does california law allow the person who has my power of attorney to be my will's executor

by Vallie Keebler 3 min read

Yes — but they need authorization in the power of attorney documents. In the power of attorney documents, you have the right to pay your power of attorney an hourly rate — or general compensation — for their service. If the power of attorney documents do not allow for such payment, then the agent should not pay themselves.

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What are powers of attorney in California?

California requires that the person making a power of attorney have a certain mental capacity, called the "capacity to contract." Notably, this requirement is more stringent than the capacity to make a will or trust. If you're helping someone create a POA, at a minimum you'll want to make sure that they are able to: manage financial resources

What does it mean to be the executor of a will in California?

Oct 01, 2021 · Power of Attorney Requirements in California. A power of attorney allows someone else to handle financial or healthcare matters on your behalf, and California has specific rules about types and requirements. A power of attorney (POA) gives someone you name the authority to handle legal or financial matters for you under specific circumstances.

Do I need an attorney to execute a power of attorney?

Jun 26, 2019 · Yes. You have the legal right to appoint multiple people as your power of attorney. You could even split your durable power of attorney and your medical power of attorney. The legal documents should state whether each agent has full, independent power or …

What are the requirements for executors in California?

Sometimes, it is not clear who should be estate representative, like, if the will does not name an executor and more than one person has the same priority, or there is a disagreement between heirs as to who should serve, or the person with the higher propriety has a conflict of interest, and many more. Talk to a lawyer if this may be your ...

Can a power of attorney be an executor of a will?

The person who had power of attorney may well be the executor or administrator of the estate. This is quite common, as often the person trusted to deal with someone's affairs during their lifetime is the person trusted to do the same after their death.

Who can be executor of will in California?

In California, an executor must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind. A probate judge must formally appoint the executor. If the judge finds the person named incapable of performing the job correctly, he or she may appoint someone else and/or remove an appointed executor.

Who can be my will executor?

Anyone aged 18 or above can be an executor of your will. There's no rule against people named in your will as beneficiaries being your executors. In fact, this is very common. Many people choose their spouse or civil partner, or their children, to be an executor.

Does power of attorney override next of kin?

No. The term next of kin is in common use but a next of kin has no legal powers, rights or responsibilities.

What happens to bank account when someone dies without a will in California?

If you die without a will in California, your assets will go to your closest relatives under state "intestate succession" laws.

Can someone be an executor and beneficiary?

When making a will, people often ask whether an executor can also be a beneficiary. The answer is yes, it's perfectly normal (and perfectly legal) to name the same person as an executor and a beneficiary in your will.Aug 11, 2021

Can the executor of a will take everything?

Generally speaking, the executor of a will cannot take everything simply based on their status as executor. Executors are bound by the terms of the will and must distribute assets as the will directs. This means that executors cannot ignore the asset distribution in the will and take everything for themselves.

Can a beneficiary be a witness to a will?

Can a beneficiary witness a will? A beneficiary can't witness a will – and the same goes for the spouse or civil partner of any beneficiaries. If you did get your will witnessed by a beneficiary (or their husband, wife or civil partner) any gifts, money and property that you've left to them in your will would be void.Aug 23, 2021

Does an executor have to follow the will?

The executor is responsible for paying out to all beneficiaries and must follow the instructions in the will.Nov 25, 2021

Can a family member override a power of attorney?

The Principal can override either type of POA whenever they want. However, other relatives may be concerned that the Agent (in most cases a close family member like a parent, child, sibling, or spouse) is abusing their rights and responsibilities by neglecting or exploiting their loved one.Nov 3, 2019

Is the eldest child next of kin?

A person's next of kin is typically their spouse or closest living relative. The following hierarchy determines who is the most senior next of kin (in order): spouse or domestic partner; adult son or daughter (eldest surviving takes seniority);Dec 23, 2020

Who can be a next of kin?

The term usually means your nearest blood relative. In the case of a married couple or a civil partnership it usually means their husband or wife. Next of kin is a title that can be given, by you, to anyone from your partner to blood relatives and even friends.

What is a power of attorney in California?

