meghatalmazó

Meghatalmazó is a Hungarian term for the person who creates a meghatalmazás, or power of attorney, granting another person the authority to act on their behalf in legal and administrative matters. The person who receives the authority is called the meghatalmazott. The scope of the authorization can be broad or limited to specific tasks, such as signing documents, handling financial matters, or representing the grantor in dealings with authorities or courts.

Forms and formality: a meghatalmazás may be made in a private document (magánokirat) or in a public instrument (közokirat). For certain acts, particularly real estate transactions or some court representations, a notarial or public form is required. A tartós meghatalmazás, or durable power of attorney, is designed to remain effective even if the meghatalmazó becomes incapacitated, and such forms are typically prepared with appropriate formalities to ensure enforceability.

Duration and revocation: meghatalmazás can be limited in time or open-ended. It may be revoked at any time by the meghatalmazó, usually through written notice to the meghatalmazott and, if necessary, to third parties that rely on the authorization. The revocation does not retroactively affect actions already undertaken on the basis of the power of attorney, unless the law or the agreement provides otherwise.

Limitations and practical use: not all acts can be granted, or may require specific authorization, and the scope may be constrained by the terms of the document and applicable law. In practice, meghatalmazók are used to manage affairs during absence, travel, illness, or other circumstances that prevent personal representation.