis-Stirling Act, the proxyholder must be a member of the association. (Civ. Code § 5130(a)(1))
Board Candidate. A power of attorney does not affect the holder's ownership status; the holder does not suddenly become an owner with a power of attorney. To serve on the board, a candidate must be an owner on title to the property in the association, not the holder of a power of attorney.
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