{"id":4182,"date":"2026-09-14T08:58:43","date_gmt":"2026-09-14T06:58:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/notaiopadova.it\/notarial-power-of-attorney-what-it-is-how-it-works-when-it-is-needed-and-how-much-it-costs\/"},"modified":"2026-09-14T11:57:56","modified_gmt":"2026-09-14T09:57:56","slug":"notarial-power-of-attorney-what-it-is-how-it-works-when-it-is-needed-and-how-much-it-costs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/notaiopadova.it\/en\/notarial-power-of-attorney-what-it-is-how-it-works-when-it-is-needed-and-how-much-it-costs\/","title":{"rendered":"Notarial power of attorney: what it is, how it works, when it is needed and how much it costs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A power of attorney<\/strong> is a document by which a person, known as the principal, authorises another person, known as the attorney or representative, to act and sign in their name and on their behalf. It is required when it is not possible to be present in person to buy or sell a property, sign a mortgage agreement, take part in the administration of an estate, manage business affairs or carry out other acts for which the law requires either personal attendance or a written document drawn up before a notary.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From a legal point of view, a notarial power of attorney is a unilateral instrument by which the principal grants the attorney the power to act on their behalf in dealings with third parties. It does not require the attorney\u2019s formal acceptance: when the attorney performs an act within the limits of the powers conferred and declares that they are acting on behalf of the principal, the effects of the transaction are directly attributed to the principal.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Where the law requires the final deed to be drawn up as a notarial deed or an authenticated private document, the power of attorney must also be drawn up or authenticated by a notary.<\/em><\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><h2><strong>When is a notarised power of attorney required?<\/strong><\/h2><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A notarised <strong>power of attorney<\/strong> is required in various situations in everyday and professional life where a person is unable or unwilling to be present in person to sign a contract or a public document.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most common situations in which a power of attorney may be useful include:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>residence or relocation abroad:<\/strong> the transferor lives or works in another country and needs to carry out financial or property transactions in Italy without having to travel there;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>physical inability or hospitalisation<\/strong>: health reasons, hospital admissions or mobility difficulties prevent the person from physically attending the <strong>notary\u2019s office;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>work or personal commitments:<\/strong> the inability to attend on the scheduled date for the final conveyancing or the signing of a mortgage agreement;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>property and corporate transactions:<\/strong> the need to manage, remotely, the signing of preliminary contracts, sales agreements, deeds of gift, shareholders\u2019 meetings or mortgage discharge procedures.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<div style=\"width: 100%; overflow-x: auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;\">\r\n\r\n  <table style=\"width: 100%; min-width: 760px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px;\">\r\n    \r\n    <caption style=\"caption-side: top; text-align: left; font-weight: 700; font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.3; color: #1B3A5C; padding: 0 0 16px 0;\">\r\n      Summary table: when is a notarial power of attorney required?\r\n    <\/caption>\r\n\r\n    <thead>\r\n      <tr style=\"background-color: #1B3A5C; color: #ffffff;\">\r\n        <th scope=\"col\" style=\"width: 34%; padding: 12px 16px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\">\r\n          Situation or act to be carried out\r\n        <\/th>\r\n        <th scope=\"col\" style=\"width: 20%; padding: 12px 16px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\">\r\n          Is a power of attorney required?\r\n        <\/th>\r\n        <th scope=\"col\" style=\"width: 46%; padding: 12px 16px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\">\r\n          Type of power of attorney or notes\r\n        <\/th>\r\n      <\/tr>\r\n    <\/thead>\r\n\r\n    <tbody>\r\n\r\n      <tr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\">\r\n        <th scope=\"row\" style=\"padding: 12px 16px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; color: #1B3A5C; font-weight: 600; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\">\r\n          Sale of a property by a person residing abroad\r\n        <\/th>\r\n        <td style=\"padding: 12px 16px; vertical-align: top; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\">\r\n          <strong style=\"color: #1B3A5C;\">\u2713 Yes<\/strong>\r\n        <\/td>\r\n        <td style=\"padding: 12px 16px; vertical-align: top; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\">\r\n          Special notarial power of attorney or consular power of attorney\r\n        <\/td>\r\n      <\/tr>\r\n\r\n      <tr style=\"background-color: #f5f7fa;\">\r\n        <th scope=\"row\" style=\"padding: 12px 16px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; color: #1B3A5C; font-weight: 600; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\">\r\n          Inability to attend the execution of a