We use cookies to improve security, personalize the user experience,
enhance our marketing activities (including cooperating with our marketing partners) and for other
business use.
Click "here" to read our Cookie Policy.
By clicking "Accept" you agree to the use of cookies. Read less
Warrant of Attorney: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Legal Meaning
Definition & Meaning
A warrant of attorney is a legal document that grants a lawyer the authority to represent a client in court. This document allows the attorney to confess judgment on behalf of the client, meaning they can admit liability for a debt or obligation in court. It is designed to expedite legal proceedings by preventing the client from taking actions that could delay the judgment, such as filing appeals or other legal motions. This practice originates from common law and is commonly used in debt-related cases.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
Warrants of attorney are primarily used in civil law, particularly in cases involving debt collection. They allow attorneys to act swiftly on behalf of their clients, ensuring that judgments can be entered without unnecessary delays. This document is often utilized in situations where the client acknowledges their debt and wishes to streamline the legal process. Users can find templates for warrants of attorney through services like US Legal Forms, which provide professionally drafted documents for various legal needs.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
(Hypothetical example) A business owner owes $10,000 to a supplier. They sign a warrant of attorney allowing their attorney to admit this debt in court, leading to a quick judgment against them, which simplifies the resolution of the debt.
State-by-state differences
State
Variations
California
Warrants of attorney must be notarized.
New York
Specific forms are required for the document to be valid.
Texas
Warrants of attorney are commonly used in debt collection cases.
This is not a complete list. State laws vary and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
Comparison with related terms
Term
Definition
Power of Attorney
A broader document that grants an agent authority to act on behalf of a principal in various matters, not limited to court admissions.
Confession of Judgment
A formal admission of liability that allows a creditor to obtain a judgment without a trial, often included in warrants of attorney.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you are considering signing a warrant of attorney, it is essential to understand the implications fully. Make sure you consult with a legal professional to discuss your situation. If you decide to proceed, you can use templates from US Legal Forms to create a warrant of attorney that meets your needs.
Find the legal form that fits your case
Browse our library of 85,000+ state-specific legal templates.
Common requirement: Written and often notarized document.
Key takeaways
Frequently asked questions
A warrant of attorney is a document that allows an attorney to confess judgment on behalf of a client, admitting liability for a debt in court.
While signing a warrant of attorney indicates an admission of liability, you can still discuss your case with a legal professional to explore your options.
No, a warrant of attorney is specific to admitting liability in court, whereas a power of attorney grants broader authority to act on someoneâs behalf.