Legal Definitions - mandatary

A mandatary is a person who agrees to perform a specific task or service for another individual or entity (known as the "mandator") without charging for their time or effort. While the service itself is typically provided free of charge, the mandatary is usually entitled to be reimbursed for any reasonable expenses they incur while carrying out the agreed-upon task. Essentially, they act as an agent for someone else, often out of goodwill, a sense of duty, or a specific agreement, but are not expected to bear the financial costs directly associated with performing the service.

• Example 1: Sarah asks her neighbor, Tom, to pick up a special order of gardening supplies from a nursery across town because her car is in the shop. Tom agrees to do it as a favor. He uses his own gas and pays for the supplies with his credit card, expecting Sarah to pay him back for the gas and the cost of the supplies.

  Explanation: Tom is the mandatary because he agreed to perform a service (picking up supplies) for Sarah (the mandator) without charging for his time. He is, however, entitled to be reimbursed for his expenses (gas and the cost of the supplies).

• Example 2: A local animal shelter asks one of its dedicated volunteers, Maria, to transport a rescued dog to a specialized veterinary clinic two hours away for urgent treatment. The shelter covers the cost of the dog's medical care but expects Maria to drive her own vehicle. Maria agrees, knowing the shelter will reimburse her for the fuel costs and any tolls incurred during the trip.

  Explanation: Maria acts as a mandatary for the animal shelter. She provides her service (transportation) gratuitously, but the shelter, as the mandator, is obligated to cover her direct expenses like fuel and tolls.

• Example 3: When Mr. Henderson suddenly falls ill and is hospitalized, his daughter, Emily, steps in to manage his immediate financial affairs, such as paying his utility bills and ensuring his rent is paid on time. She uses her own funds temporarily for these payments, knowing her father will reimburse her once he recovers or she can access his accounts.

  Explanation: Emily is acting as a mandatary for her father. She is performing essential services on his behalf without charging for her time or effort, but she expects to be indemnified (reimbursed) for the money she spent to cover his bills.