Resignation of powers

The renunciation of powers service differs from the revocation of power in that, in this case, it is the attorney who, voluntarily, decides to end the representation relationship maintained with the principal. As Notaries in Barcelona, we want to explain the reasons why a renunciation of powers can be processed, the steps to manage it, and how to sign a renunciation of power at a notary in Barcelona.

How to resign from a power of attorney?

Notarial powers of attorney are granted by a person known as the principal to their attorney-in-fact to represent them in one or more transactions. In all powers of attorney, the attorney-in-fact must be aware that they can renounce the power received whenever they wish.

The main difference with the revocation of power is that in the renunciation of powers it is the attorney-in-fact who chooses to cease their representation function; whereas in the revocation of power, it is the person who granted it who nullifies it.

The renunciation of powers can be processed both at a private level and in commercial companies. To process it, a deed of renunciation of power must be signed to cease representing the principal in contracts or legal transactions.

Such deed can be processed at the simple wish of the attorney-in-fact at any time, except if it was granted to be used in a commercial act.

The renunciation of powers is legislated in the Spanish Civil Code, in its fourth chapter.

Reasons to resign from a power of attorney

One of the peculiarities that occur in the granting of powers of attorney is that the power granted does not need to be accepted, with the attorney-in-fact able to exercise their representation function without signing any deed. In many cases, when the representation operation ends, it ceases to be used without officially terminating the power of attorney. For this reason, there are certain circumstances in which it is advisable to state that the power has been renounced, instead of simply ceasing to use it, and to communicate this both to the principal and to third parties involved (family members, clients, banking institutions, directors or administrators of commercial companies).

Among the reasons we can find for renouncing a power of attorney is the end of the need for representation through the granting of powers, for example, in the case of an attorney-in-fact who has ceased to collaborate with a commercial company.

It also often happens that powers of attorney are granted to another person, causing the previous attorney-in-fact to cease performing their representation functions, but without having a document that determines this. Likewise, we can also find circumstances such as illnesses of the attorney-in-fact that incapacitate them for managing representation or disagreements between the attorney-in-fact and the principal.

Renunciation of powers of attorney is free in most cases and is considered a discretionary act for which there need not be a cause to justify it.

The role of the Notary in the renunciation of powers of attorney

Among the functions of Notaries is to advise and counsel impartially and free of charge before signing. Whatever the procedure you are considering, present us your doubts and make the necessary enquiries.

Their ability to act objectively and neutrally allows them to certify the authenticity of documents and ensure that transactions, such as the deed of power of attorney renunciation, comply with laws and regulations.

Furthermore, in the case of powers of attorney, where necessary, they carry out complementary tasks such as notifying the grantor and registering the deed in the corresponding Commercial Registry.

Documentation for the Power of Attorney Resignation Deed

We distinguish between the documentation that should be provided by an individual or natural person, and that which must be provided by companies or legal entities.

Natural persons:

  • Identification document of the person renouncing the power.
  • Copy of the power of attorney granted to the person being renounced or identifying details of the power of attorney subject to renunciation.

Legal entities:

  • Identification document of the company representative.
  • Documents proving the existence of the company renouncing the power and the status of the company representative. However, this can be replaced by commercial information.
  • Copy of the power of attorney being renounced or identification details of the power being revoked.

Step-by-step power of attorney resignation:

If you are a proxy and exercise or have exercised representation functions that have been granted to you but wish to resign from them, you may process your resignation of powers. It is important to remember that if you are a proxy of a commercial company and are carrying out commercial acts, you must inform the company of this procedure so that they have time to appoint another proxy and avoid any harm that may cause you liabilities.

The first step is to contact a Notary to process the power of attorney resignation deed. It can be the Notary who drafted the original deed or a new one. Regarding the signing of the power of attorney resignation before the Notary, only the proxy must sign, without the need for the presence of the person who granted the power.

After signing the power of attorney resignation at the notary's office, an authentic copy of the power of attorney resignation deed will be given to the resigning party.

