what qualities should you look for when appointing someone as an agent via a power of attorney

by Mrs. Melyna Skiles 3 min read

The two (2) most important qualities you should look for in your agent are accountability and trust. You want to be sure that your agent will be available during times of duress and faithfully execute your wishes.

Full Answer

What to look for when looking for a power of attorney?

Characteristics to Look For. 1 Someone Who Lives Nearby. Consider where your potential power of attorney lives. How close are they to you or your preferred hospital or care center? 2 Someone Who Is Trustworthy. 3 Someone Who Can Be Assertive. 4 Someone Who Has Some Understanding of Medical Processes. 5 Someone Who Is Articulate. More items

When should I designate a power of attorney?

Some people choose to designate a power of attorney immediately after a diagnosis or before getting surgery. But really, you can designate your power of attorney anytime you want. You simply need to have an attorney draw up the paperwork. You also can specify when the duties of the power of attorney begin to take effect.

What can a power of attorney do for an individual?

A power of attorney form used by an individual (“principal”) to appoint someone else to handle their affairs (“agent” or “attorney-in-fact”). The agent is able to handle financial, medical, guardianship, or tax-related matters during the principal’s lifetime.

What needs to be executed to make a power of attorney?

The following needs to be executed in order for your power of attorney to be valid: Agent(s) and Principal must sign the document. As witnesses, two non-family members or a notary public (some states require both) need to sign.

What to expect when you engage a process agent?

When you engage a process agent, expect a prompt, clear quote for services and a model form of appointment agreement or letter. But your chosen agent should also allow for customization of the appointment agreement and invoicing instructions, per the needs of your transaction.

Why do you need a process agent?

Appointing a process agent can often be a speedy affair but it establishes a relationship that will endure through the terms set by the transaction – and possibly more transactions to come. You want a professional process agent that embodies all of the qualities above, throughout your financial transaction, especially if your company is engaged in ...

What is process agent appointment?

Process agent appointment is typically a requirement set by a lender on behalf of third party, which may be a borrower, guarantor, lessor, or filer (for SEC filings) depending on the negotiated terms of the financial transaction. Just because a process agent is required doesn’t mean that cost is not a consideration.

What is a promptly certified process agent?

Promptly provides certification to a lender that they remain active as the process agent post-closing for all types of financing transactions, as required under the U.S.A. Patriot Act. Amends original appointment agreements.

Who is responsible for policing an agent?

There is no governing body tasked with "policing" an Agent. It is up to the Principal and family or friends to monitor the actions of an Agent. An Agent in a power of attorney can be expected to keep and periodically provide accounting records of all transactions.

What to do before naming an agent?

Before naming an Agent (s), you must discuss and confirm with them that they are willing to serve. An Agent in a Power of Attorney can be granted so much power, especially in a General Power of Attorney! So it is vital to choose someone who is honest, loyal, conscientious and who has the Principal's best interests at heart.

How old do you have to be to be an attorney?

An attorney must be of legal age (18 in most countries) and must be solvent. You can choose a family member, trusted friend or professional such as your lawyer or accountant and they must keep your affairs confidential. Before naming an Agent (s), you must discuss and confirm with them that they are willing to serve.

What is the duty of an attorney in fact?

Regulations, Duties and Obligations. Your Attorney-in-Fact or Agent in a Power of Attorney must have special qualities. An Agent has a fiduciary duty to the Principal. This means that an Agent must always act in the best interests of the Principal. There must be no conflict of interest, self-enrichment or dishonesty.

Can you have more than one person appointed as a power of attorney?

If you've only appointed one person and he or she dies or moves away or is unable to serve for whatever reason, then the power of attorney will end and you need to compile a new document.

Do you have to have conflict of interest with an attorney?

There must be no conflict of interest, self-enrichment or dishonesty. Whilst you still have the mental ability to make decisions, your Agent or Attorney must act in a supportive role only. They are not to force their will or opinions on you, even if you make an unwise decision.

