What document authorizes a person to act as an agent for another in specific matters?

The document that authorizes a person to act as an agent for another in specific matters is known as a power of attorney. This legal instrument gives someone the authority to make decisions and take actions on behalf of another person, often in financial or legal matters. It is especially important in scenarios where the principal (the person granting the authority) may not be able to act for themselves due to absence, illness, or incapacity.

The power of attorney can be tailored to specific tasks or can be general, allowing the agent to act in a wider range of circumstances. The function of this document underscores the legal relationship between the principal and the agent, establishing trust and ensuring that the agent acts in the best interest of the principal.

In contrast, plottage refers to the added value that results from combining adjacent lots of land into a larger parcel, which does not relate to the authority of an agent. Prepaid items denote expenses paid in advance, typically in the context of real estate transactions, rather than the authorization of agency. The term principal, while relevant in discussing agency relationships, refers to the person who grants authority rather than the document that grants that authority.