Eritollisuusvaltakirjat

Eritollisuusvaltakirjat, which translates to "Specific Power of Attorney" or "Special Power of Attorney" in English, are legal documents used in Finland that grant a person, the agent or attorney-in-fact, the authority to act on behalf of another person, the principal, in specific matters. Unlike a general power of attorney, which grants broad authority, an eritollisuusvaltakirja is limited in scope. This means the agent's powers are precisely defined and restricted to the actions explicitly stated in the document.

These documents are commonly used in situations where a person may be temporarily unable to manage their affairs due to illness, travel, or other reasons. For example, an eritollisuusvaltakirja might be used to authorize someone to sell a specific property, manage a particular bank account, or handle a single legal transaction. The principal must clearly outline the extent of the agent's authority, including any limitations.

For an eritollisuusvaltakirja to be legally valid in Finland, it must be in writing and signed by the principal. In some cases, depending on the nature of the authorized actions, witnessing by a notary public or two witnesses may be required to ensure its enforceability and prevent potential misuse. The principal retains the right to revoke the power of attorney at any time, provided they are mentally capable of doing so. The termination of the principal's capacity or death also automatically revokes the eritollisuusvaltakirja.