A power of attorney is a legal document that allows a person to make legal or/and financial decisions for the signer. It's not hard to get a power of attorney: you can print the forms directly from the Internet, fill them out and then go to a public notary with the person you are going to represent to sing them and make them legal.

Holding a power of attorney doesn't mean that the signer has no authority and you have to make all the decisions for him. It just means that when necessary you can act in his name and make a transaction.

While acting as a legal agent you will be put in the situation where you have to sign different documents, like checks or contracts. These documents must be properly signed and though there isn't a specific rule, the following example of signature is best to be used: "John Doe by Jane Doe, as his Attorney in Fact", where John Doe stands for the attorney.

Before you start signing any documents make sure your power of attorney enables you to do so. There are cases where is specifically stated that the attorney can only close deals but is not allowed to sign the paperwork himself. Though these cases are seldom, you should still check first. Also, every time you have to sign a document make sure to have your power of attorney with you to make proof that you are allowed to do that.

If you sign checks then you can use the standard formula stated above, but when you have to sign contracts you can use a formula, a little bit different: "John Doe, as Attorney in Fact for Jane Doe", where John Doe is the attorney.

For real estate documents the things are a little bit more complicated. You have to check with the laws of the state where you make the transactions, see what signature method they require and sign accordingly. Different laws may require also a witness or more to acknowledge the transaction or even a notary. Make sure you check and respect the laws otherwise you transaction may be considered invalid or even worse, illegal.

Also, check the laws of the state, if you have to sing leases, mortages or equity loans.