what am i liable for as a power of attorney

Generally speaking, the power of attorney is responsible for making financial and legal decisions on the person’s behalf, in the case where they become incapable of doing so themselves. Usually, the attorney can make any financial or legal decision the person could have made themselves.

Full Answer

Is there a liability to being a power of attorney?

A power of attorney does not become personally liable for any of the principal’s debts or bills. However, that doesn’t mean there are no financial implications to being a POA. You must keep your finances separate from those of the principal’s and always make decisions to benefit the principal.

Is there liability with a power of attorney?

While there is potential liability associated with acting as an agent under a durable pow er of attorney, the mere fact of having such power would not make a principal ineligible for governmental benefits.

Can a power of attorney be held responsible for?

The common theme is that a Power of Attorney isn’t personally liable for the debts of the grantor unless she does something wrong or silly or both. Neal’s Notes: It’s also important to keep in mind that there are certain problems with Powers of Attorney that go beyond the scope of what we are talking about here.

What is power of attorney and how does it work?

A power of attorney allows a person you appoint -- your "attorney-in-fact" or agent -- to act in your place for financial or other purposes when and if you ever become incapacitated or if you can't act on your own behalf. The power of attorney document specifies what powers the agent has, which may include the power to open bank accounts ...

What are the two types of power of attorney?

The two primary types of power of attorney are financial power of attorney and medical power of attorney . While the financial power of attorney ’s role concerns legal and financial affairs, the medical power of attorney handles health and medical decisions. For the purposes of this article, we’ll focus on financial power of attorney.

What is a power of attorney?

In short, a power of attorney has the authority to take legal action on behalf of another person–the principal. Let’s take a look at what that means for both of you.

What is the job of a tax accountant?

Matters pertaining to taxes, including dealing with the IRS and revenue departments, in addition to preparing, signing, and filing tax returns

Can a power of attorney be limited?

Most power of attorney documents are drawn up in that way. It’s possible that the scope or duration of your power may be limited under the power of attorney document, but if not specified, then your authority and duration are unlimited.

Why is a power of attorney important?

Power of attorney is essential in the event that you're incapacitated or not physically present to make decisions on your own behalf. Learn more in our in-depth guide.

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 to do if your power of attorney is not able to determine mental competency?

If you think your mental capability may be questioned, have a doctor verify it in writing. If your power of attorney doesn't specify requirements for determining mental competency, your agent will still need a written doctor's confirmation of your incompetence in order to do business on your behalf. A court may even be required to decide the ...

What happens if you can't review updates?

If you are unable to review updates yourself, direct your agent to give an account to a third party. As for legal liability, an agent is held responsible only for intentional misconduct, not for unknowingly doing something wrong. This protection is included in power of attorney documents to encourage people to accept agent responsibilities.

When do POAs take effect?

Some POAs take effect immediately after they're signed, and others only kick in after you're incapacitated.

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 ...

Can a POA be outlined?

Any terms that you feel need clarification can be outlined specifically in your POA document . This is why having the help of an attorney can simplify the process of nominating an agent to have power of attorney.

What is an enduring power of attorney?

The enduring power of attorney agreement gives the appointed attorney the abilities of a power of attorney in the case that the person becomes incapable of doing so. If the person never becomes mentally incapable, the power of attorney agreement essentially does nothing.

What is a POA?

As people get older, it is generally recommended that they appoint a power of attorney (POA). Without fully understanding the extent of the duties and responsibilities, people often accept the role, intending to be as helpful as possible during difficult times in their loved one’s life. Generally speaking, the power of attorney is responsible for making financial and legal decisions on the person’s behalf, in the case where they become incapable of doing so themselves. Usually, the attorney can make any financial or legal decision the person could have made themselves. Before accepting the role of the Power of Attorney, it is important to understand the role (what you might be expected to do) and the rights you have available to you as the person’s attorney.

What is the job of a prescribed record?

Keep prescribed records and produce the prescribed records for inspection and copying at the request of the adult.

Can an attorney resign as a power of attorney?

In some cases, the attorney no longer wishes to continue in this position as the person’s attorney. At any time, the attorney is able to resign as the power of attorney and relieve themselves of all the duties of the power of attorney. To do so, a letter of resignation must be given to the person and any other people acting as a power of attorney.

Can a power of attorney make a will?

The power of attorney is sometimes in a position where they must do a lot of the estate planning for the incapable person and often times this means gift giving before their death. It’s important to understand that a power of attorney does not have any authority to make a will or change an existing will on the incapable person’s behalf, though the attorney can handle some estate related financial tasks.

Can an adult invest in power of attorney?

Unless the enduring power of attorney states otherwise, invest the adult’s property only in accordance with the Trustee Act;

Where is Austin Darling?

He is beginning his studies at the University of British Columbia in 2020.

What is a power of attorney?

In a power of attorney, you name someone as your attorney-in-fact (or agent) to make financial decisions for you. The power gives your agent control over any assets held in your name alone. If a bank account is owned in your name alone, your attorney-in-fact will have access to it.

What happens to a power of attorney when you die?

Power of attorney dies with you. Once you pass away, the document is no longer valid and your will then controls what happens to your assets. Fund your revocable trust. If you fund your revocable trust during your lifetime, you may not need to use your power of attorney although you should still have one just in case.

How effective is a durable power of attorney?

Consider your options. There are two types of powers of attorney. A durable power of attorney is effective when you sign it and survives your incapacity. A springing power of attorney springs into effect when you are incapacitated. A springing power of attorney seems more attractive to most people, but it is actually harder to use. Your agent will need to convince the bank that you are incapacitated and, even though the document spells out how to do that, your local bank branch often does not want to make that determination. Translation: your lawyer often needs to get involved. For that reason, most attorneys advise you to execute a durable power of attorney. The attorney will often hold the original power of attorney until it is needed as an extra protection.

