Learn about the power of attorney

A power of attorney document allows someone that you select (your “attorney-in-fact” or “agent”) to act on your behalf in financial matters.

It is common for a deploying servicemember to sign a power of attorney document that assigns a family member or friend as servicemember's attorney-in-fact. When a person acts as your attorney-in-fact, that person can do financial business as though he or she is you. For example, your attorney-in-fact might buy a car or house in your name or might withdraw money from your bank accounts.

The decisions your attorney-in-fact make on your behalf can affect your financial future, including your eligibility for employment, housing, and credit. It can also affect your military career, including your eligibility for security clearance.

Limiting the power of attorney

You should consider how responsible and trustworthy someone is before making that person your attorney-in-fact. Talk to your lawyer about the different ways you can limit your power of attorney document to protect yourself and do not sign the document until you understand it completely.

Revoking the power of attorney

When you no longer need an attorney-in-fact, for example, after returning from deployment, you can revoke the power of attorney.

To revoke the power of attorney, notify your attorney-in-fact in writing that the power has been revoked, and ask your attorney-in-fact to return any copies of the power of attorney document to you. You should also send written notification to any business or person that may have received a copy of the document, telling them that you have revoked the power of attorney.

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