real estate deed\r\n        <\/th>\r\n        <td style=\"padding: 12px 16px; vertical-align: top; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\">\r\n          <strong style=\"color: #1B3A5C;\">\u2713 Yes<\/strong>\r\n        <\/td>\r\n        <td style=\"padding: 12px 16px; vertical-align: top; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\">\r\n          Normally a special power of attorney; a general power of attorney may be used only if it expressly includes the necessary powers\r\n        <\/td>\r\n      <\/tr>\r\n\r\n      <tr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\">\r\n        <th scope=\"row\" style=\"padding: 12px 16px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; color: #1B3A5C; font-weight: 600; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\">\r\n          Execution of a mortgage loan agreement through a representative\r\n        <\/th>\r\n        <td style=\"padding: 12px 16px; vertical-align: top; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\">\r\n          <strong style=\"color: #1B3A5C;\">\u2713 Yes<\/strong>\r\n        <\/td>\r\n        <td style=\"padding: 12px 16px; vertical-align: top; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\">\r\n          Special notarial power of attorney\r\n        <\/td>\r\n      <\/tr>\r\n\r\n      <tr style=\"background-color: #f5f7fa;\">\r\n        <th scope=\"row\" style=\"padding: 12px 16px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; color: #1B3A5C; font-weight: 600; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\">\r\n          Acceptance or renunciation of an inheritance through a representative\r\n        <\/th>\r\n        <td style=\"padding: 12px 16px; vertical-align: top; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\">\r\n          <strong style=\"color: #1B3A5C;\">\u2713 Yes<\/strong>\r\n        <\/td>\r\n        <td style=\"padding: 12px 16px; vertical-align: top; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\">\r\n          Power of attorney complying with the formal requirements applicable to the act\r\n        <\/td>\r\n      <\/tr>\r\n\r\n      <tr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\">\r\n        <th scope=\"row\" style=\"padding: 12px 16px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; color: #1B3A5C; font-weight: 600; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\">\r\n          Making or amending a will\r\n        <\/th>\r\n        <td style=\"padding: 12px 16px; vertical-align: top; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\">\r\n          <strong style=\"color: #E8472A;\">\u2717 No<\/strong>\r\n        <\/td>\r\n        <td style=\"padding: 12px 16px; vertical-align: top; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\">\r\n          Strictly personal act that cannot be delegated\r\n        <\/td>\r\n      <\/tr>\r\n\r\n      <tr style=\"background-color: #f5f7fa;\">\r\n        <th scope=\"row\" style=\"padding: 12px 16px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; color: #1B3A5C; font-weight: 600; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\">\r\n          Celebration of marriage\r\n        <\/th>\r\n        <td style=\"padding: 12px 16px; vertical-align: top; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\">\r\n          <strong style=\"font-weight: 600;\">Only in cases provided for by law<\/strong>\r\n        <\/td>\r\n        <td style=\"padding: 12px 16px; vertical-align: top; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\">\r\n          Marriage by proxy is permitted only in the circumstances provided for by law\r\n        <\/td>\r\n      <\/tr>\r\n\r\n      <tr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\">\r\n        <th scope=\"row\" style=\"padding: 12px 16px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; color: #1B3A5C; font-weight: 600; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\">\r\n          Execution of Advance Healthcare Directives (DAT)\r\n        <\/th>\r\n        <td style=\"padding: 12px 16px; vertical-align: top; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\">\r\n          <strong style=\"color: #E8472A;\">\u2717 No<\/strong>\r\n        <\/td>\r\n        <td style=\"padding: 12px 16px; vertical-align: top; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\">\r\n          Strictly personal act that cannot be delegated\r\n        <\/td>\r\n      <\/tr>\r\n\r\n      <tr style=\"background-color: #f5f7fa;\">\r\n        <th scope=\"row\" style=\"padding: 12px 16px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; color: #1B3A5C; font-weight: 600; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\">\r\n          Donation through a representative\r\n        <\/th>\r\n        <td style=\"padding: 12px 16px; vertical-align: top; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\">\r\n          <strong style=\"color: #1B3A5C;\">\u2713 Yes<\/strong>\r\n        <\/td>\r\n        <td style=\"padding: 12px 16px; vertical-align: top; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\">\r\n          Special notarial power of attorney specifying the donee and the assets to be donated\r\n        <\/td>\r\n      <\/tr>\r\n\r\n    <\/tbody>\r\n  <\/table>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><h2><strong>Who can be appointed as an attorney?<\/strong><\/h2><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The law allows<strong> considerable freedom<\/strong> in choosing the person to whom to grant the power to act on one\u2019s behalf. The person granting the power of attorney (the principal) may appoint a trusted individual as their attorney, provided that the attorney meets <strong>the requirements laid down by law.