how can i get power of attorney from my parents they live in another. state

by Ms. Taya Schimmel Jr. 9 min read

Broadly speaking, you get power of attorney for a parent by having him or her name you as the agent in a POA document that he or she has signed while sound of mind. However, the process is rarely as simple as it seems, especially when it comes to ensuring that your power of attorney will be recognized by third parties.

Full Answer

Can I file a power of attorney from another state?

Feb 24, 2022 · Broadly speaking, you get power of attorney for a parent by having him or her name you as the agent in a POA document that he or she has signed while sound of mind. However, the process is rarely as simple as it seems, especially when it comes to ensuring that your power of attorney will be recognized by third parties.

How do I set up a power of attorney for my parents?

Dec 08, 2018 · The power of attorney should be drawn in the form specified or recommended by the state where the grantor (principal) lives, and notarized there. It should then be sent (mail will do) to the agent (the person named in the POA).

How do you sign as a PoA agent for a parent?

Dec 06, 2021 · Before 6/11/20, state law allowed a parent to sign a power of attorney allowing another person to make medical decisions only for their child. How long does this POA last? Under state law, this POA can last for up to 2 years from the date you signed it.After that, you would probably need to sign another POA, or someone might need to seek a more ...

Can a parent name an alternative to a power of attorney?

Jul 16, 2021 · The first step to getting power of attorney over an elderly parent is to research powers of attorney, understand how these documents work in your state and the scope of available powers. Talk to your parent so they understand why you want to take this step and the benefits and drawbacks of the action.

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How do I get power of attorney over my elderly parent?

The first step to getting power of attorney over an elderly parent is to research powers of attorney, understand how these documents work in your s...

What are the four types of power of attorney?

The four types of power of attorney are limited, general, durable and springing durable. Limited and general POAs end when the principal becomes in...

Can I get a power of attorney if my parent has dementia?

No, if your parent already has cognitive impairment, they can’t legally sign the documents required to set up a power of attorney. This is one reas...

What are the disadvantages of a power of attorney?

The biggest drawback to a power of attorney is that an agent may act in a way that the principal would disapprove of. This may be unintentional if...

Is power of attorney responsible for nursing home bills?

As your parent’s power of attorney, you’re responsible for ensuring their nursing home bills are paid for through their assets and income. However,...

Where should a power of attorney be drawn?

The power of attorney should be drawn in the form specified or recommended by the state where the grantor (principal) lives, and notarized there. It should then be sent (mail will do) to the agent (the person named in the POA).

What is a POA?

A power of attorney (POA) is simply legal permission for one person to act on behalf of, and in the interest of, another. I held a power of attorney for my mother, and later for my father, who lived in one state while I lived in another, and acted under it to do business with various entities in multiple third states.

Can a POA be cancelled if the principal dies?

Any POA is cancelled if the principal dies. You can have a lawyer draw up a POA, but there are software programs that will take the principal through a questionnaire and put together a POA document appropriate to the specific situation and the principal's state of residence.

How long can you give someone a power of attorney?

You can give someone POA for as little as one day to as long as 24 months (2 years). We explain POA here.

What happens if you don't have a POA?

If the other parent is not involved in the child's life, you can do a POA appointing whomever you want in your absence. However, understand that parent could return and try to seek custody of the child. That may mean a court gets involved.

What to do if your child's other parent has the right to time with your child?

If the child's other parent has the right to time with the child, they might be able to argue that they should have custody and that you should not give POA to a non-parent.

Can a parent sign a power of attorney for a child?

Before 6/11/20, state law allowed a parent to sign a power of attorney allowing another person to make medical decisions only for their child.

Can you get authorization from your child's school?

Your child's school or doctor might have their own authorization form to allow other people to access your children's records, pick your child up from school, or get care for your child. Ask about those things and fill them out for your child to make sure you have covered everything.

Can you take back a POA?

You can revoke (take back) the POA at any time before the POA expires (ends). You should do this in writing and give a copy to anyone who has a copy of the POA to make sure everyone knows it is no longer valid. (good).