Can an agent change a will?

An Agent can not make or change you will and can only make gifts (often used in estate planning) if so authorized in the power of attorney. An Agent cannot transfer his authority or empower someone else to act as your attorney.

What are the different types of powers of attorney?

There are 2 types of powers of attorney: 1 A non-durable power of attorney (which may be tailored to permit your agent to complete a single transaction) ceases when you lose mental capacity. 2 A durable power of attorney stays in effect if you experience diminished capacity or become unable to manage your own affairs.

What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney is a document where you authorize someone, often called an agent, to act on your behalf should you no longer be able to do so. Examples include paying your bills, managing your investments. It can be limited to one decision or it can be so broadly written that the agent can do almost anything on your behalf.

What is a non-durable power of attorney?

There are 2 types of powers of attorney: A non-durable power of attorney (which may be tailored to permit your agent to complete a single transaction) ceases when you lose mental capacity. A durable power of attorney stays in effect if you experience diminished capacity or become unable to manage your own affairs.

What does "demonstrates loyalty" mean?

Understands your wishes and your values. Demonstrates loyalty – to you. Never forget that you’re giving your agent the opportunity to access your checking and savings accounts and other assets, at a time when you may not be able to keep tabs on what the agent is doing.

Is a power of attorney a good tool?

Powers of attorney are a wonderful tool in the hands of a trustworthy person. But because it comes with a tremendous responsibility, it can also be a dangerous tool in the hands of the wrong person. Learn all you can before choosing your power of attorney.

What is a power of attorney?

Power of attorney is the designation of granting power to a person (“agent”) to handle the affairs of someone else (“principal”). The designation may be for a limited period of time or for the remainder of the principal’s life. The principal can appoint an agent to handle any type of act legal under law. The most common types transfer financial ...

What is an agent in law?

An agent, also known as an Attorney-in-Fact, is the individual that will be making the important decisions on your behalf. This individual does not need to be an attorney, although an attorney can be your agent.

Who will keep forms after signing?

These forms are not filed with any government agency or office so it will be up to each individual to securely maintain the form until it is needed.

Does power of attorney matter in which state?

A: The power of attorney must be tailored for the state in which your parent resides. It does not matter which state you live in, as long as the power of attorney is applicable to the principal’s state of residence, which in this case is your parent, is what matters.

How to choose a power of attorney?

When choosing your power of attorney, talk to the person you are considering. Be sure that they feel they could serve in this capacity. Encourage the person to be honest.

What is a power of attorney?

Regardless of the name, a power of attorney is someone you choose to make health and medical decisions for you if you're unable to make them for yourself. 1. For most people, having this person in place to make medical decisions when they are no longer able to do so can bring peace of mind. Some people choose to designate a power ...

Do you need a lawyer to do a proxy?

To assign a healthcare proxy, you'll fill out a document in a hospital setting and just need two witnesses to complete it—you do not need a lawyer for this purpose. A power of attorney, however, is a more formal document that can have medical as well as legal and financial implications.

Can you designate a power of attorney?

But really, you can designate your power of attorney anytime you want. You simply need to have an attorney draw up the paperwork. You also can specify when the duties of the power of attorney begin to take effect.

Do you have to select a doctor or a nurse?

This does not mean that you have to select a doctor or a nurse in the family. The point is that you'll need someone who knows how to ask the right questions, especially about medical tests, procedures, prognosis, ...

Can a power of attorney agree with everything you want?

While your power of attorney may not agree with everything you want, they have to be willing to follow through even though they disagree. If you feel pressured to change your opinions, then that is a sign that this person would not make a good representative for you.

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.

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.

When is a durable power of attorney effective?

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.

Can a financial agent access your funds?

The unfortunate answer is “yes. ”. Since he will have access to your financial accounts, he can access your funds and use them for his own benefit. The agent does have a fiduciary duty to use the assets only for your benefit or as you direct in the document.

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 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.