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A proxy may be, for example:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>a family member, such as a child, spouse, parent or sibling;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a trusted professional, such as a solicitor, an accountant or a consultant;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a partner or associate, for the purpose of carrying out business activities;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>another trusted person deemed suitable to represent the contributor\u2019s interests.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The choice must fall on a trustworthy person, as the acts carried out by the attorney-in-fact, within the limits of the powers conferred, have direct legal consequences for the principal. The notary also verifies that the power of attorney complies with the law and that the powers conferred are correctly specified.<\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><h2>Requirements for a solicitor<\/h2><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is important to distinguish between the <strong>requirements<\/strong> placed on the grantor, that is, the person granting <strong>the power of attorney<\/strong>, and those placed on the attorney, that is, the person receiving it.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The person granting the power of attorney must have the legal capacity to act and, therefore, be of legal age (except in specific cases provided for by law) and capable of understanding the meaning and consequences of the document they are signing.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The attorney, on the other hand, pursuant to Article 1389 of the Civil Code, must possess the capacity to understand and act in relation to the act to be performed. It is also possible to appoint more than one attorney in the same instrument, specifying whether they may act separately (each independently) or jointly (with the involvement of all).<\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><h2>What can and cannot the prosecutor do?<\/h2><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A power of attorney does not transfer ownership of assets nor does it confer unlimited power over the principal\u2019s assets. The attorney-in-fact may only carry out acts that fall within the scope of the powers expressly conferred in the notarial deed.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><h3>What can the prosecutor do within the limits of their jurisdiction?<\/h3><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Depending on the content of the document drawn up by the notary, the attorney may:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>to carry out transactions relating to immovable property<\/strong>: to buy, sell, exchange or let immovable property;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>carry out financial transactions:<\/strong> enter into loan agreements, withdraw funds, collect receivables and carry out transactions on current accounts, where expressly authorised to do so;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>sign business contracts<\/strong>: represent the company, enter into contracts with suppliers and customers, or file documents with the Companies Register. For further information on corporate transactions and services for businesses, please refer to the section on corporate services.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>to carry out specific acts relating to succession:<\/strong> to accept or renounce an inheritance, or to take part in the division of an estate, where representation is permitted and the power of attorney is in the form required for the act. For further information on the formalities relating to succession, wills and deeds of gift, please consult the section dedicated to notarial services for succession and gifts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><h3>What the prosecutor cannot do<\/h3><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are specific limits laid down by law and by the public prosecutor\u2019s office itself which the public prosecutor may not exceed.<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>acts which, by law, must be carried out in person:<\/strong> it is not possible to grant a power of attorney to draw up or amend a will, sign an Advance Healthcare Directive (AHD) or recognise a child born out of wedlock;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>acts not covered by the powers conferred:<\/strong> the attorney-in-fact may not perform acts other than those specified in the power of attorney. If the limits set are exceeded, the act is ineffective vis-\u00e0-vis the principal, unless subsequently ratified;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>acts of extraordinary administration not expressly authorised:<\/strong> even where a general power of attorney exists, the attorney may not sell property, create mortgages, make donations or carry out other acts of extraordinary administration unless such powers are expressly set out in the instrument.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><h2>Types of power of attorney: differences between general and special powers of attorney<\/h2><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The law provides for various <strong>types of power of attorney<\/strong> depending on their duration, subject matter and the scope of the powers granted to the representative. The main distinction is between a <strong>general power of attorney and a special power of attorney.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><h3>The Special Prosecutor\u2019s Office<\/h3><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A special power<\/strong> of attorney grants the representative the authority to carry out one or more specific legal acts that are expressly identified. This particular type of power of attorney is limited to the specific matter in question and normally ceases to have effect once all the specifically authorised acts have been carried out.