A power of attorney allows someone else to handle financial or healthcare matters on your behalf, and California has specific rules about types and requirements.

How old do you have to be to get a POA in California?

A California POA can only be created by a principal who is 18 years of age or older. The principal must also have the legal capacity to enter into a contract. A general or limited POA must be signed by the principal and two witnesses or a notary.

What is a POA?

A power of attorney (POA) gives someone you name the authority to handle legal or financial matters for you under specific circumstances. When you create a POA, you are called the principal, and the person you choose to act for you is called your attorney-in-fact or your agent.

How to complete a POA?

Keep the form in a safe place. Give a copy to your agent. For healthcare POAs, be sure to give a copy to your healthcare provider. Complet ing a POA gives you the peace of mind that someone can handle things for you if you are unable to do so. Ensure your loved ones and property are protected START MY ESTATE PLAN.

What is a general POA?

General POA. This is the broadest kind of POA and gives your agent the right to handle a wide variety of financial matters for you. Limited POA. This is sometimes called a specific POA. This is a very narrow POA that gives your agent the authority to act for you only in specific situations you list in the document.

What is a durable POA?

In addition to the types of matters the POA covers, when the POA will become effective can also vary. Durable POA. A general or limited POA can be durable, which means it goes into effect when you sign it and remains in effect until you destroy or revoke it. Springing POA.

What is a springing POA?

Springing POA. A general or limited POA can be written so that it takes effect only at a certain time or under certain conditions (so it "springs" into action only at that time). For example, you could create it so that it takes effect only if you are incapacitated or so that it is effective for one month.

What is a power of attorney?

Powers of attorney are key estate planning documents. In the unfortunate event that you become unable to care for yourself, it is crucial that you grant a trusted party the authority to effectively make legal, financial, and medical decisions on your behalf. Through two key estate planning documents — the durable power of attorney and ...

Can a durable power of attorney make medical decisions?

Can a Durable Power of Attorney Make Medical Decisions? No. A durable power of attorney is generally for legal decision making and financial decision making. To allow a trusted person to make health care decisions, grant them medical power of attorney.

Can you have multiple power of attorney?

Yes. You have the legal right to appoint multiple people as your power of attorney. You could even split your durable power of attorney and your medical power of attorney. The legal documents should state whether each agent has full, independent power or if they have to act jointly.

Can a convicted felon have a power of attorney in Texas?

Can a Convicted Felon Have Power of Attorney? Yes. Texas law does not prevent a convicted felon from having a power of attorney. A mentally competent person has the authority to select who they want to serve as their power of attorney.

How old do you have to be to be an executor in California?

Basic Requirements for Serving as a California Executor. Your executor must be: at least 18 years old, and. of sound mind -- that is, not judged incapacitated by a court. Many states prohibit people who have felony convictions from serving as executor.

What is the job of an executor of an estate?

After your death, your executor's primary job is to protect your property until any debts and taxes have been paid, and then transfer what's left to those who are entitled to it. Every state has some rules about who may serve as the executor of an estate that goes through probate. Here are the requirements in California.

What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney essentially permits another person to make choices in your name. In its simplest form, a document acting as a power of attorney can be life-changing, life-saving, and very dangerous in the wrong hands. Because of that – and because of the value we place on choice and individual liberty – creating and legitimizing a power ...

What is a springing power of attorney?

A springing power of attorney, for example, goes into effect once you are incapacitated. The difference lies in the power given to the agent upon signing the document. In a durable power of attorney, your agent can make choices on your behalf regardless of your mental state. In a springing power of attorneys, they can only make choices on your ...

What is a POA?

What Is a Power of Attorney (POA)? A power of attorney, or POA, is any legal document that, by your own volition, gives someone the power to act in your place. POA comes in several forms, each possessing a different function.

What is a living will?

A living will, DNR, organ donation provision and power of attorneys for both your finances and your healthcare (separately, usually) are all easy tools to implement into any estate plan, and they can make a tremendous difference down the road.

What is a healthcare directive?

Healthcare directives are legal documents that help healthcare professionals determine what to do if you are unavailable and incapacitated. They basically exist as legally-valid stand-ins for your own choice and opinion and come in different shapes and forms.

