An example of an acknowledgment by power of attorney demonstrates an individual acting by power of attorney. Which phrase completes the description?

• A. Power of attorney
• B. Corporate acknowledgment
• C. Jurat
• D. Attestation

Answer: (A)

An acknowledgment involving someone who acts as an agent relies on the authority granted by a power of attorney. The phrase that completes the description is “power of attorney,” because it identifies the instrument that gives the signer the authority to act as attorney-in-fact. In a typical acknowledgment, the signer would state they are signing on behalf of the principal under a Power of Attorney, and the notary notes that power in the acknowledgment. The other options refer to different notarial concepts: jurat is the oath for affidavits, attestation is the notary’s certification of the signature, and corporate acknowledgment is for signers acting for a corporation.