Why do you need a power of attorney for an elderly parent?

Common Reasons to Seek Power of Attorney for Elderly Parents. Financial Difficulties: A POA allows you to pay the bills and manage the finances for parents who are having difficulty staying on top of their financial obligations.

What is a power of attorney?

At its most basic, a power of attorney is a document that allows someone to act on another person’s behalf. The person allowing someone to manage their affairs is known as the principal, while the person acting on their behalf is the agent.

What are the different types of power of attorney?

The four types of power of attorney are limited, general, durable and springing durable. Limited and general POAs end when the principal becomes incapacitated, so they’re not often used by older adults when planning for the end of life. A durable POA lasts even after a person becomes incapacitated, so is more commonly used by seniors.

What is a POA in 2021?

Last Updated: July 16, 2021. A power of attorney (POA) can be an important element of planning for your elderly parent’s future. It allows another person to take action on your parent’s behalf, ensuring bills get paid and medical decisions can be made in the unfortunate circumstance that your elderly parent is unable to do those things on their own ...

What is the best document to prepare for an aging loved one?

There are two separate documents you’ll likely need as part of comprehensive planning for your aging loved one. The first is a financial POA , which provides for decisions regarding finances and for the ability to pay bills, manage accounts, and take care of investments. The second is an Advance Healthcare Directive, which is also known as a “living will” or a “power of attorney for healthcare.” This document outlines who will be an agent for healthcare decisions, as well as providing some general guidelines for healthcare decision-making.

How many witnesses do you need to sign a letter of attorney?

A notary public or attorney must witness your loved one signing the letter of attorney, and in some states, you’ll need two witnesses. The chosen agent must be over 18 and fully competent, meaning they understand the implications of their decision. When filling out the form, the parent must specify exactly which powers are transferring to the agent.

How to get a POA?

When you’re ready to set up the POA, follow these steps: 1 Talk to Your Parents: Discuss what they need in a POA and what their wishes are when it comes to their finances and health care. You must also confirm their consent and make sure they agree with everything discussed. 2 Talk to a Lawyer: Everyone who gets a POA has different needs and the laws are different in each state. It’s important to get legal advice so that your parent’s wishes are taken into consideration and the document is legal. 3 Create the Necessary Documentation: Write down all the clauses you need that detail how the agent can act on the principal’s behalf. This ensures your parent’s wishes are known and will be respected. Although you can find POA templates on the internet, they are generic forms that may not stand up to legal scrutiny and probably won’t have all the clauses you require. 4 Execute the Agreement: Sign and notarize the document. Requirements for notarization and witnesses differ, so make sure you check what’s required in your state.

How to get power of attorney for elderly parents

This isn’t something that can be done after the fact. In order for your parent to grant you power of attorney, they need to show in court that they are of sound mind and recognize the types of decisions you’ll be making for them.

What steps do I need to take to get power of attorney?

Start by talking with your parents to see what kind of estate planning efforts they might have made. Keep in mind that getting power of attorney isn’t a small job. You’ll need to make crucial medical and financial decisions.

What is a power of attorney?

A "Power of Attorney" is a written document often used when someone wants another adult to handle their financial or property matters. A Power of Attorney is a legal form but is NOT a court form. A Power of Attorney cannot be used to give someone the power to bring a lawsuit on your behalf. Only licensed attorneys can bring lawsuits on behalf ...

Who is the principal of a power of attorney?

The "principal" is the person who creates a Power of Attorney document, and they give authority to another adult who is called an "attorney-in-fact.". The attorney-in-fact does NOT have to be a lawyer and CANNOT act as an attorney for the principal. The attorney-in-fact must be a competent adult (18 years or older).

Can a court order a conservatorship?

The courts generally are not involved with Powers of Attorney, however, if someone becomes incapacitated or is unable to make their own decisions ( e.g., in a coma, mentally incompetent, etc.) and needs another adult to make decisions for them, the court may get involved to order a legal Guardianship or Conservatorship for the incapacitated person. ...

