A Louisiana Lease Agreement is a legal contract used to document the rental arrangement between a landlord and tenant, specifying the terms, duties, and conditions for leasing property within the state.
Poa Type
Select the type of authority you wish to grant. 'General' grants broad powers; 'Limited/Special' restricts authority to specific acts; 'Durable' remains in effect if the Principal becomes incapacitated; 'Springing' only becomes effective upon a specified event.
Table of Contents
What is a Louisiana Power of Attorney Form?
A Louisiana Power of Attorney Form, legally referred to under state civil law as a contract of mandate, is a document that authorizes one individual to act on behalf of another in legal, financial, or medical matters. The person granting the authority is known as the principal, while the individual receiving the authority is termed the agent or mandatary. This legal tool is utilized to ensure the continuity of personal and business affairs during periods of incapacitation or for convenience when the principal cannot be physically present to execute necessary transactions.
The Concept of Mandate in Louisiana Civil Law
Unlike the other 49 states that follow common law traditions, Louisiana law is primarily based on the Civil Code. Consequently, what is commonly recognized as a power of attorney is governed by the laws regarding "mandate." A mandate is a contract by which a person, the principal, confers authority on another person, the mandatary, to transact one or more affairs for the principal. While the term power of attorney is frequently used to describe the physical document, the underlying legal relationship is strictly defined by the Louisiana Civil Code. The mandate can be gratuitous or onerous, meaning the agent may act for free or for compensation.
Legal Requirements and Validity
The validity of a mandate is governed by the Louisiana Civil Code, specifically Articles 2989 through 3034. For a Louisiana Power of Attorney Form to be legally binding, particularly for transactions involving immovable property (real estate) or donations, it generally must be executed as an authentic act. An authentic act is a document signed by the principal, a notary public, and two witnesses. While some limited powers may be granted via a simple written document, financial institutions and title companies typically require the notarized authentic act format to prevent liability and ensure the identity of the signer.
Express Authority vs. General Authority
Louisiana law distinguishes between general authority and express authority. A general mandate confers power to transact all affairs of the principal, but this power is limited to acts of administration, such as paying bills or maintaining property. To perform acts of alienation or ownership transfer, the mandate must grant express authority. Actions requiring express authority include selling or buying real estate, making donations, accepting or renouncing a succession, and contracting loans. If the document does not explicitly state the agent has the power to sell a home, a general administration clause is insufficient for that specific transaction.
Required Elements of a Valid Louisiana Mandate
To ensure a mandate is enforceable and accepted by third parties, it should contain specific components aligning with state statutes.
- Identification of Parties: The full legal names and physical addresses of both the principal and the mandatary.
- Specific Grant of Authority: Detailed language outlining exactly what actions the agent is permitted to take, particularly regarding the sale of assets or healthcare decisions.
- Durability Clause: A clear statement indicating that the authority of the mandatary shall not be terminated by the subsequent disability or incapacity of the principal.
- Signature and Notarization: The principal must sign the document in the presence of a notary public and two competent witnesses to create an authentic act.
- Date and Location: The document should reflect the date of execution and the parish where the signing occurred.
Revocation and Termination
A mandate does not last indefinitely unless specified. It terminates upon the death of the principal, the interdiction of the mandatary, or the qualification of a curator after the interdiction of the principal. The principal retains the right to revoke the mandate at any time, provided they have the mental capacity to do so. Revocation is typically executed through a written document delivered to the mandatary and any third parties who were relying on the original Louisiana Power of Attorney Form, such as banks or healthcare providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a question about a Louisiana Power of Attorney Form?
Example questions:
Not the form you're looking for?
Try our legal document generator to create a custom document
Community Discussion
Share your experience and help others
Legal Notice: Comments are personal opinions and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified attorney for matters specific to your situation.
Comments (0)
Leave a Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!