what is the typical compensation for a durable power-of-attorney representative?

by Dr. Macey Gerhold V 9 min read

Although the Trustee Act is silent on the quantum of compensation, a compensation fee scale has evolved at common law (i.e., through cases decided by the Courts) over the years: 2.5% of capital receipts; 2.5% of capital disbursements; 2.5% of income receipts and 2.5% of income disbursements.

I most commonly see hourly rates for family members acting as Agent in the $20.00 to $40.00 range. Typically, a son or daughter will be the person acting as Agent under a power of attorney document on behalf of their parents.Apr 13, 2017

Full Answer

When does a durable power of attorney become effective?

A power of attorney is nothing more than a special kind of legal document that grants someone else the legal authority to act on your behalf. A power of attorney is not a job, a position or a career. Rather, it describes the relationship between two people. Some powers of attorney include payments or salaries, while others do not.

Does a power of attorney have a salary?

Apr 13, 2017 · I most commonly see hourly rates for family members acting as Agent in the $20.00 to $40.00 range. Typically, a son or daughter will be the person acting as Agent under a power of attorney document on behalf of their parents. Before setting a fee structure, an Agent should know that there are two groups that could bring payment complaints.

What are the benefits of a general power of attorney?

But the Medicaid agency may still object to the amount, arguing that there is no obligation on your mother’s part to make the payments in the absence of a service agreement. You may draw up a written agreement, but if you’re signing as both parties – on your mother’s behalf under the power of attorney and on your own as the service ...

What are the different types of power of attorney?

Under the Substitute Decisions Act, 1992, S.O. 1992, c. 30 (“S.D.A.”), a guardian of property or an attorney under a PoA may take compensation annually, monthly or quarterly in accordance with a prescribed fee scale. Currently, the prescribed fee scale is as follows: 3% on capital and income receipts; 3% on capital and income disbursements; and three fifths (3/5ths) of 1% of the annual …

How much can a power of attorney charge for their services in Ontario?

A: Your wife can claim a fee as Power of Attorney, because you reside in Ontario. Other provinces handle the matter differently, but in Ontario you can claim 3% of the monies received and disbursed by the grantor, and a management fee of 3/5ths of 1% of the average annual value of the grantor's assets.Jun 24, 2014

Can a power of attorney transfer money to themselves Ontario?

As a general rule, a power of attorney cannot transfer money, personal property, real estate or any other assets from the grantee to himself.Sep 21, 2021

What three decisions Cannot be made by a legal power of attorney?

You cannot give an attorney the power to: act in a way or make a decision that you cannot normally do yourself – for example, anything outside the law. consent to a deprivation of liberty being imposed on you, without a court order.

What expenses can I claim as power of attorney?

You can only claim expenses for things you must do to carry out your role as an attorney, for example:hiring a professional to do things like fill in the donor's tax return.travel costs.stationery.postage.phone calls.

How often do agents drop by?

Others might think the Agent just drops by a couple of times a week to check on the incapacitated person.

Who is acting as an agent under a power of attorney?

Typically, a son or daughter will be the person acting as Agent under a power of attorney document on behalf of their parents. Before setting a fee structure, an Agent should know that there are two groups that could bring payment complaints. They are: The children and beneficiaries of the incapacitated person.

Is a power of attorney entitled to fair compensation in Pennsylvania?

This is a difficult question confronted by many individuals acting as power of attorney for family members or friends. There is no perfect statutory answer in Pennsylvania, but it is clear that a person actively acting as power of attorney is entitled to fair and reasonable compensation for the work they are doing.

How to address double compensation?

One way of addressing double compensation is to include specific instructions in your Will and/or Power of Attorney. Designating someone as your attorney under PoA or as your Executor is not an easy task, just as it is not an easy task to act as an attorney or Executor. Taking extra care in planning your Will and Powers ...

How often can a guardian of property take compensation?

1992, c. 30 (“S.D.A.”), a guardian of property or an attorney under a PoA may take compensation annually, monthly or quarterly in accordance with a prescribed fee scale.

What is a POA in Ontario?

