Multi Servicios 360 is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This is a self-help document preparation service.

California Limited Power of Attorney

From $99 USD

A Limited Power of Attorney grants specific authority to another person for a single defined transaction — without handing over control of all your affairs. It is the right tool when you need someone to sign on a house sale, withdraw a check from the bank, or represent you for one specific matter. Bilingual, California-valid, ready in minutes.

When do you need a Limited Power of Attorney?

Use a Limited POA when you need to delegate ONE specific, time-bounded task: sell or buy property while traveling abroad, authorize someone to pick up documents at the DMV, allow a family member to sign bank papers, designate someone to handle a single tax or legal matter. Unlike a General POA which grants broad authority, the Limited POA expires when the task completes or on a date you specify. It is the safer option when you trust someone for something specific but not for everything.

What is included?

California validity

A Limited POA in California must follow Probate Code §4263 and must be specific — an overly broad Limited POA may be interpreted as a General POA. It must describe precisely: what the agent can do, over which property or account, and until what date. For real estate transactions, it must be notarized and recorded with the County Recorder. For banking matters, most banks require their own additional form.

How to prepare a California Limited Power of Attorney step by step

  1. 1. Identify the specific taskBe PRECISE. Examples: "Sell the property located at 123 Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90001"; "Withdraw check #5678 from Wells Fargo in my name". Do NOT use vague phrases like "handle my affairs" — that turns it into a General POA.
  2. 2. Define start and end datesStart: when authority begins (today or a future date). End: when it automatically expires. We recommend maximum 90 days for one-off tasks, 1 year for recurring matters.
  3. 3. Choose the appropriate agentFor a limited task, you can grant the power to someone you do NOT trust fully for everything — a work colleague, distant cousin, or professional. The limitation protects you.
  4. 4. Complete our wizardIn 5-10 minutes, the wizard captures: principal, agent, specific task, dates, and whether powers include sub-delegation. It generates a bilingual PDF.
  5. 5. Notarize the documentCalifornia permits witnesses as alternative, but for Limited POA you almost always need a notary because institutions require it. Cost: $15-50.
  6. 6. If real estate is involved, record itA Limited POA to sell/buy/mortgage real property must be recorded with the County Recorder of the county where the property is located. Cost: $15-25.

Common Limited Power of Attorney mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a General and a Limited Power of Attorney?

The General grants broad authority over all financial matters. The Limited grants authority only for ONE specific task you define (e.g., selling a house, picking up documents, signing bank papers) and expires when that task is complete.

How long is it valid?

You decide. It can be for a single transaction, for 30 days, or until a specific date. We always recommend setting an expiration date for security.

Is it valid if I just need someone to pick up a check?

Yes. To withdraw a check, the bank will likely also require its own form, but the Limited POA complements that authorization.

Can I cancel it before the expiration date?

Yes. Use our Revocation of Power of Attorney document and notify your agent and any institution holding a copy.

How much does it cost?

Only $99 — bilingual, ready in minutes. A California attorney would charge $250–$600 for the same document.

Does the Limited POA work to sell a house located in Mexico?

To use it in Mexico, the document must be apostilled by the State of California after notarization. Use our Apostille Cover Letter ($79) as a guide. The Limited POA must describe the property exactly (full address, parcel number) and the powers (only sell, or also receive the money, sign the deed, pay taxes, etc.).

Do I need to notarize it if it is just a small authorization?

Depends on who will accept it. To pick up a package, a school form, a small office — usually no. For banks, property deeds, government records, or almost any significant transaction — YES, notarization is practically mandatory. When in doubt, notarize — it costs $15-50 and is never wasted.

Can I give a Limited POA to more than one person at the same time?

Yes. You can name 2 agents and specify whether they must act JOINTLY (both signatures required) or INDEPENDENTLY (either one can act alone). Joint is safer but slower. Independent is faster but requires absolute trust in both.

LIMITED
POA

California Limited Power of Attorney

Multi Servicios 360

LIMITED PURPOSE POA

Client Information

Note: Your document will be provided in both English and Spanish.

Multi Servicios 360 | www.multiservicios360.net | 855.246.7274

This is a legal document preparation service, not legal advice

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8549 Wilshire Blvd Suite 535, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
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Multi Servicios 360 es una plataforma tecnológica de autoayuda que permite a las personas preparar sus propios documentos legales. No somos un bufete de abogados, no actuamos como abogados, no redactamos documentos por usted, y no brindamos asesoría legal ni recomendaciones sobre qué documentos legales son apropiados para su situación específica. Si necesita asesoría legal, debe consultar a un abogado licenciado en California.