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Power of Attorney

A Power of Attorney is a document signed by one person (usually called the “donor”) giving another person (usually called the “donor” or the “attorney”) power to sign documents on the “donor’s” behalf and to do such things in relation to his or her affairs as are described specifically (a limited power) or generally (a general power) in the document.

If, for instance, you are buying, selling or mortgaging property in a foreign country, it may be convenient for you to give a Power of Attorney to a person in that country, usually a lawyer, to deal with the transaction on your behalf. This will save you having to travel abroad to attend to formalities, and may help to smoothen out any problems affecting the transaction generally. In most cases, you will be required to sign the Power of Attorney in front of a Notary Public.

The Power of Attorney will usually be drawn up by the foreign lawyer to whom authority is to be given. This is because an Irish Notary Public cannot be expected to have a knowledge of different foreign languages or to be familiar with the relevant formalities regarding Powers of Attorney in different countries.

You will usually receive the Power of Attorney by e-mail from the foreign lawyer, often accompanied by detailed instructions about signing it. Bring the e-mail with you to the Irish Notary. This will assist the Notary Public in complying with the formalities of the particular country for which the Power of Attorney is intended. You should also ask the foreign lawyer (or the person appointed Attorney) if it is necessary to have the document “Legalised” or Apostilled. These are different forms of official verification of signatures which the Notary Public will explain to you if necessary.

Powers of Attorney are important legal documents with potentially serious legal and financial consequences for the persons signing them. It is important, therefore, that you have competent advice as to the legal, financial and taxation implications of any intended foreign transaction and as regards the wisdom of giving a Power of Attorney to a foreign lawyer or other person whom you may never have met. As the Notary Public is neither the draftsman of the foreign Power of Attorney nor your legal adviser, it is a matter for you to have any foreign language document, which you intend to produce, properly translated before going to the Notary.

The Notary before whom you appear will require your assurance that you understand the document and its purpose and may require you to sign a formal acknowledgement to this effect. The Notary will however ensure that all other formalities regarding the execution of the Power of Attorney are complied with such as establishing identity and legal capacity, attesting your signature and providing a notarial act.

Call +353 (01) 821-1288 or email us now to discuss your legal requirements and one of our friendly team will contact you.

Client Testimonials

I dealt with Seamus Maguire & Co. on the sudden death of my brother, who died intestate. Shona Madden dealt with his estate. There were a number of complexities and she dealt with me both efficiently and sensitively. It was a lengthy process, but she was extremely knowledgeable and put me at ease throughout the process by explaining things extremely well. This was really important for me as a non legal person, who was appointed to act on behalf of my siblings. The reception staff were also most efficient, they were courteous and friendly at every interaction and messages were passed on efficiently. I would have no hesitation in recommending this firm.

G.W. Raheny

I was referred by a previous client, who found Seamus Maguire, Solicitors to be exceptional. The service provided exceeded my expectation. All dealings with the practice were professional and also very personal and efficient. In summary, Seamus Maguire & Co Solicitors go above and beyond the call of duty in dealing with a client's situation

Graham & Pamela Dublin 15

We had used Seamus Maguire & Co in the past and the service level was very high and remains so on this occasion. A difficult situation was handled expertly and with great patience.

Sandra Dublin 15

The service provided was up to the standard of the service previously provided and we would definitely consider using Seamus Maguire & Co again and recommend them for friends, colleagues or family members.

McDonaghs Dublin 11

Reliable, efficient & pleasant staff. Very good follow up on queries & phone calls. Good company to do business with.

Tom Castleknock Dublin 15

A big thank you for the way that Seamus Maguire & Co have cared for our interests. We cannot find words big enough or powerful enough to express our feelings of gratitude toward all of you that handled our case.

Sheila & Tom Dublin 15

I would just like to express my thanks especially to Audrey and Susan for guiding me through the sale of my house. I found you extremely professional in all matters but more importantly, I felt that you had a genuine interest in helping me.

Dave Swords

Seamus Maguire & Co represented both myself and my wife in relation to a case that was very sensitive in nature to both of us me. We found the staff, particularly Noel McDonald and his assistant Susan Caffrey very professional and very helpful in all our dealings with them. Thank you very much

Mr and Mrs Hennessy Dublin 11

I have been a client of Seamus Maguire & Co since I bought my first home over 15 years ago. Whether I have needed a quick phone call to set my mind at ease, a signature on a form or something more intricate, I have always felt very lucky to have my solicitor available at the other end of the line.

Jillian

Client Testimonials

G.W. Raheny

Graham & Pamela Dublin 15

We had used Seamus Maguire & Co in the past and the service level was very high and remains so on this occasion. A difficult situation was handled expertly and with great patience.

Sandra Dublin 15

McDonaghs Dublin 11

Reliable, efficient & pleasant staff. Very good follow up on queries & phone calls. Good company to do business with.

Tom Castleknock Dublin 15

Sheila & Tom Dublin 15

Dave Swords

Mr and Mrs Hennessy Dublin 11

Jillian

Breanne Clarke and Richard Clinch Many thanks for your hard work in getting this deal across the line. It is very much appreciated.

O’Connell PropertiesDublin 7

Gillian Burns Thanks for your help and quick work. I will proudly recommend you to anyone who will need it.

LinaDublin 15

Anita Farrell We are very happy with your services and quick responses. We will definitely recommend you in our friends circle.

Julie Dublin 15

Gillian Burns can I just say that you’ve been brilliant to work with and you did such a fantastic job in helping us get this house and to get it all over the line in such a short timeframe! You really are good at what you do!! I really appreciate it!! Thank you so much!

SelinaDublin 15

Breanne Clarke Thanks so much for all your hard work and diligence over the last few months. We couldn't have asked for more support or confidence in the process know you if it in hand.

JenCo Meath

Gillian Burns Really appreciated everything you did so efficiently ! I loved your quick responses - extremely professional.

JohnDublin 15

Anita Farrell Just a note to say thank you very much for your help over the past couple of months regarding the purchase of my new house. Everything that I asked of you was addressed so efficiently and I appreciate all you did for me

IanCo Meath

Anita Farrell Thank you so much for all your help and amazing efficiency. I could not have gotten here without you. I really appreciate everything you did for me.

JulieCo Meath

Nora Mathers You have gone well beyond what should be expected from you and frankly, I don't know how you manage it.

RogerDublin 7