Acting as an attorney under a Continuing Power of Attorney for Property (PoA) for an incapable person or as the Executor of an Estate, can involve considerable time and effort. In recognition of the time spent and the care taken to manage an incapable person’s property, or to administer an Estate, Ontario laws provide that compensation (or an allowance) may be payable.

What are the factors that determine fair and reasonable?

Central Ontario Railway, which sets out five factors to be considered when determining what is “fair and reasonable”: 1) the size of the trust; 2) the care and responsibility involved; 3) the time occupied in performing the duties; 4) the skill and ability displayed; and 5) the success of the administration. While compensation may be available ...

Is there a fee scale for a POA?

Unlike the compensation for attorneys under POA, there is no prescribed fee scale set out in the legislation. Instead, section 61 of the Trustee Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. T.23, simply states that “ [a] Trustee, guardian or personal representative is entitled to such fair and reasonable allowance for the care, pains and trouble, ...

Is there a fee scale for an executor of an estate?

Furthermore, the fee scale is subject to any specific instructions with respect to compensation that may be contained in the PoA document itself. An Executor for an Estate may also receive compensation. Unlike the compensation for attorneys under POA, there is no prescribed fee scale set out in the legislation.

What is a springing power of attorney?

The terms “immediate” and “springing” as they relate to a Power of Attorney refer to when the duties of the attorney-in-fact take effect. An immediate Durable Power of Attorney takes effect as soon as the principal signs the document. A springing Durable Power of Attorney does not take effect until an event specified in the document occurs. Springing powers are most often used in Powers of Attorney for healthcare, in which the agent’s powers do not take effect until or unless the principal becomes incapacitated. This is called a Springing Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare (DPAHC).

What is an attorney in fact?

An attorney-in-fact refers to a person who has been legally designated to act as a fiduciary for the principal, transacting business or signing documents on behalf of someone else. Also referred to as an “agent,” an attorney-in-fact is required to act with complete honesty and loyalty to the principal in all ...

When does a springing power of attorney take effect?

A springing Durable Power of Attorney does not take effect until an event specified in the document occurs. Springing powers are most often used in Powers of Attorney for healthcare, in which the agent’s powers do not take effect until or unless the principal becomes incapacitated. This is called a Springing Durable Power ...

Why is it important to have a power of attorney witnessed?

Having such an important document witnessed, at the minimum witnessed and stamped by a Notary Public, may help avoid problems in the event the document is ever challenged. There is certain required language used in each jurisdiction that helps ensure the Power of Attorney is valid and honored.

What is a power of attorney?

A Power of Attorney document allows an individual (the “principal”) to appoint someone to act as an agent on his behalf. The agent, called an “ attorney-in-fact ,” though the agent need not be an attorney, can take care of important matters for the individual, such as managing finances, selling property, paying bills, or authorizing medical care.

What is fiduciary duty?

In any fiduciary relationship, the principal has taken a position of vulnerability, trusting the agent to act on his behalf, and to use good faith and diligence in managing his affairs. Because of this, the fiduciary duty of an attorney-in-fact is held to the strictest standard of care and behavior by the U.S. legal system.

What is fiduciary relationship?

When a person accepts the role of an attorney-in-fact to a Power of Attorney, a fiduciary relationship is created. This means the attorney-in-fact has a legal duty to act solely in the principal’s interest, not taking any action by which he might profit without permission of the principal. In any fiduciary relationship, the principal has taken a position of vulnerability, trusting the agent to act on his behalf, and to use good faith and diligence in managing his affairs. Because of this, the fiduciary duty of an attorney-in-fact is held to the strictest standard of care and behavior by the U.S. legal system.

Why do we need a durable powers of attorney?

Durable powers of attorney help you plan for medical emergencies and declines in mental functioning and can ensure that your finances are taken care of. Having these documents in place helps eliminate confusion and uncertainty when family members have to make tough medical decisions.

What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney allows someone else to handle your legal, financial, or medical matters. General powers of attorney cover a wide range of transactions, while limited powers of attorney cover only specific situations, such as authorizing a car dealer to register your new vehicle for you.

What does POA stand for in power of attorney?

When power of attorney is made durable, it remains intact if you cannot make decisions for yourself. A power of attorney (POA) authorizes someone else to handle certain matters, such as finances or health care, on your behalf. If a power of attorney is durable, it remains in effect if you become incapacitated, such as due to illness or an accident. ...