<strong> For acts of extraordinary administration<\/strong> (such as the sale of a house), the special power of attorney must specify in detail the type of transaction to be entered into.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Practical example:<\/strong> <strong>a power of attorney to sell a specific property<\/strong>, identified by its relevant details, is a typical special power of attorney and ceases to be valid once the transaction for which it was granted has been completed.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><h3>The Attorney General\u2019s Office<\/h3><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A general power of attorney allows the attorney to handle a wide range of matters, but general terms are not normally sufficient to authorise acts of extraordinary administration. The sale of property, the creation of mortgages, donations and other particularly significant acts must therefore be expressly provided for and described in the text of the power of attorney, clearly indicating the authority to carry out acts of extraordinary administration as well.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Practical example:<\/strong> a power of attorney issued by an elderly person who entrusts their son with the day-to-day management of all their property, the signing of correspondence and the handling of dealings with financial institutions is a general power of attorney.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><h3>General power of attorney and power of attorney for litigation<\/h3><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to general and special powers of attorney, there are forms of representation governed by specific regulations:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>power of attorney for an agent:<\/strong> this relates to the appointment of an agent, that is, the person appointed by the business owner to manage the business, a branch office or a business unit. To ensure that any restrictions on the agent\u2019s powers are made known to third parties, specific formalities must be completed with the Companies Register;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>power of attorney for litigation:<\/strong> this is the document by which a party grants a solicitor the authority to represent and defend them in court, in accordance with the procedures laid down by procedural law.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<div style=\"width: 100%; overflow-x: auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;\">\r\n\r\n  <table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px;\">\r\n\r\n    <caption style=\"caption-side: top; text-align: left; font-weight: 700; font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.3; color: #1B3A5C; padding: 0 0 16px 0;\">\r\n      Guide: how to choose the most suitable power of attorney\r\n    <\/caption>\r\n\r\n    <thead>\r\n      <tr style=\"background-color: #1B3A5C; color: #ffffff;\">\r\n        <th scope=\"col\" style=\"width: 50%; padding: 12px 16px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; overflow-wrap: break-word;\">\r\n          If the purpose is to&#8230;\r\n        <\/th>\r\n        <th scope=\"col\" style=\"width: 50%; padding: 12px 16px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; overflow-wrap: break-word;\">\r\n          The most suitable power of attorney is&#8230;\r\n        <\/th>\r\n      <\/tr>\r\n    <\/thead>\r\n\r\n    <tbody>\r\n\r\n      <tr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\">\r\n        <th scope=\"row\" style=\"padding: 12px 16px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; color: #1B3A5C; font-weight: 600; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; overflow-wrap: break-word;\">\r\n          Sell or purchase a specific property\r\n        <\/th>\r\n        <td style=\"padding: 12px 16px; vertical-align: top; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; overflow-wrap: break-word;\">\r\n          Special power of attorney\r\n        <\/td>\r\n      <\/tr>\r\n\r\n      <tr style=\"background-color: #f5f7fa;\">\r\n        <th scope=\"row\" style=\"padding: 12px 16px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; color: #1B3A5C; font-weight: 600; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; overflow-wrap: break-word;\">\r\n          Enter into a specific mortgage loan agreement\r\n        <\/th>\r\n        <td style=\"padding: 12px 16px; vertical-align: top; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; overflow-wrap: break-word;\">\r\n          Special power of attorney\r\n        <\/td>\r\n      <\/tr>\r\n\r\n      <tr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\">\r\n        <th scope=\"row\" style=\"padding: 12px 16px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; color: #1B3A5C; font-weight: 600; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; overflow-wrap: break-word;\">\r\n          Accept or renounce a specific inheritance\r\n        <\/th>\r\n        <td style=\"padding: 12px 16px; vertical-align: top; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; overflow-wrap: break-word;\">\r\n          Special power of attorney\r\n        <\/td>\r\n      <\/tr>\r\n\r\n      <tr style=\"background-color: #f5f7fa;\">\r\n        <th scope=\"row\" style=\"padding: 12px 16px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; color: #1B3A5C; font-weight: 600; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; overflow-wrap: break-word;\">\r\n          Manage a family member&#8217;s assets on an ongoing basis\r\n        <\/th>\r\n        <td style=\"padding: 