valtakirjalla

Valtakirjalla refers to a written power of attorney in Finnish law, a document in which a person authorizes another to act on their behalf in specified matters. The person giving the authority is called the valtuttaja or päämies, while the person receiving the authority is the valtuutettu, the agent or representative.

A valtakirja typically sets out the scope of the authority, including which acts are permitted, as well as the duration, place, and signatures. The form can be general or limited to particular tasks, and it can be temporary or durable. Depending on the act and the institution involved, additional requirements such as witnesses or notarial certification may apply.

Common uses include banking and financial transactions, signing documents on behalf of the principal, real estate dealings, and representation in meetings or other administrative procedures. For certain acts, especially significant or high-risk transactions like property transfers, institutions may require specific formats or notarization, and different organizations may impose their own verification procedures.

Validity and revocation: a valtakirja remains in effect until it is revoked or until its expiry date, if one is stated. Revocation must usually be communicated to the relevant third parties or institutions that rely on the authorization. The authority ends if the principal loses capacity, dies, or if the power is explicitly revoked.

Related concepts include general agency and guardianship arrangements in cases of incapacity. In Finland, the precise requirements and enforceability of a valtakirja depend on the context and the receiving institution, so it is advisable to clarify scope and formalities in advance.