Create General Power of Attorney in Chennai

Grant legal authority to someone you trust with a personalized power of attorney document. This highly customizable form allows you to specify the powers granted, whether it’s for financial, legal, or medical purposes. You can preview the document in real-time and download it for free, ensuring it meets your exact requirements.

Please provide mandatory details like your name, address, etc. to download your personalized general power of attorney.

Document last updated on: 25/04/2025



Frequently asked questions


A General Power of Attorney (GPA) is a legal document that grants one person (the agent) the authority to act and make decisions on behalf of another person (the principal) in a broad range of legal, financial, and health matters.

Any adult individual, including professionals such as attorneys or accountants, can be appointed as an agent. However, no person not of the age of majority and with a sound mind can become an agent responsible to the principal.

A GPA typically grants broad powers to the agent, including managing finances, signing documents, handling bank transactions, buying or selling or managing property, and making legal decisions on behalf of the principal. The agent is empowered to undertake almost any action the principal could perform.

A GPA grants the agent authority to act on a wide range of matters, whereas a Specific Power of Attorney grants authority for a particular task or limited scope of activities, such as selling a specific property.

No, a GPA generally becomes void if the principal becomes incapacitated or dies.

Yes, the principal can still act independently after granting a Power of Attorney. Assigning someone a Power of Attorney does not restrict the principal from making decisions or handling his affairs. If there is a disagreement between the principal and the agent, the former’s decision takes precedence.

The principal can revoke a GPA anytime, provided he is of sound mind and competent. Some of the conditions for revocation are (under Section 201 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872):
  • If the principal revokes the Power of Attorney granted to the agent.
  • If the principal or the Power of Attorney holder or both become unsound of mind, die, or/are adjudicated as insolvent by the court.
  • If the Power of Attorney holder renounces his powers.
  • If the business for which the Power of Attorney was granted gets completed.
The revocation should be in writing, and it is advisable to notify the agent and any institutions or individuals relying on the GPA.

A GPA must be registered at the Sub-Registrar Office (SRO) to be legally valid. Moreover, the GPA is not indefinitely valid. It is valid for the principal's lifetime and can be revoked within the owner's lifetime.

The GPA must be in writing, signed by the principal and the agent, attested by at least two witnesses, and notarized and registered. It is advisable to consult with a legal professional to ensure compliance with local laws.

A GPA typically does not cover medical decisions. A separate document, such as a Medical Power of Attorney or an Advance Healthcare Directive, is usually required for medical or healthcare decisions. The Medical Power of Attorney is not triggered until the grantor/principal is conscious and of sound mind and body.

A GPA remains in effect until the principal revokes it, the principal becomes incapacitated, or the principal dies. Additionally, the GPA may specify an expiration date. The enduring nature of GPA makes it suitable for long-term arrangements where the agent’s authority needs to be sustained over an extended period.

When choosing an agent, consider their trustworthiness, reliability, ability to handle financial and legal matters, and willingness to act in the principal’s best interests. It is also essential to have open communication about responsibilities and expectations.

Yes, multiple agents can be appointed. The GPA should specify whether the agents can act independently or must act jointly. It is essential to define their roles and responsibilities clearly to avoid conflicts.

The agent is responsible for acting in the principal's best interests, managing their affairs prudently, keeping accurate records, and avoiding conflicts of interest. The agent must also follow any instructions outlined in the GPA.

If an agent misuses their powers, they can be held legally accountable. The principal or their legal representative can revoke the GPA and take legal action under Section 406 of the Indian Penal Code for criminal breach of trust against the agent. The principal can also claim damages by a recovery suit for damages caused by the agent's actions.