attorney in fact or attorney-in-fact, which is correct spelling

by Anita Yundt 6 min read

The proper spelling is “attorney”. When you search in the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the term “attorny” is not found. Attorneys or attornies Many wonder which is the correct spelling: “attorneys” or “attornies”? The right spelling is “attorneys”.

An attorney-in-fact is a person who is authorized to act on behalf of another person, usually to perform business or other official transactions. The person represented usually designates someone as their attorney-in-fact by assigning power of attorney. An attorney-in-fact is not necessarily a lawyer.

Full Answer

What is the legal definition of an attorney in fact?

Legal Definition of attorney-in-fact. : an attorney who may or may not be a lawyer who is given written authority to act on another's behalf especially …

What is an attorney in fact power of attorney?

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 ...

What is attorneys-in-fact?

Nov 29, 2020 · The attorney in fact is a person nominated or appointed to act on your behalf during your lifetime under a power of attorney. For instance, if you name someone as your “attorney in fact” under a durable power of attorney, you are essentially giving the rights and powers to that person to make decisions on your behalf.

How do I designate an attorney in fact?

May 20, 2014 · The document is called a Power of Attorney, and the person named to make decisions on your behalf is called an “Attorney-in-Fact” (otherwise known as an Agent). If being precise is more important to you than being understood, use the phrase “attorney-in-fact” at your next social gathering; not only will people not understand you, they will likely find you obnoxious.

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How do you spell attorney-in-fact?

An attorney in fact is 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.

What is the difference between attorney and attorney-in-fact?

An attorney in fact is an agent who is authorized to act on behalf of another person but isn't necessarily authorized to practice law. An attorney at law is a lawyer who has been legally qualified to prosecute and defend actions before a court of law.

How do you abbreviate attorney-in-fact?

AIF. Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Medical, Legal, Financial, Encyclopedia.

How do you write attorney in a sentence?

Attorney sentence exampleUnfortunately, my attorney thinks they have a pretty good case. ... The young attorney was always well prepared, and the police appreciated how tenaciously he pursued his cases. ... I'll keep my mouth shut and my attorney thinks in time it will all go away.More items...

What is the plural of attorney-in-fact?

The plural form of attorney-in-fact is attorneys-in-fact.

Is durable power of attorney the same as attorney-in-fact?

If you have executed a Durable Power of Attorney, then you have signed a document appointing a person to make financial decisions on your behalf. The document is called a Power of Attorney, and the person named to make decisions on your behalf is called an “Attorney-in-Fact” (otherwise known as an Agent).May 20, 2014

How do you spell attorney plural?

attorney. noun.at·​tor·​ney | \ ə-ˈtər-nē \plural attorneys.attorney. noun.at·​tor·​ney | \ ə-ˈtər-nē \plural attorneys.

How do we pronounce attorney?

0:010:27How to Pronounce Attorney? (CORRECTLY) Meaning ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAttorney attorney at danny.MoreAttorney attorney at danny.

Is attorney a proper noun?

However, it is capitalized when used as part of a name or precedes a name since it becomes a proper noun. An example of this is”Please excuse Lawyer Smith” because in this case, it becomes part of the proper noun. The same goes for any related words to a lawyer such as “Esquire,” “Justice,” “Attorney,” “Judge,” etc.Mar 11, 2021

Definition of Attorney-In-Fact

  • Noun 1. A person designated by a power of attorney document to act on behalf of the authorizer outside of court.
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What Is An Attorney-In-Fact

  • An attorney-in-fact is a person authorized to conduct transactions, or to handle other matters, on behalf of another person. The person naming someone else to act as an agent on his behalf, referred to as the “principal,” not only names his attorney-in-fact in a power of attorney document, but also specifies the scope of authority the agent has. An attorney-in-fact can be given authorit…
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Duties of An Attorney-In-Fact

  • The duties of an attorney-in-fact vary, depending on the specifics of the power of attorney document. Most commonly, duties of an attorney-in-fact entail taking care of the principal’s financial affairs. In the case of a broad power of attorney document, such duties may allow the attorney-in-fact to step into the role of the principal to undertake whatever banking, investment, …
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Liability of Attorney-In-Fact

  • An attorney-in-fact can be held liable if he willfully acts in a manner that is not in the best interest of the principal. He may also be held liable if he acts with gross negligence, causing damages to the principal. In either case, the principal may seek payment by filing a civil lawsuitagainst the attorney-in-fact. In a case where the attorney-in-fact acts deliberately to defraud or otherwise har…
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Qualifications of An Attorney-In-Fact

  • In most jurisdictions, there are no required qualifications of an attorney-in-fact. The designated individual must be of legal age, and be capable of performing the duties specified in the power of attorney. While it is common for people to name an attorney as their attorney-in-fact, it is by no means required. In fact, as an estate planning tool, many people name relatives or close friends …
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Reasons For Designating An Attorney-In-Fact

  • One of the most common reasons for designating an attorney-in-fact is to enable someone trustworthy to handle the principal’s affairs should he become incapacitated due to illness or injury. A power of attorney for this purpose specifies that the attorney-in-fact’s powers become effective only when the principal becomes incapacitated. An individual may also choose to desi…
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What Is A Healthcare Attorney-In-Fact

  • While a general power of attorney gives a named attorney-in-fact authority to transact business on the principal’s behalf, a healthcare power of attorney gives an attorney-in-fact authority to make medical decisions. It is possible to include such a section in a general power of attorney, but it is highly recommended that a healthcare power of attorney be created as a separate document alt…
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Real Life Attorney-In-Fact Abuse of Powers

  • In 1997, Viola and Clyde Copas signed a power of attorney appointing their son, “RC,” as attorney-in-fact, and giving him unrestricted authority to act on their behalf. Clyde passed away in 1998, Viola passed away in 2005. Immediately following his mother’s death, RC was appointed the Personal Representative of the estate. RC’s two siblings found that, as attorney-in-fact and exec…
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Related Legal Terms and Issues

  1. Authority– The right or power to make decisions, to give orders, or to control something or someone.
  2. Civil Lawsuit– A lawsuit brought about in court when one person claims to have suffered a loss due to the actions of another person.
  3. Fiduciary– A person to whom power, property, or assets have been entrusted for the benefit …
  1. Authority– The right or power to make decisions, to give orders, or to control something or someone.
  2. Civil Lawsuit– A lawsuit brought about in court when one person claims to have suffered a loss due to the actions of another person.
  3. Fiduciary– A person to whom power, property, or assets have been entrusted for the benefit of another.
  4. Incapacitated– To be unable to act or respond.