Do you need a notary to sign a power of attorney?

You must have a notary or witnesses. If you want your spouse to possess a durable power of attorney, then all they must do is sign a power of attorney document with you present, before a notary public, or several witnesses of sound mind capable of giving a sworn testimony. You sign the document first in their presence, followed by them.

What is the role of executor in a will?

Once appointed by the court, the Executor assumes the powers and fiduciary duties necessary to comply with both the terms of the Will and the legal requirements imposed by the State. 4. The Executor can resign by a specified process and another Executor be appointed by the Court. Normally, the Will will mention successor Executors in ...

Who appoints the executor of a will?

1. The Executor is normally nominated in the Will but it is the court who formally appoints the Executor after a noticed hearing. See our article on Probate. 2. If no Executor is nominated in the Will, the court appoints an “Administrator” who performs the same function, usually a relative. 3.

How long does it take for an estate to close?

At the very least, one can expect six to nine months of time before the Estate can close and if there is litigation outstanding, the Estate can stay open for years.

What is the job of an executor of an estate?

Other typical duties: Locating all assets of the estate and caring for them. Paying expenses necessary to maintain the assets.

What is fiduciary duty?

The fiduciary duty is the highest duty known in law. It is the same duty of care and good faith that a parent has to a child, a doctor to a patient, a spouse to a spouse…and a lawyer to a client. It requires the highest degree of protective action to ensure that the recipient of that duty (the beneficiaries of the Will) are protected ...

Terry David Horner

First, the person holding the power of attorney is not the "power of attorney"; he or she is your "attorney in fact" (as opposed to an "attorney at law"). The "power of attorney" is the signed piece of paper that authorizes another to act on your behalf.#N#Second, no, an attorney in fact cannot represent you in court. Only attorneys...

Ryan Michael Davidson

Not really. "Power of attorney" is simply an agency relationship, i.e., it permits the person vested with power of attorney to make legal decisions on your behalf.#N#But representing someone in a legal proceeding is something else entirely. Only a licensed attorney can do that. The person who has been vested with power of...

Rixon Charles Rafter III

Only if the person to whom you have granted POA is a lawyer. Otherwise absolutely not.

What is a power of attorney for health care?

A health care power of attorney grants your agent authority to make medical decisions for you if you are unconscious, mentally incompetent, or otherwise unable to make decisions on your own. While not the same thing as a living will, many states allow you to include your preference about being kept on life support.

What is a durable power of attorney?

You might also sign a durable power of attorney to prepare for the possibility that you may become mentally incompetent due to illness or injury. Specify in the power of attorney that it cannot go into effect ...

What is a POA?

A power of attorney (POA) is a document that allows you to appoint a person or organization to manage your property, financial, or medical affairs if you become unable to do so.

What powers can an agent exercise?

You can specify exactly what powers an agent may exercise by signing a special power of attorney. This is often used when one cannot handle certain affairs due to other commitments or health reasons. Selling property (personal and real), managing real estate, collecting debts, and handling business transactions are some ...

What is the best way to choose a power of attorney?

Trust is a key factor when choosing an agent for your power of attorney. Whether the agent selected is a friend, relative, organization, or attorney, you need someone who will look out for your best interests, respect your wishes, and won't abuse the powers granted to him or her. It is important for an agent to keep accurate records ...

Why is it important to have an agent?

It is important for an agent to keep accurate records of all transactions done on your behalf and to provide you with periodic updates to keep you informed. If you are unable to review updates yourself, direct your agent to give an account to a third party.

What is a fiduciary?

A fiduciary is someone responsible for managing some or all of another person's affairs. The fiduciary must act prudently and in a way that is fair to the person whose affairs he or she is managing. Someone who violates those duties can face criminal charges or can be held liable in a civil lawsuit.

What is POA in elder law?

A reputable elder law attorney can discuss your desires and concerns and devise POA documents that clearly explain the extent of powers you want your agent (s) to have and any limitations they must abide by. ...

How to file a POA?

