When does a power of attorney become void?

A power of attorney becomes void upon the death of the principal. This principle is rooted in the nature of a power of attorney, which is a legal document allowing one person, the agent, to act on behalf of another person, the principal. The authority granted to the agent is directly tied to the existence of the principal. Once the principal passes away, the agent no longer has the authority to make decisions or execute actions on behalf of the deceased. This serves to protect the intentions of the principal, ensuring that their decisions and directives are only carried out while they are alive.

The other options address situations that do not inherently cause a power of attorney to become void. For example, the request of the principal can revoke the power of attorney, but it does not automatically void it under all circumstances; it is a protective measure the principal can take while still living. Similarly, the notary's signature or the completion of a notarial act relates to the formal execution process but does not affect the validity of the power of attorney in relation to the principal’s death.