If you complain on behalf of someone else, you must generally have a power of attorney from the person on whose behalf you are complaining.
Parents can complain without a power of attorney on behalf of children and young people under 18 if they have parental custody.
Lawyers and certain other professional party representatives can generally file a complaint on behalf of another person without demand for a written power of attorney.
If you are a legal guardian for the person on whose behalf you are complaining, you must submit a copy of the appointment as guardian.
Requirements for the power of attorney
The power of attorney must clearly show who is giving power of attorney and to whom the power of attorney is given. It must be evident what the complaint is about and that the power of attorney also entails that the case is brought before the Ombudsman. In addition, the power of attorney must be signed and dated by the person giving power of attorney.
The Ombudsman’s power of attorney form can be used.
Submission of power of attorney
An original signed power of attorney can be sent to the Ombudsman in a letter through the postal service. The person giving power of attorney can also send a power of attorney via Digital Post instead.
If you decide to send only a copy of the power of attorney, for instance through the complaint form or an unsecure e-mail, we might ask for further documentation of the power of attorney relationship. If we find that further documentation is needed, we will contact the person who has submitted the complaint or the person who has given power of attorney.
Revocation of power of attorney
The Ombudsman must be informed directly if the power of attorney is revoked by the person who has given power of attorney. This applies whether the Ombudsman has received an original power of attorney or a copy of a power of attorney.