Which term describes the instrument that authorizes someone to act as another's agent?

• A. Client Intake Interview.
• B. Lexis.
• C. Presentation application.
• D. Power of Attorney.

Answer: (D)

Power of attorney is the instrument that authorizes someone to act as another's agent. In this setup, the person who signs is the principal, and they name an agent (the attorney-in-fact) to handle specified tasks on the principal’s behalf, such as managing finances or making healthcare decisions. The document defines the scope of authority and can be broad or limited, and it may be durable (continuing if the principal becomes incapacitated) or springing (taking effect only under certain conditions). This concept stands apart from a client intake interview, which is a process to gather information from a potential client; Lexis, a legal research database; and a presentation application, software for creating slides. When you need someone to act for you in legal or financial matters, the appropriate instrument is a power of attorney.