What is an elder law attorney?

It most definately depends on the laws governing the State of Alabama. An Elder Attorney can easily advise you with regards to these important questions that you are experiencing at this time in your life.

Can an elder law attorney answer questions?

It is possible, contact the local area agency on aging, they will be able to refer you to someone that can provide answers. You want to make sure everything you want is covered and is transferable to the other state. An elder law attorney should be able to answer your questions. This field is required.

Can anyone be a poa?

While theoretically it should be possible to have anybody, anywhere, be poa, on a very practical day-to day level it gets too expensive too fast....so most lawyers (if they are ethical) will recommend a LOCAL person, as in, less than an hour drive away, and moreover, someone who is fully ENGAGED with the Principal.

Does DPOA need to be done in AL?

DPOA document needs to be done by legal in your state (AL), while your at it, would want to get a MPOA, an overall HIPPA form, an Guardianship incase of Incapacity statement & an update (codicil) to your will done all at the same time.

When is a power of attorney terminated?

A power of attorney is generally terminated if you become incapacitated or in- competent. The power of attorney can continue, however, in the case of your incapacity or incompetency if you authorize this on line 5a “Other acts authorized” of the Form 2848. Does this mean I should also add words like these to Line 5a:

What is a POA on a tax return?

Form 8453 has a specific box to check if you are attaching a POA indicating that the individual has authority to sign the tax return: Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative (or POA that states the agent is granted authority to sign the return)

What is Form 2848?

Form 2848 is the IRS’s own version of a POA. Form 8453 is needed whenever mailing a paper document related to an e-filed return. Of course, I would prefer to use Method (1).

Where is Form 1040 mailed?

The Form 1040 goes to the normally assigned site based on state of residency where the form is scanned (assuming it was a mailed return). The Form 2848 goes a department of the IRS known as Entity Dept. with main office in Ogden but also in Memphis and Philadelphia.

How long do you have to file 1040?

3) Complete line 3; income, 1040, 2018-2020. You are allowed prospective years but I don't recommend more than 3 years.

Can I attach POA to 8453?

Don't attach any form or document that isn't shown next to the checkboxes. If you are required to mail in any documentation not listed on Form 8453, you can't file the tax return electronically. This seems to say that I can't attach the POA to the 8453 along with the 2848, and therefore I can't e-file the return.

How to manage a parent's Social Security?

To manage a parent’s Social Security, you have to be appointed a representative payee by Social Security. Your chief responsibility in this role is to make sure your mother’s benefits are used to meet her essential needs, such as food, shelter, household bills and medical care.

How to become a representative payee for Social Security?

Applying to become a representative payee usually requires a face-to-face interview at your local Social Security office, which you can schedule by calling 800-772-1213. You’ll need to bring proof of your identity.

Can I update my Social Security number online?

Many Social Security services are available online and by phone. If you have a "dire need situation" regarding your benefits or need to update information attached to your Social Security number, such as your name or citizenship status, you may be able to schedule an in-person appointment.

Can I use my Social Security money for my mom?

It’s also permissible to use the money for personal needs such as clothing, household items and recreation. Social Security advises that any remaining funds go into an interest-bearing account or savings bonds for your mom’s future needs.

Can I be the owner of my mother's Social Security account?

You can’t be an owner of the account or bonds, and you can’t mingle these funds with your own money. You’ll need to keep records of how you spent and saved your mother’s benefits; Social Security requires some representative payees to file an annual report.

Where is the DPOA set up?

The DPOA was set up in their home state where they reside and my long distance address displayed in the paperwork.. If you have a good relationship with your sister and you can work together to provide the best care for your mother, then that's the ideal situation.

Is there a law that requires an agent to reside in the same state as the principal?

In other words, totally useless. This field is required. From a legal perspective, there is no law in any state or U.S. territory that requires an agent/attorney-in-fact to reside in the same state as the principal. I live in Ohio, and serve as agent for family members in California and Florida.

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