Parties
Identify the Principal and Agent using legal names, entity types, and addresses so third parties can verify authority and service of process.
This agreement prevents ambiguity about who may act for a principal, protects third parties relying on agent authority, and records the limits and duration of delegated powers. Clear documentation reduces litigation risk and supports internal controls.
Organizations and individuals appoint agents when they need others to act on their behalf for transactions, filings, or negotiations.
The parties should ensure the signer has legal capacity and any required corporate or board approvals are documented prior to execution.
Identify the Principal and Agent using legal names, entity types, and addresses so third parties can verify authority and service of process.
Set out specific actions the agent may undertake, whether transactional signing, filing documents, negotiating terms, or representing the principal before named agencies.
Describe restrictions on authority, monetary caps, required approvals, or actions expressly prohibited to avoid overreach.
Provide an effective date, expiration date or event, and clear revocation procedure so parties and third parties know when authority ends.
If applicable, describe fees, reimbursement of costs, and how compensation is calculated to document the quid pro quo.
Specify required signer roles, whether notarization or witnesses are needed, and acceptable signature methods (electronic, in-person) for enforceability.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signer Authentication | Email link, SMS code, or KBA as required |
| Signing Order | Sequential or parallel routing per approval matrix |
| Required Fields | Enforce mandatory name, date, and signature fields |
| Retention Settings | Enable audit trail and long-term storage |
Choose a platform that supports secure eSignatures, audit trails, and the file formats you use most.
Confirm the vendor meets required compliance standards for your industry and that records can be exported for legal or audit needs.
Same day to several days depending on complexity
Allow 3–10 business days for counsel and approvals
Schedule 1–7 days if in-person or RON required
Banks or agencies may take 2–10 business days
Immediate after execution when using eSignature platforms
Finalize language and attachments before circulating for signature.
Obtain corporate or delegated approvals required to bind the principal.
Collect signatures and any required witness or notary attestations.
Store executed agreement and audit trail in secure records.
| Criteria | Agency Inclusion Agreement | Power of Attorney |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | limited agency appointment | broad legal authority |
| Typical Formalities | signature, sometimes notarization | often notarization and witnesses |
| Duration | defined term or conditional | can be durable or indefinite |
| Revocation Ease | relatively straightforward | may require formal notice |
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | Yes, 7-day trial | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies | Varies | Varies |
A property owner authorizes a manager to sign standard residential leases on its behalf
A medical practice appoints an agent to file and negotiate insurance claims