What is a universal agent?

A universal agent possesses broad authority to act on behalf of the principal in a wide range of matters. This type of agent is empowered to handle all affairs related to the principal's interests, essentially functioning similarly to a legal representative. The scope of authority is expansive, allowing the universal agent to perform a variety of acts without needing specific consent for each transaction.

In contrast, other types of agents, such as limited agents, are restricted to a specific area or set of transactions, making their authority significantly narrower. A universal agent’s pervasive authority enables them to make decisions that could cover various aspects of the principal's business or personal life, making them uniquely powerful in terms of agency relationships.