12px 16px; vertical-align: top; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; overflow-wrap: break-word;\">\r\n          General power of attorney, with specific powers for extraordinary acts\r\n        <\/td>\r\n      <\/tr>\r\n\r\n      <tr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\">\r\n        <th scope=\"row\" style=\"padding: 12px 16px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; color: #1B3A5C; font-weight: 600; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; overflow-wrap: break-word;\">\r\n          Entrust the ongoing management of a business or a branch of a business\r\n        <\/th>\r\n        <td style=\"padding: 12px 16px; vertical-align: top; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; overflow-wrap: break-word;\">\r\n          General power of attorney or commercial power of attorney (institoria)\r\n        <\/td>\r\n      <\/tr>\r\n\r\n    <\/tbody>\r\n  <\/table>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><h2>Requirements for drawing up a power of attorney: age and legal capacity<\/h2><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In order to draw up <strong>a notarised power of attorney<\/strong>, the person granting the power of attorney must meet the legal requirements regarding legal capacity.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><h3>Legal age and legal capacity<\/h3><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The person granting the power of attorney must have legal capacity<\/strong> \u2014 as a general rule, therefore, they must be at least eighteen years of age, subject to the specific cases provided for by law \u2014 and possess full mental capacity at the time of signing. The notary is obliged to verify the legal capacity of the person granting the power of attorney before drawing up the deed:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Minors and persons under legal disability:<\/strong> they cannot grant a power of attorney on their own. Acts concerning them are carried out by their parents exercising parental responsibility or by their guardian, with the authorisation of the court in the cases provided for by law;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>support administration:<\/strong> a person subject to support administration may grant a power of attorney for acts not included amongst those reserved for the administrator under the appointment order;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Natural incapacity:<\/strong> the grantor must be capable of understanding the meaning and consequences of the power of attorney at the time of signing it. If the notary establishes that such capacity is lacking, they may not accept the document. Depending on the specific circumstances, it may be necessary to consider a protective measure, such as a guardianship arrangement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><h3>Documents for foreign nationals<\/h3><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Foreign nationals may also execute a notarised power of attorney in Italy. The documents required depend on the legal act to be carried out and normally include a valid identity document and, where required, an Italian tax code. For nationals of non-European Union countries, the notary also verifies, where applicable, the condition of reciprocity or the validity of their residence in Italy. If the person granting the power of attorney does not speak Italian, the deed must be drawn up in accordance with the specific formalities laid down by notarial law, with the assistance of an interpreter and witnesses where necessary. The check on reciprocity must be carried out on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the person\u2019s nationality and the legal act to be performed.<\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><h2>National power of attorney, foreign power of attorney and the difference between a power of attorney, a mandate and supported administration<\/h2><\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><h2>Domestic and overseas powers of attorney<\/h2><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the grantor is abroad, they do not need to return to Italy to issue the power of attorney. The rules vary depending on where the document is drawn up:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>power of attorney issued in Italy:<\/strong> if it is a public document or if the signature has been authenticated by an Italian notary, it is immediately valid throughout the country;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>consular power of attorney:<\/strong> Italian citizens abroad may, in countries and in cases where consular notarial services are available, apply to the Italian consular authority. The power of attorney is drawn up in Italian and does not require legalisation to be used in Italy;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A power of attorney issued before a foreign notary:<\/strong> in order to be used in Italy, it must comply with formal requirements compatible with the Italian legal system and be accompanied, where necessary, by an Apostille or legalisation and by an official translation into Italian. The requirements vary depending on the country in which the power of attorney is drawn up and the applicable international conventions; it is therefore advisable to submit the text to the Italian notary who will be using it before it is signed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><h3>The difference between a power of attorney, a mandate and a support administration order<\/h3><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A power of attorney and a mandate are not equivalent instruments. A mandate is a contract whereby a person undertakes to perform one or more acts on behalf of another; a power of attorney, on the other hand, confers the power to represent that person in dealings with third parties. The two instruments may be used together or separately, depending on the transaction to be carried out. However, when a person is unable to look after their own interests, the appropriate instrument is not a power of attorney but a protective measure ordered by a court: as a rule, guardianship, following an application to the Guardianship Court, and only in the most serious cases, legal incapacitation or disqualification. Finally, personal attendance remains mandatory by law for acts of a strictly personal nature, for which no form of delegation or representation is permitted.