how many peope can be listed on a power of attorney

by Dr. Jolie Torp 9 min read

First, there is no legal reason why you cannot name more than one person as your power of attorney - you can name 10 people if you want. The real question is should you name more than one person? The answer is generally no, unless you have a specific reason and considered the potential problems.

Yes, you can name more than one person on your durable power of attorney, but our law firm generally advise against it under most circumstances. First, there is no legal reason why you cannot name more than one person as your power of attorney - you can name 10 people if you want.

Full Answer

How much power does your power of attorney actually have?

Yes, you can name more than one person on your durable power of attorney, but our law firm generally advise against it under most circumstances. First, there is no legal reason why you cannot name more than one person as your power of attorney - …

How to prove that someone is power of attorney?

When you make or change a durable power of attorney for finances, you are allowed to name more than one agent (or "attorney-in-fact," as this person is known in some states). If your aunt wants to name both niece and nephew, she may do so, but she will have to decide how they should carry out their duties. She can give them each independent authority, which means that …

How many people can be on a power of attorney?

Nov 05, 2018 · It is possible for two people to have power of attorney (POA) over the same person simultaneously, particularly if the principal indicates the request in the document itself. A POA is a legal document that grants a person the power to act on behalf of another person. The grantor is called the principal.

Why should I have a power of attorney?

Dec 24, 2012 · Is there a limit to how many people can have power of attorney over a relative? I am one of three and both my siblings have health and financial power of attorney for our mother. I want to be added, is there a limit? Thanks . More . Power of attorney Financial power of attorney Incapacitation and elder law.

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Question

Can you have a shared power of attorney? My aunt named her son as agent and he misused funds. Then she appointed her nephew and he let her credit rating slip because he did not pay bills in a timely fashion.

Answer

When you make or change a durable power of attorney for finances, you are allowed to name more than one agent (or "attorney-in-fact," as this person is known in some states). If your aunt wants to name both niece and nephew, she may do so, but she will have to decide how they should carry out their duties.

What is POA in law?

A POA is a legal document that grants a person the power to act on behalf of another person. The grantor is called the principal. The person that holds the authority for another is called the agent. The following are some examples of common scenarios where this issue arises.

How old is Jane Smith?

For the purposes of these examples, Jane Smith is a mentally competent 65-year old woman who lives in Florida. She has two children, Mary Smith and David Smith, who also live in Florida.

What is a POA?

The POA is your mother's and with that , the role of "agent" or "person (s) who hold (s) the Power" is given by your mom. It is actually a VERY common misconception that you can just do a POA for someone who is in need of care when in fact, only the person that you want to help can sign the POA giving you the right...

Can siblings be joint agents?

It is unclear to me whether your siblings are "joint agents" under the power of attorney, or if you are saying that each has a separate power of attorney for your relative. The latter can be very confusing.#N#Presumably, there is a reason you have not been given this responsibility, either...

Can you use "OR" with multiple names in Florida?

The more you have-the harder they are to use .#N#In Florida we can use "OR" with multiple names.#N#First person to make the decision prevails.#N#The parent in your case should make the decision without#N#pressure from the children...

What is the power of attorney in fact?

Generally, the law of the state in which you reside at the time you sign a power of attorney will govern the powers and actions of your agent under that document.

How long does a power of attorney last?

Today, most states permit a "durable" power of attorney that remains valid once signed until you die or revoke the document.

Why do you need a power of attorney?

Another important reason to use power of attorney is to prepare for situations when you may not be able to act on your own behalf due to absence or incapacity. Such a disability may be temporary, for example, due to travel, accident, or illness, or it may be permanent.

What is a springing power of attorney?

The power may take effect immediately, or only upon the occurrence of a future event, usually a determination that you are unable to act for yourself due to mental or physical disability. The latter is called a "springing" power of attorney.

Who is Michael Douglas' wife?

Assume Michael Douglas appoints his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, as his agent in a written power of attorney. Catherine, as agent, must sign as follows: Michael Douglas, by Catherine Zeta-Jones under POA or Catherine Zeta-Jones, attorney-in-fact for Michael Douglas. If you are ever called upon to take action as someone’s agent, ...

Can an attorney in fact make gifts?

Gifts are an important tool for many estate plans, and your attorney-in-fact can make gifts on your behalf, subject to guidelines that you set forth in your power of attorney. For example, you may wish to permit your attorney-in-fact to make "annual exclusion" gifts (up to $14,000 in value per recipient per year in 2013) on your behalf ...

Can a power of attorney be revoked?

A power of attorney may be revoked, but most states require written notice of revocation to the person named to act for you. The person named in a power of attorney to act on your behalf is commonly referred to as your "agent" or "attorney-in-fact.". With a valid power of attorney, your agent can take any action permitted in the document.

