Understanding the validity and revocation of a Power of Attorney (POA) in Ajman (and across the UAE) is crucial for both the principal and the agent.
How Long a POA Can Last?
General Power of Attorney:
Remains valid indefinitely, unless:
- Revoked by the principal,
- The principal dies,
- The principal loses mental capacity.
However, some authorities (e.g., banks, government entities) may require a recently issued General POA, typically not older than 1–2 years, to ensure it reflects the principal’s current intentions.
Special Power of Attorney:
A Special POA is usually for one specific task or a set time.
- If it is for a specific task (e.g., to sell a certain car), it stops being valid on its own once that task is finished.
- If it has an end date written (e.g., "valid for 6 months"), it will end on that date.
- Property POAs: For Ajman property sales, some rules in the UAE limit how long it's valid, usually to a maximum of 2 years from when it was made official. For buying property, it might be up to 5 years. Always check the latest rules for property-related POAs.
Automatic Terminations
A POA in the UAE ceases automatically when:
- The principal dies.
- The agent dies.
- The principal loses mental capacity.
- The special task is completed.
- The specified duration ends (for special POAs).
How to Cancel a POA (Revocation):
The Principal has the right to cancel a POA at any time, as long as they can think clearly. To revoke POA in Ajman (stop it), you need to:
- Write a Cancellation Paper: Create an official paper that clearly says you want to stop the original POA. It must include details of the original POA.
- Get Cancellation Paper Official: The Principal must go in person to the Ajman Court Notary Public office and sign the cancellation paper in front of the Notary Public. This makes the cancellation legally binding.
- Tell the Agent: It is very important to officially tell the Agent in writing about the cancellation. Sending a copy of the official cancellation paper by registered mail or courier with proof of delivery is strongly suggested. The cancellation is legally active from the moment the Agent gets this notice.
- Tell Other Places: Immediately tell any banks, property offices, or other government groups or businesses where the Agent might have used the original POA. Give them an official copy of the cancellation paper to stop any unauthorized actions.
If you don't properly cancel a POA and tell all the right places, it can cause legal problems if the Agent keeps acting using the old POA.
If you’re dealing with a POA issued in another emirate, check this helpful guide on how to cancel a Power of Attorney in Dubai. It explains the exact steps to make the cancellation legally binding across the UAE.