Vertretungsakte

Vertretungsakte is a file or dossier that documents the authorization and scope of representation granted to an individual or entity to act on behalf of another in legal, administrative, or business matters. The term is used in German-speaking jurisdictions, where different institutions may maintain their own versions of such files.

Typical contents of a Vertretungsakte include a written authorization or power of attorney, details of the represented party and the representative, the scope and limits of the authority, duration or termination of the mandate, and any revocation or changes. Supporting documents can consist of notarizations, court or registry confirmations, appointment or resignation notices for representatives, sample signatures, and the correspondence related to acts performed under the representation. The file may also record relevant dates, contact information, and notes on special instructions or restrictions.

Contexts and use cases vary. In civil procedure, a Vertretungsakte helps prove who is authorized to act for a party in court actions. In notarial practice or real estate transactions, it documents who may sign documents on behalf of another. In corporate governance, it may relate to the powers of directors, executives, or authorized signatories and the internal or external records that verify those powers. The file supports accountability and traceability of representations.

Legal significance and access: Vertretungsakten serve as evidence of authority and are typically subject to confidentiality and data-protection rules. Access is usually restricted to the represented party, their legal advisors, or authorities, and retention periods follow applicable record-keeping laws. With digitization, Vertretungsakten increasingly exist in electronic form, often linked to secure identity verification and time-stamped records.