<\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><h2>Form of the power of attorney and when a notary\u2019s involvement is required<\/h2><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The form of the power of attorney<\/strong> is determined by the nature of the contract that the attorney-in-fact is required to sign. Pursuant to Article 1392 of the Civil Code, a power of attorney is not valid unless it is granted in the form prescribed for the act to be performed.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The involvement of a notary is mandatory when the final deed requires a public deed or <strong>an authenticated private deed<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Property transactions and deeds<\/strong>: the signing of a power of attorney to buy or sell a property, make a gift or take out a mortgage must take place before a notary;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>power of attorney:<\/strong> this is normally drawn up by a notary in a form appropriate to the acts which the attorney-in-fact will be authorised to perform. If it includes powers relating to acts that require a public deed or an authenticated private document, the power of attorney must also comply with the form prescribed by law;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Power of attorney for making a gift:<\/strong> this requires the presence of witnesses and a detailed description of the donee and the assets. The choice of donee or the subject matter of the gift cannot, in fact, be left to the attorney-in-fact (Article 778 of the Civil Code)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><h2>What do you need to draw up a power of attorney? Documents, timeframes and costs<\/h2><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To have <strong>a power of attorney drawn<\/strong> up at a<strong> notary\u2019s office<\/strong>, you must provide the necessary documentation.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><h3>Checklist: what you need to draw up a power of attorney<\/h3><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To start the process, you will normally need:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the donor\u2019s identity document and tax reference number;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the attorney\u2019s personal details and tax reference number;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>information and documents relating to the action to be taken;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>documentation relating to the property, the estate or the company, where applicable;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>any documents relating to civil status or matrimonial property regimes, if required for the transaction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><h3>Processing times<\/h3><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The processing time is generally short, but depends on the complexity of the powers to be granted and the completeness of the documentation. Once the text has been finalised, only the grantor needs to be present at the signing; the attorney does not need to be present.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><h3>Notary fees<\/h3><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The cost of a notarised power of attorney is not fixed. It depends on the type of power of attorney, the scope of the powers granted, the complexity of the transaction and any formalities required. A special power of attorney relating to a single transaction is normally simpler in structure than a general power of attorney, which must cover a range of powers and situations. The cost may also be affected by the presence of witnesses or an interpreter, and by the use of the power of attorney abroad. The practice will provide a quote after examining the details of the case. For further information, please write directly to the notary\u2019s office.<\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><h2>Revocation of the power of attorney and grounds for termination<\/h2><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A power of attorney may be revoked by the principal, except in specific cases of irrevocability provided for by law. Where the power of attorney has been granted by a notarial deed, it is advisable to formalise the revocation before a notary, so as to document it with certainty and to enable any necessary formalities to be carried out. The revocation must also be notified to third parties by appropriate means: failing this, it cannot be invoked against anyone who has entered into a contract in good faith without being aware of it.