Drafting Letter of Authority

[Mustang360]

I am trying to draft a letter of authority to enable me to deal with Land reg, HMRC, and instruct lawyers on behalf of a friend who lives abroad.
What kind of contents do i need to put in it.
Is there any website I can go on to get free template letters in the UK.
Most website are American based.

[R0b]

Re: Drafting Letter of Authority

It doesn't need to be extensive something along the lines of "I [FULL NAME] of [ADDRESS] hereby authorise [PERSON] to act on my behalf and/or provide information as is necessary".

Have your friend sign and date it and it might be worth including the contact number in case the relevant business or authority wishes to verify the matter with your friend.

[seduraed]

Re: Drafting Letter of Authority

I wonder if it is worth getting it witnessed.

[Mustang360]

Re: Drafting Letter of Authority

Do i need it to be witnessed

[R0b]

Re: Drafting Letter of Authority

Doesn't need to be witnessed but it might be difficult for a one letter fits all if there are certain stipulations required by certain authorities. For example, I don't know if HMRC has a specific document that needs to be filled in to authorise third parties to deal with another's account.

Equally, if you are dealing with your friend's accounts or information then you will potentially be liable for your actions if something goes wrong or you do something wrong. Things such as confidential information must be kept and that can include your friend's finances or personal information should not be disclosed to third parties unless consent has been given.

If your friend is out of the country there is a likely possibility than authorities will probably want to contact your friend so leaving a number will help to pre-empt this.