How many witnesses are needed for a power of attorney?

Many states require two people to witness your signature. If your state has adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act, you must abide by this rule. As of 2018, approximately 25 states have adopted it. Witnesses are generally at least 18 years of age and cannot be the agent, the notary, any relative by blood, adoption, or marriage, ...

What is a POA?

A power of attorney (POA) is a document that lets you, the principal, appoint someone to act as your agent (also referred to as an attorney-in-fact) in the event you are unavailable or lack the requisite mental capacity to make decisions. They act on your behalf regarding financial matters, health care matters, or both, depending on what powers you give them.

How old do you have to be to be a witness?

Witnesses are generally at least 18 years of age and cannot be the agent, the notary, any relative by blood, adoption, or marriage, or a third party who intends to interact with the agent (e.g., medical doctor, banking professional, etc.)

Do you have to sign a POA?

If you are the principal, you must always sign the document, no matter what state you live in. Signing indicates that you're appointing a certain person as your agent or attorney-in-fact.

Do you need a notary to sign a document?

Some states require notarized signatures. Even if your state does not require one, it's good practice to have it. Keep in mind that if you choose to have someone notarize the document, that person can only act as a notary and cannot also act as a witness.

When naming two agents, should the principal include both agents in the same power of attorney agreement?

When naming two agents, the principal should include both agents in the same power of attorney agreement. All three parties should sign the document at the same time in the presence of two witnesses, and both agents will need their own copy of the signed agreement.

Can you draft separate power of attorney agreements for each agent?

Do not draft separate power of attorney agreements for each agent. Otherwise, the agreement created last will be the agreement that prevails, and only one agent will have power of attorney for the principal.

Can a principal name two people as agents?

The principal can name two people as agents, called joint power of attorney. It is imperative, however, that a principal does not make this decision simply to appease relatives. The decision should be the principal’s, and should be made because the principal believes it is the best decision for her care.

Can a husband and wife have a power of attorney?

Power of Attorney Between a Husband & Wife. Most power of attorney agreements include just one principal and one agent. If a principal decides to elect two agents, however, this is certainly possible--provided that the powers granted to each agent do not overlap.

Why is a durable power of attorney important?

A durable power of attorney is one of the most important estate planning documents and can save your family (and you) from problems and expenses if you become unable to handle your own affairs as a result of illness or accident.

How many daughters does Jack have?

Who to name and whether you should have more than one agent is an important discussion to have with your planning attorney. Jack, age 88, has two daughters, Laverne and Shirley, both of whom are capable and willing to act for Jack if needed. Jack’s initial thought was to name Laverne, his eldest, as agent and Shirley as a successor (ie, ...

Where does Laverne live?

He showed some concern, however, that Shirley’s feelings would be hurt. Another concern of Jack’s (and Shirley’s) is that Laverne lives in Milwaukee and himself and Shirley live on Long Island. However, if you have the right person, where that person lives is usually not a problem.

What is the 5500 exam?

There are three taxpayers in a Form 5500 examination—the sponsoring employer, the trust, and the plan participants or their beneficiaries. The instructions for both the Form 2848 and Form 8821 require that, for purposes of conducting a 5500 examination, Item 1 (Taxpayer Information) contain the plan name and number (if applicable) and the plan sponsor name, address and EIN. The plan and trust are two separate legal entities. The trust is an “accumulation of assets held in the name of the plan participants”. It is quite clear that unless the employer is also the trustee, it’s possible that a second POA will be necessary. This scenario applies equally to multiemployer and multiple employer plans which also have a plan sponsor and trust.

What is EPTA form?

EPTA uses the practice of securing a form which provides written authorization from the employer that often designates specific personnel other then employees acting within the scope of their employment to: 1. furnish records and information; 2. discuss matters during preliminary stages; and 3. receive and/or negotiate proposed adjustments. The letter is on official corporate letterhead and signed by an officer of the corporation. It has been determined that the form is similar to Form 8821 and all of its attendant restrictions. In other words, the use of this form should be restricted to allow a third party to inspect or receive confidential information examined or generated during the course of the examination. Since the use of the authorization form is limited, it is necessary, therefore, to obtain a properly completed Form 2848 to address adjustments and issues pursuant to the guidance in this memo.

Who can be named as a representative on Form 2848?

Only individuals may be named as a Representative on Form 2848. Individuals, corporations, firms, organizations or Partnerships can be named as an Appointee on Form 8821. Each form should contain the full nine digit CAF number. If the individual designated as Representative or Appointee does not have a CAF number the Form 2848 or Form 8821 should reflect a response of “None”. All other information must be fully completed and the form should be faxed, by EP Examinations, to the appropriate Service Center before the examination is completed.

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