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A power of attorney generally ceases to have effect in the following cases, subject to any exceptions provided for by law or in the terms of the document:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>completion of the act or transaction for which it was issued, in the case of a special power of attorney;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>expiry of any deadline;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the death or subsequent incapacity of the principal or the attorney, except in the specific cases provided for by law;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>revocation by the principal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><h2>FAQ \u2013 Frequently asked questions about notarised powers of attorney<\/h2><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-gutena-accordion gutena-accordion-block gutena-accordion-block-dce1e1-0a is-content-justification-center is-layout-constrained wp-container-gutena-accordion-is-layout-71302cc2 wp-block-gutena-accordion-is-layout-constrained\" data-single=\"false\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-gutena-accordion-panel gutena-accordion-block__panel\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-gutena-accordion-panel-title gutena-accordion-block__panel-title\"><div class=\"gutena-accordion-block__panel-title-inner\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px\"><h3>Can you grant a power of attorney to your son or your wife?<\/h3><\/h3>\n<div class=\"trigger-plus-minus\"><div class=\"horizontal\"><\/div><div class=\"vertical\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-gutena-accordion-panel-content gutena-accordion-block__panel-content\"><div class=\"gutena-accordion-block__panel-content-inner\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. Family members such as children, spouses or parents may be appointed as attorneys to carry out acts in the name and on behalf of the principal. No professional qualifications are required; it is sufficient for the attorney to have full mental capacity.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-gutena-accordion-panel gutena-accordion-block__panel\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-gutena-accordion-panel-title gutena-accordion-block__panel-title\"><div class=\"gutena-accordion-block__panel-title-inner\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px\"><h3>Can you draw up a power of attorney online?<\/h3><\/h3>\n<div class=\"trigger-plus-minus\"><div class=\"horizontal\"><\/div><div class=\"vertical\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-gutena-accordion-panel-content gutena-accordion-block__panel-content\"><div class=\"gutena-accordion-block__panel-content-inner\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">A power of attorney cannot be issued through a simple online procedure or by means of a signed form without the involvement of a notary. The notary must, in fact, identify the person granting the power of attorney, verify their legal capacity and ascertain their intention. Those residing abroad may, depending on the circumstances, contact the Italian consular authority or a local notary, whilst complying with the necessary formalities to ensure that the power of attorney can be used in Italy.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-gutena-accordion-panel gutena-accordion-block__panel\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-gutena-accordion-panel-title gutena-accordion-block__panel-title\"><div class=\"gutena-accordion-block__panel-title-inner\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px\"><h3>Is an Italian power of attorney valid abroad as well?<\/h3><\/h3>\n<div class=\"trigger-plus-minus\"><div class=\"horizontal\"><\/div><div class=\"vertical\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-gutena-accordion-panel-content gutena-accordion-block__panel-content\"><div class=\"gutena-accordion-block__panel-content-inner\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">A power of attorney drawn up in Italy can be used abroad, but it must comply with the formalities required by the country in which it is to be submitted. Depending on the country and the applicable international conventions, an Apostille or legalisation and an official translation may be required. Before issuing it, it is advisable to check with the Italian notary and with the foreign professional or authority that is to receive it as to what requirements must be met.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-gutena-accordion gutena-accordion-block gutena-accordion-block-f2a1c9-aa is-content-justification-center is-layout-constrained wp-container-gutena-accordion-is-layout-71302cc2 wp-block-gutena-accordion-is-layout-constrained\" data-single=\"false\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-gutena-accordion-panel gutena-accordion-block__panel\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-gutena-accordion-panel-title gutena-accordion-block__panel-title\"><div class=\"gutena-accordion-block__panel-title-inner\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px\"><h3>Does a power of attorney have an expiry date?<\/h3><\/h3>\n<div class=\"trigger-plus-minus\"><div class=\"horizontal\"><\/div><div class=\"vertical\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-gutena-accordion-panel-content gutena-accordion-block__panel-content\"><div class=\"gutena-accordion-block__panel-content-inner\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It depends on the terms of the document. A power of attorney may specify an expiry date or remain in force until the transaction for which it was granted has been completed, until it is revoked, or until some other cause for its termination arises. A special power of attorney normally ceases to have effect once all the specifically authorised acts have been carried out; a general power of attorney, on the other hand, may remain in force indefinitely, unless a term is specified.