What a Financial POA Can Do: 1 Access the principal’s financial accounts to pay for health care, housing needs and other bills. 2 File taxes on behalf of the principal. 3 Make investment decisions on behalf of the principal. 4 Collect the principal’s debts. 5 Manage the principal’s property. 6 Apply for public benefits for the principal, such as Medicaid, veterans benefits, etc.

Why is POA important?

According to geriatric care manager and certified elder law attorney, Buckley Anne Kuhn-Fricker, JD, this provision is important because it gives a principal the flexibility to decide how involved they want their agent to be while they are still in possession of their faculties. For example, a financial agent could handle the day-to-day tasks of paying bills and buying food, while the principal continues to make their own investment and major purchasing decisions.

What is POA document?

POA documents allow a person (the principal) to decide in advance whom they trust and want to act on their behalf should they become incapable of making decisions for themselves. The person who acts on behalf of the principal is called the agent. From there, it is important to distinguish between the two main types of POA: medical and financial. ...

What is a POA in medical terms?

A medical POA (also known as health care POA) gives a trustworthy friend or family member (the agent) the ability to make decisions about the care the principal receives if they are incapacitated. A financial POA gives an agent the ability to make financial decisions on behalf of the principal. It is common to appoint one person to act as an agent ...

What medical care does a principal receive?

What medical care the principal receives, including hospital care, surgery, psychiatric treatment, home health care , etc. (These choices are dependent on the financial means of the principal and the approval of their financial agent.) Which doctors and care providers the principal uses. Where the principal lives.

What is the POA Act?

The Uniform POA Act. Each state has statutes that govern how power of attorney documents are written and interpreted. This can complicate matters when a principal decides what powers to give to their agent and when an agent tries to determine what actions are legally within their power.

Basic Requirements For Serving as A California Executor

  • Your executor must be: 1. at least 18 years old, and 2. of sound mind -- that is, not judged incapacitated by a court. Many states prohibit people who have felony convictions from serving as executor. In California, however, there is no statute prohibiting you from naming an executor who has been convicted of a felony. (Cal. Prob. Code § § 8402, 8502; Cal. Fam. Code § 6502.)
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Special Rules For Executors in California

  • In addition to the restrictions above, a California probate court can reject a potential executor if it finds that any of several "grounds for removal" exist. For example, the court may find that the person you've named as your executor is incapable of carrying out the necessary duties, or that he or she is likely to mismanage or neglect your estate. It's highly unlikely, but if a question arises a…
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California Restrictions on Out-Of-State Executors

  • Unlike many other states, California does not impose special requirements on executors who live out of state. But that doesn't mean it's a good idea to appoint someone who lives far away. For practical reasons, it's usually best to name an executor who lives near you. Your executor may have to handle day-to-day matters for weeks, months, or sometimes longer.
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Learn More

  • For more information about choosing your executor and making your will, see the Willssection of Nolo.com.
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What Is A Power of Attorney (POA)?

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A power of attorney, or POA, is any legal document that, by your own volition, gives someone the power to act in your place. POA comes in several forms, each possessing a different function. For estate planning reasons – and for the future of your finances and healthcare – the most notable form of a POA is the durable po…
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Understanding Healthcare Directives

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Getting Poa Documents in California

  • There are two simple requirements to creating legally valid powers of attorney: 1. 1.1. 1.1.1. Namely, both individuals (you, the principal, and your attorney-in-fact/agent) need to be adults of sound mind at the time the document is created. 1.1.2. You must have a notary or witnesses. If you want your spouse to possess a durable power of attorney, then all they must do is sign a po…
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Types of Powers of Attorney

  • Aside from being durable or non-durable, there are other types of powers of attorney. A springing power of attorney, for example, goes into effect once you are incapacitated. The difference lies in the power given to the agent upon signing the document. In a durable power of attorney, your agent can make choices on your behalf regardless of your mental state. In a springing power of …
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A Will, Trust, Or Both?

  • Estate plans are not meant to be limited in the number of tools used to fully flesh out your plan. For most, the biggest distinction is whether to use a trust or to use only a will – and once the choice is made, the next one is to choose a specific kind of trust. But there are many estate planning tools that are simple to set up, straightforward, and can not only save you a lot of time …
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