Use 'A ___ is a document used to…' to define documents. Key equivalents: 'escritura pública' = public deed (notarial deed); 'poder' = power of attorney; 'contrato' = contract or agreement; 'testamento' = will; 'certificación' = certificate or certification. Use 'deed' only for documents executed with formalities, not for any contract.
public deed
A document executed before a notary with full legal formalities (escritura pública).
“The sale was formalised in a public deed.”
power of attorney
A document authorising someone to act on another's behalf.
“She signed a power of attorney for her brother.”
will
A document stating how a person's property is distributed after death.
“He updated his will last year.”
affidavit
A written sworn statement used as evidence (closest CR equivalent: declaración jurada).