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-gutena-accordion-panel gutena-accordion-block__panel\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-gutena-accordion-panel-title gutena-accordion-block__panel-title\"><div class=\"gutena-accordion-block__panel-title-inner\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px\"><h3>Does the solicitor need to be present at the notary\u2019s office to draw up the power of attorney?<\/h3><\/h3>\n<div class=\"trigger-plus-minus\"><div class=\"horizontal\"><\/div><div class=\"vertical\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-gutena-accordion-panel-content gutena-accordion-block__panel-content\"><div class=\"gutena-accordion-block__panel-content-inner\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">No. A power of attorney is a unilateral act; all that is required is the presence and signature of <strong>the person granting the power of attorney (the principal)<\/strong>. The attorney-in-fact does not need to go to the notary to sign, but will receive a certified copy to present their powers to third parties.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-gutena-accordion-panel gutena-accordion-block__panel\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-gutena-accordion-panel-title gutena-accordion-block__panel-title\"><div class=\"gutena-accordion-block__panel-title-inner\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px\"><h3>Can you draw up a power of attorney to sell an elderly parent\u2019s house?<\/h3><\/h3>\n<div class=\"trigger-plus-minus\"><div class=\"horizontal\"><\/div><div class=\"vertical\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-gutena-accordion-panel-content gutena-accordion-block__panel-content\"><div class=\"gutena-accordion-block__panel-content-inner\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Yes. Advanced age does not prevent a parent from granting a power of attorney, provided that the parent is capable of understanding the meaning and consequences of the act at the time of signing. The notary personally verifies this capacity. If the parent is no longer able to express their wishes in full knowledge of the facts, they cannot validly grant the power of attorney, and consideration must be given, on the basis of the specific circumstances, to the use of a protective measure such as supported administration.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-gutena-accordion gutena-accordion-block gutena-accordion-block-335237-a7 is-content-justification-center is-layout-constrained wp-container-gutena-accordion-is-layout-71302cc2 wp-block-gutena-accordion-is-layout-constrained\" data-single=\"false\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-gutena-accordion-panel gutena-accordion-block__panel\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-gutena-accordion-panel-title gutena-accordion-block__panel-title\"><div class=\"gutena-accordion-block__panel-title-inner\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px\"><h3>How much does it cost to have a power of attorney drawn up by a notary?<\/h3><\/h3>\n<div class=\"trigger-plus-minus\"><div class=\"horizontal\"><\/div><div class=\"vertical\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-gutena-accordion-panel-content gutena-accordion-block__panel-content\"><div class=\"gutena-accordion-block__panel-content-inner\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The cost of a notarised power of attorney varies depending on the type of power of attorney, the powers conferred and the complexity of the document to be drawn up. A special power of attorney relating to a single transaction generally requires a different process to a general power of attorney. Any additional formalities may also affect the cost, such as the presence of witnesses or an interpreter, or the procedures required to use the power of attorney abroad. The notary will provide a quote after assessing the details of the case.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A power of attorney is a document by which a person, known as the principal, authorises another person, known as the attorney or representative, to act and sign in their name and on their behalf. It is required when it is not possible to be present in person to buy or sell a property, sign [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":4180,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[50,49,47,46,45,48],"class_list":["post-4182","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-real-estate-contracts-and-practices","tag-attorney-generals-office","tag-notarised-power-of-attorney","tag-procura-generale","tag-procura-notarile","tag-procura-speciale","tag-special-power-of-attorney"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/notaiopadova.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4182","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/notaiopadova.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/notaiopadova.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/notaiopadova.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/notaiopadova.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4182"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/notaiopadova.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4182\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4209,"href":"https:\/\/notaiopadova.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4182\/revisions\/4209"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/notaiopadova.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4180"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/notaiopadova.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4182"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/notaiopadova.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4182"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/notaiopadova.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4182"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}