What is the purpose of a durable POA?

The purpose of a durable POA is to plan for medical emergencies, cognitive decline later in life, or other situations where you're no longer capable of making decisions.

What can an attorney in fact do?

An attorney-in-fact can handle many types of transactions, including: Buying and selling property. Managing bank accounts, bills, and investments. Filing tax returns. Applying for government benefits. If you become incapacitated and don't have a general durable power of attorney, your family may have to go to court and have you declared incompetent ...

What is a power of attorney for healthcare?

A healthcare power of attorney, on the other hand, names someone to make medical decisions any time you are unable to do it yourself, even if you are expected to make a full recovery.

Can a POA be effective if you are incapacitated?

The POA can take effect immediately or can become effective only if you are incapacitated. The person you appoint is known as your agent, or attorney-in-fact, although the individual or company doesn't have to be a lawyer. An attorney-in-fact can handle many types of transactions, including: Buying and selling property.

What is the maximum executor fee in Maryland?

Maryland executor fees, by law, should not exceed certain amounts. Reasonable compensation is not to exceed 9% if less than $20,000; and $1,800 plus 3.6% of the excess over $20,000. Executor Fees in Massachusetts. Massachusetts is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.

What is the amount of executor fees in Iowa?

Reasonable fees are not to exceed six percent (6%) for the first $1,000; four percent (4%) for the next $1,000-$5,000; and two percent (2%) for remaining amounts greater than $5,000. Kansas is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.

How much should executor fees be in Arkansas?

Reasonable compensation for executor fees in Arkansas should not to exceed ten percent (10%) of the first $1,000, five percent (5%) of the next $4,000, and three percent (3%) of the rest.

What is the executor fee in Alabama?

Even though executor compensation in Alabama is supposed to be reasonable compensation, Alabama executor fees should not exceed 2.5%. Executor Fees in Alaska. Alaska is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees.

How much does an executor charge in Georgia?

With lots of rules governing, the Georgia executor compensation can be boiled down to a general fee of 2.5%.

Does Connecticut have executor fees?

Connecticut does not have a statute governing executor compensation, but case law seems to suggest that Connecticut executor fees fit within the reasonable compensation heading. In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court.

Is Alabama a reasonable compensation state for executor fees?

You should consult an estate attorney or the probate court for guidance. Executor Fees in Alabama. Alabama is a reasonable compensation state for executor fees. In states that use reasonable compensation to determine executor fees, it means compensation is determined by the probate court.

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

How many types of power of attorney should I include in my estate plan?

Therefore, you may want to include two or three types of power of attorney in your estate plan.

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?

When does a power of attorney expire?

For example, during an extended period of travel outside of the country. A general power of attorney expires upon your incapacitation (unless it’s durable) or death. The powers granted under a general power of attorney may be restricted by state statutes.

Can you rescind a durable power of attorney?

A durable power of attorney ends automatically when you die. You can rescind a durable POA using a revocation of power of attorney form as long as you’re competent .

When does a medical power of attorney become effective?

A medical power of attorney becomes effective immediately after you’ve signed it, but can only be used if you’ve been declared mentally incompetent by physician (s). Once you’ve selected an agent, make sure they know how to sign as power of attorney on your behalf. 3. General Power of Attorney.

Can a limited power of attorney cash checks?

For example, a limited power of attorney can allow someone to cash checks for you. However, this person won’t be able to access or manage your finances fully. This type of power of attorney expires once the specific task has been completed or at the time stated in the form.

3 attorney answers

If you are indeed the Agent that has been named in the power of attorney you may or may not find this helpful for your circumstances. You cannot get a POA if she is mentally incapable of understanding what she is signing.

Phillip William Gunthert

What you are describing is not the functions of a POA. It sounds more like a Personal Services Contract, which basically will pay you to do the jobs that you have described and can be (and often is) used to reduce the assets of the disabled individual for the purposes of Medicaid qualification.

Carol Anne Johnson

Thanks to you for being willing to step up to serve as your step-mother's attorney-in-fact. My concern here is that you are clearly operating without an experienced Florida attorney to advise you.