what is statutory power of attorney ?

by Yasmeen Lakin 6 min read

A statutory power of attorney is a legal document that was created by statute (law). This document gives one person — the agent — the power to act on behalf of another with respect to most matters.

Full Answer

What are the requirements to be a power of attorney?

Jun 14, 2017 · A statutory power of attorney is a legal document that was created by statute (law). This document gives one person — the agent — the power to act on behalf of another with respect to most matters. The person with power of attorney (POA) is known as the agent (occasionally, the attorney-in-fact), and the person who appoints the power of attorney is …

What can you do with a power of attorney?

A statutory power of attorney is a power of attorney that copies the language in a state statute. The provisions of the Statutory Power of Attorney are provided by the laws of the particular state. It also includes an example of a form that may be used.

What is power of attorney and how does it work?

A Statutory Durable Power of Attorney is created and accepted by the state statutes. This legal document gives a person – an agent augmented powers to make decisions in most of the estate matters. The person with the authority is called the agent and the person who appoints an agent for power of attorney is referred to as Principal.

What are the rules for power of attorney?

Nov 25, 2003 · A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document giving one person (the agent or attorney-in-fact) the power to act for another person, the principal. The agent can have broad legal authority or...

image

When should a power of attorney be considered?

A power of attorney should be considered when planning for long-term care. There are different types of POAs that fall under either a general power of attorney or limited power of attorney . A general power of attorney acts on behalf of the principal in any and all matters, as allowed by the state.

What is a general power of attorney?

A general power of attorney acts on behalf of the principal in any and all matters, as allowed by the state. The agent under a general POA agreement may be authorized to take care of issues such as handling bank accounts, signing checks, selling property and assets like stocks, filing taxes, etc.

Why does a power of attorney end?

A power of attorney can end for a number of reasons, such as when the principal dies, the principal revokes it, a court invalidates it, the principal divorces their spouse, who happens to be the agent, or the agent can no longer carry out the outlined responsibilities. Conventional POAs lapse when the creator becomes incapacitated.

What is a POA?

Key Takeaways. A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document giving one person, the agent or attorney-in-fact, the power to act for another person, the principal. The agent can have broad legal authority or limited authority to make decisions about the principal's property, finances, or medical care. The power of attorney is often used ...

What is limited POA?

For example, the limited POA may explicitly state that the agent is only allowed to manage the principal's retirement accounts. A limited POA may also be in effect for a specific period of time (e.g., if the principal will be out of the country for, say, two years).

How to start a power of attorney?

A better way to start the process of establishing a power of attorney is by locating an attorney who specializes in family law in your state. If attorney's fees are more than you can afford, legal services offices staffed with credentialed attorneys exist in virtually every part of the United States.

Can you use verbal instruction to get a POA?

While some regions of the country accept oral POA grants, verbal instruction is not a reliable substitute for getting each of the powers of attorney granted to your agent spelled out word-for-word on paper. Written clarity helps to avoid arguments and confusion.

What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney is a document that lets you name someone to make decisions on your behalf. This appointment can take effect immediately if you become unable to make those decisions on your own.

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.

Is a power of attorney valid if you are mentally competent?

A power of attorney is valid only if you are mentally competent when you sign it and, in some cases, incompetent when it goes into effect. If you think your mental capability may be questioned, have a doctor verify it in writing.

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 ...

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 a power of attorney?

A general power of attorney gives your agent broad power to act on your behalf — making any financial, business, real estate, and legal decisions that would otherwise be your responsibility. For example: 1 managing banking transactions 2 buying and selling property 3 paying bills 4 entering contracts

When does a power of attorney go into effect?

A springing (or conditional) power of attorney only goes into effect if a certain event or medical condition (typically incapacitation) or event specified in the POA occurs. For example, military personnel may draft a springing power of attorney that goes into effect when they’re deployed overseas.

What happens to a non-durable power of attorney?

Non-Durable Power of Attorney. A non-durable power of attorney expires if you become incapacitated or die. For instance, if you fall into a coma, your agents will lose any authority previously granted. After that, only a court-appointed guardian or conservator will be able to make decisions for you.

Can a power of attorney be restricted?

The powers granted under a general power of attorney may be restricted by state statutes. Who can legally override your power of attorney depends on which type of POA you select. 4. Limited (Special) Power of Attorney.

What is POA in estate planning?

A power of attorney, or POA, is an estate planning document used to appoint an agent to manage your affairs. There are several different types of power of attorney. Each serves a different purpose and grants varying levels of authority to your agent. Related Resource: What is Power of Attorney?

James P. Frederick

I also agree with Attorney Sinclair. It is my guess that your mother either tried to do this on her own, or did it on her own and then followed up with another POA. It SOUNDS like the forms in question accomplish the same purpose and that either one or both of them COULD be used.

Alan Baker

I agree with attorney Sinclair. I would also suggest you go with your mother to the attorney who prepared the documents to obtain an explanation concerning these POAs and make sure she was not overcharged by paying twice for the same thing with different names.

Paula Brown Sinclair

The naming of these documents, often used for incapacity planning, has created considerable public confusion. Here is the vocabulary lesson:#N#A power of attorney is a document that delegates to another person something the grantor has the nature right and authority to do, such as sign a document or instruct a doctor.

Alan Leigh Armstrong

It should. It will be up to the bank's attorney to review it. They like their own forms.

Joshua Tague Damberg

I do not practice in California, but I do work with both Statutory Powers of Attorney and Durable Powers of Attorney. Statutory Powers of Attorney are documents that are brought up through the laws of your state, i.e. the legislature, and give powers through those laws that the legislature passes.

image