A type of power of attorney governed by the Powers of Attorney Act 1971, pursuant to which a person (the donor) appoints another person (the attorney) to act on the donor's behalf in relation to their property or financial affairs.

An ordinary power of attorney may confer general power on the attorney to do anything the donor can lawfully do by an attorney, or the power may be restricted to specific matters or steps, or limited to a particular commercial purpose.

Unlike a lasting power of attorney or an enduring power of attorney, an ordinary power of attorney is automatically revoked if the donor loses mental capacity.

Also commonly known and referred to as a general power of attorney.

For more information, see Practice note, Powers of attorney.