Massachusetts General Laws ch. 190B sec. 5-501 – Definition
Section 5–501. [Definition.]
Terms Used In Massachusetts General Laws ch. 190B sec. 5-501
- Power of attorney: A written instrument which authorizes one person to act as another's agent or attorney. The power of attorney may be for a definite, specific act, or it may be general in nature. The terms of the written power of attorney may specify when it will expire. If not, the power of attorney usually expires when the person granting it dies. Source: OCC
(a) A durable power of attorney is a power of attorney by which a principal designates another his attorney in fact in writing and the writing contains the words ”This power of attorney shall not be affected by subsequent disability or incapacity of the principal, or lapse of time,” or ”This power of attorney shall become effective upon the disability or incapacity of the principal,” or similar words showing the intent of the principal that the authority conferred shall be exercisable notwithstanding the principal’s subsequent disability or incapacity, and, unless it states a time of termination, notwithstanding the lapse of time since the execution of the instrument.
(b) References in this part to the disability or incapacity of the principal shall mean the mental illness or other disability of the principal recognized under the General Laws.