A general Power of Attorney is used by the principal to allow the agent to handle all of his or her affairs during a period of time when he or she is not capable of doing so, for example, when the principal is traveling out of the country for a long time span or when he or she is physically or mentally unable to handle his or her affairs. Any adult who is of sound mind and is competent to contract can execute a general Power of Attorney in favor of another adult who is of sound mind and is competent to contract.

A general Power of Attorney usually reads: