Procura (Power of Attorney)

A legal document by which one person (mandante) authorizes another (procuratore) to act on their behalf in legal matters or transactions . In real estate, a procura speciale can be given to allow someone to buy or sell a property for the grantor. For example, an overseas owner might give a trusted person in Italy power of attorney to sign the deed of sale in their name. The procura is executed before a notary, detailing the powers granted (e.g., to sell the property at at least a certain price, to represent in signing all acts, to collect sale proceeds, etc.). The notary at the final sale will attach the procura to the deed. A procura can be broad (generale) or limited to a specific act (speciale). It’s essential to trust the person given a procura, as they could legally bind you to contracts. Procura can be revoked, but revocation must be communicated. If used, the attorney-in-fact should always disclose they are signing on behalf of the principal (e.g., “Tizio represented by Caio as per procura”). Often used by spouses or in corporate transactions, or when the actual party cannot attend the completion.