A "power of attorney" is a written legal document that authorizes a person to act as an agent on behalf of another person or entity to the extent set forth in the document. The person authorized to act is referred to as the "attorney in fact." Powers of attorney can be used, for example, to grant authority to act in connection with health, real estate or financial matters. The power of attorney can be for very specific authority to be granted (a "special power of attorney") or for broad authority on all matters ("general power of attorney").