Warrant of Attorney

A written authorization that allows an attorney named in it to appear in court and admit the liability of the person giving the warrant in an action to collect a debt.

This writing is usually given to help ensure that the person signing it will pay the amount that he or she would be obliged to pay if a judgment were entered against him or her. It usually contains an agreement that no action will be started against the signer if the obligation described in the paper is satisfied. Essentially the warrant of attorney is a cognovit note that permits a confession of judgment (a shortcut to obtaining a judgment against a debtor that is now illegal in most states).