What is the term for a person who acts on behalf of another through a power of attorney?

The correct term for a person who acts on behalf of another through a power of attorney is "mandatary." In the context of Louisiana law, a mandatary is an individual who is granted authority to act on behalf of another person, known as the principal, under a power of attorney agreement. This legal relationship is key because it allows the mandatary to make decisions and take actions as if they were the principal, in accordance with the terms specified in the power of attorney document.

In this arrangement, the principal is the person who grants the power, while the mandatary is the one who receives it and must act in the best interest of the principal. It is important that the mandatary adheres strictly to the authority given, as any actions taken beyond that scope could lead to legal repercussions.

The other terms have specific meanings that do not accurately describe the relationship established through a power of attorney. For instance, an agent can refer to anyone acting on another's behalf in various legal circumstances and does not exclusively fit the context of a power of attorney as defined in Louisiana law. A proxy typically refers to someone appointed to vote on behalf of another, particularly in shareholder or legal contexts, while principal simply identifies the person who provides the authority, not the