Notification of Resignation of Power of Attorney

Once the deed of renunciation has been processed, it may be necessary to inform the principal. Both an attorney-in-fact and the Notary handling the procedure can carry out the notification.

Likewise, the Notary must also communicate with the initial notary's office, in the event that there was a first Notary with whom the power of attorney deed was granted, to record it in the registers.

Deed of Resignation of Powers

In the deed of resignation of powers, the cause that leads to the resignation of the attorney-in-fact must be stated in the case of powers granted by commercial act. This has been mentioned previously and occurs because the principal could be harmed by the resignation of the attorney-in-fact in ongoing procedural matters.

What information is included in the Power of Attorney Renunciation Deed?

The deed of resignation of powers must inform about:

  • The attorney: by identifying the person who resigns.
  • Principal: the natural or legal person who granted the power must be identified.
  • Identification details of the power being resigned.
  • End date of power: the deed will indicate the date, whether immediate or the effective date of resignation to avoid harm to the principal.

Frequently asked questions about the processing of a resignation of powers

Below, we provide you with more information about this power of attorney resignation procedure, its cost, and answer frequently asked questions. Contact us to receive more information and start the procedure.

The price for Notary fees in public deeds is set out in the Notarial Fee Schedule. Your quote will depend on the total number of pages, as well as the authorised and simple copies issued.

The price of notarial acts is regulated by the Government and complies with the regulatory framework of the NOTARIAL FEE SCHEDULE (RD 1426/1989, of 17 November, regulating the Notaries’ Fee Schedule).

However, the exact price of a notarial document cannot be calculated until its specific content is known, that is, until it is signed, as there are many circumstances that may cause it to vary.

If you wish to receive a detailed quote, we invite you to contact us directly by the method most convenient for you. You can do so through the contact form on the homepage of this website, via the contact section found in the footer of the website, using the WhatsApp shortcut at the bottom right of this page, by sending an email to bcn@jlanotarios.com or by calling us on 93 159 17 62.

As a guideline, we can inform you that, according to the current regulatory framework, the usual price for formalising a power of attorney renunciation is around €80, including VAT.


Frequently asked questions about the resignation of powers

As we have mentioned previously, it is possible to renounce any type of power, whether general or special.


The attorney-in-fact may exercise the renunciation of powers at any time. In the case of underlying mandate contracts, the attorney-in-fact must continue the management until the principal has found a substitute for the management in order to avoid harm to the principal.


Current legislation does not provide for the registration of the granting of powers of attorney nor their renunciation in any register, except in the case of commercial companies and their registration in the Commercial Register.

If it is registered in the Power of Attorney Register of the Tax Agency, you may renounce the power of attorney provided that you prove that the communication has been duly made to your principal. To renounce participation in this register, you must fill in the details on the Tax Agency's website and send a copy of the burofax confirming that you have processed your power of attorney renunciation deed.

However, as mentioned, a note will always be recorded in the power of attorney that is the subject of renunciation to indicate that the power of attorney has been renounced.


Proxies are not liable for the debts that a commercial company may have except in the exceptional case where the proxy is also a de facto administrator or the company goes into bankruptcy due to negligent actions of the proxy.


JLA Notaries: Resignation of Powers at Notary Barcelona

Our Notary Office in Barcelona - JLA Notarios, has a team of highly qualified and experienced Notaries to be able to grant a power of attorney renunciation deed in Barcelona. We are experts in the applicable regulations and can offer you personalised advice tailored to your specific needs.

JLA Notarios is a Notary Office on Avenida Diagonal in Barcelona and we work empathetically and dynamically, maximising the use of new technologies in all procedures for your comfort and convenience.

Choose us as your Notary to process a power of attorney renunciation and receive excellent service quality. Contact us for an initial consultation, to process the renunciation of powers or other matters that affect you. We will assist you throughout the entire process, resolving your doubts and managing your case efficiently. Book your first consultation now at JLA Notarios. You can contact us by visiting our modern offices, by phone at 931591762 or via email at bcn@jlanotarios.com.

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