What to do if your named agent dies before you?

Name an alternate. If your named agent dies before you or is incapacitated, you want to have a back-up who can act. Also, consider nominating a guardian and conservator in your power of attorney in case one is needed down the road. Read the document. This seems obvious, but clients often do not read their documents.

Can you have two people serve as a power of attorney?

The power of two. Consider naming two agents to act together if your state allows for it . While having two people serve can be cumbersome, it often is worth the extra effort to have an extra set of eyes on the use of the power of attorney. This can substantially reduce your risk and ensure your assets go to the people you’ve designated in your will.

Can a power of attorney change bank account?

Depending on the language of the power of attorney, your agent may be able to change the ownership of your bank accounts or change your beneficiary designations. This is a common scenario in second marriages.

Can you sue a nursing home for misappropriation of assets?

To the contrary, if you use your power to transfer the principal’s assets in avoidance of debts, such as nursing home obligations, you make be subject to a lawsuit for misappropriating such assets.

Can a power of attorney be a fiduciary?

No. When someone appoints you as his/her attorney in fact (people casually refer to their title as “power of attorney”) to handle their financial affairs, you are acting as an agent to that person. You are called a fiduciary and fiduciaries must act according to certain fiduciary standards.

What is a durable power of attorney?

General Durable Power Of Attorney. This is the standard POA agreement for wills, estates, and finances. Agents can buy and sell property, pay bills, and conduct other financial business for the grantor. Durable means it remains binding should the grantor become incapacitated or pass away.

Why are POAs becoming more common?

These POAs are becoming more common due to the amount of fraud and theft committed by agents with a general durable power of attorney. The stipulations of limited durable POAs varies by individual, but well-written limited POA agreements have precise requirements to which the agent must follow.

What is a limited POA?

This is a simple, limited POA that allows the agent to make healthcare and medical decisions should the grantor become incapacitated and require guardianship. It’s essential to recognize that this type of POA carries an extremely low risk for the agent, and no agent will be held financially responsible for the medical bills of the grantor.

How to guarantee zero liability in POA?

Remember that the one way to guarantee you have zero financial or legal liability is to reject the grantor’s request to be their agent in a POA agreement. Agreeing to act as an agent for a friend or loved one seems like a natural thing to do, but take time to give it serious consideration before you sign on the line.

Why is it important to put in the effort now?

Putting in the effort now will help ease the burden on you as a grantor in the future, and you can even rest better now knowing trusted individuals are in charge during a medical or familial crisis.

What to ask when signing a POA?

It’s also important to ask who the other agents are if you are asked to sign a healthcare/medical POA. Knowing who your successors are on the POA can often alleviate tension and stress should it become necessary for you to discharge your duties as an agent. You may have to take a hard look at your life and recognize if you can’t meet your obligations to the grantor due to your life or financial circumstances.

Why do we need a limited durable power of attorney?

Creating a limited durable power of attorney agreement is an excellent way to protect everyone involved from potential risk , but there are other precautions you can take to avoid being accused of negligence, fraud, or outright theft.

What is a financial power of attorney?

For instance: A service member is deployed overseas: A financial POA can manage a service member’s property and pay their bills while they’re away.

What is a POA?

A power of attorney (POA) is a legally binding document that lets someone else (an agent) act for you (the principal) in the event that you’re not able to do so yourself, whether you’re incapacitated or deceased. The person you appoint can be anyone: a lawyer, a nurse or a friend or relative you trust.

How to tell someone about your POA?

Tell others about your POA: Don’t keep your power of attorney between you and your agent. Instead, share the name of your agent with your doctors, relatives and others so they can keep tabs on this person’s actions.

Is Bankrate a strict editorial policy?

Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that we’re putting your interests first. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions.

Is Bankrate honest?

Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that our content is honest and accurate. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions. The content created by our editorial staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our advertisers.

Who is responsible for paying off debts?

The executor is responsible for using estate assets to pay off debts, says attorney Chas Rampenthal, attorney assist segment leader at LegalZoom. “There’s an order of debt priority that’s generally the same in most jurisdictions,” he says.

Who is Rashawn Mitchner?

Rashawn Mitchner is a former associate editor at Bankrate.

When does a power of attorney end?

A power of attorney document ends when your parents pass away. In that situation, the administrator of the estate is the one who is in charge of paying any debts. While you won’t have to return the money your parents owe, note that your inheritance might be affected by their debts.

When is a POA used?

It is normally used when the principal is out of the state for a while and can’t take care of certain tasks on their own. Durable POA —Comes into effect the moment the document is signed and gives the agent the powers even when the principal becomes incapacitated.

What happens if you breach your duties?

If you breach any of your duties, you will become liable for the consequential damages. You may need to compensate the principal or the beneficiaries of the grantor’s estate if you fail to handle your obligations properly.

Does a POA protect your interests?

If the agent is also the administrator of the estate, they are obligated to cover the principal’s debts. Now that you’ve seen that a POA can protect your interests, you can create the document fast and without trouble using DoNotPay!

Which states require spouses to pay for deceased spouse's debts?

These are the states where the surviving spouse needs to pay for the deceased spouse’s debts: Arizona. California.

Is the agent responsible for debts when the principal passes away?

Normally, the agent is not responsible for any debts when the principal passes away, but there are a few exceptions. Take a look at the table below for more information:

Who is responsible for debts if they are co-signed?

The Agent Is Responsible for Debts if They: Brief Explanation. Were a co-signer of a loan. If the agent co-signed a loan or jointly took one out, they are in charge of the outstanding balance. When the principal passes away, the debt is still valid and needs to be paid. Hold a joint account with the principal.