A Power of Attorney (PA) is a legal document created to give an agent (e.g. a friend, family member or attorney) authority to act one’s behalf. The document should state clearly the specific extent of the authority given to such an agent.

 Step  1.

 In order to carry out this process one needs to ensure that all requirements are met. These include:

 ·        Date of Execution

·        Full name and Signatures of both parties and those of either a Justice of the Peace or Notary of the Public. (Grantee, Grantor and Justice of the Peace/Notary Public if overseas)

·        Full address of Grantor and Grantee

·        Stamp Duty paid within 14 days of execution date (documents that are not stamped within the prescribed period will attract a penalty)

·        Penalty of 5% per annum + $10 is incurred.

 Step 2. Assessing of the Document:

 The Recording of Documents fee at the RGD is calculated at $210 per legal sheet. A legal sheet is designated to consist of 160 words and figures.

 To determine the number of legal sheets for a PA, count the number of words and figures that appear on the document. (For ease, add all the words and figures in one line and multiply this by the number of lines on said document.) The total figure is then divided by the designated 160 words per legal sheet. If it does not divide exactly, and the remaining words are less than 80, it is considered a ½ sheet. If they are more than 80 words it is considered 1 sheet.

 The resulting number of sheets is then multiplied by $210 to determine the basic cost for recording each document.

 NB: The Power Of Attorney must be recorded before use at the Island Records Office, Registrar General’s Department, Twickenham Park, St. Catherine.