what to do if you think power of attorney is embezzling money

by Winfield Price 3 min read

If you are suspicious that your agent is abusing their powers, revoke the Power of Attorney immediately. Next, without delay, notify all banks, brokerage firms, or other financial institutions in which you have money that you have revoked the Power of Attorney. Finally, go to the probate court.

If you are suspicious that your agent is abusing their powers, revoke the Power of Attorney immediately. Next, without delay, notify all banks, brokerage firms, or other financial institutions in which you have money that you have revoked the Power of Attorney.Jun 22, 2017

Full Answer

What can you do with a power of attorney?

Nov 14, 2018 · If the person who executed the power of attorney is not competent, then there are a few options. A guardianship could be filed asking that the power of attorney be revoked and that someone else be appointed as guardian over the money. The risk of doing this is that you may not have sufficient evidence that the person has mismanaged the power of attorney and a …

Can a power of attorney be used to steal money?

Jun 22, 2017 · If you are suspicious that your agent is abusing their powers, revoke the Power of Attorney immediately. Next, without delay, notify all banks, brokerage firms, or other financial institutions in which you have money that you have revoked the Power of Attorney. Finally, go to the probate court.

What should I do if my power of attorney is abusive?

Apr 11, 2022 · Social workers, clinicians, physicians, counselors all have special duties to report suspected abuse of the vulnerable and can help spot and deal with a power of attorney abuse situation. If you suspect abuse by a family member acting under the shield of a power of attorney, immediately contact your own attorney to address legal options.

How to avoid power of attorney liability?

Types of Power of Attorney Abuse Cases A power of attorney in the wrong hands can result in a financial predator stealing money, transferring assets or taking other adverse action against the principal. A power of attorney can bypass safeguards that financial institutions implement to protect their customers.

Do power of attorney need periodic check ups?

Power of attorneys, not unlike their owners, need periodic check-ups. In order to keep trust in the instrument, there also needs to be verification. Thus, many groups now use power of attorney templates, including some third-party templates, that require periodic review.

What to do if there is no POA?

If there is no local service listed, contact your state’s Attorney General , who will either have their own abuse unit or be able to direct you to a local county investigator.

What is SB 2794?

The magnitude of the problem of power of attorney abuse, however, is suggested by federal action (SB 2794), aimed at protecting seniors from predatory practices. This is among the first federal legislation of its kind ever to protect the vulnerable elderly.

Who is Jeffrey Johnson?

Jeffrey Johnson is a legal writer with a focus on personal injury. He has worked on personal injury and sovereign immunity litigation in addition to experience in family, estate, and criminal law. He earned a J.D. from the University of Baltimore and has worked in legal offices and non-profits in Maryland, Texas, and North Carolina. He has also earned an MFA in screenwriting from Chapman Univer...

What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney is a written document that gives an agent the legal authority to act for the principal who establishes the power of attorney. This designation is for financial purposes, such as opening a bank account, writing checks, implementing new investments and conducting financial transactions. A power of attorney can give someone the ...

What is the legal claim of an agent who lied?

In some cases, the legal claim may be that the agent lied about circumstances which caused him or her to take action or have the agent take action on his or her behalf that was adverse to his or her interests.

What is legal authority?

This legal authority can be an important planning mechanism that allows someone to make financial decisions and conduct financial transactions in the event that the principal cannot do so for himself or herself whether temporarily or permanently.

Is elder abuse a felony?

Elder Abuse. Several states have laws related to elder abuse. In some cases, the state includes taking financial advantage of a vulnerable elder in the statute. These may be criminal or civil laws with varying degrees of penalties, sometimes resulting in the possibility of charging a felony against the abuser.

Why is it important to act quickly?

It is often important for the individual to act quickly in order to preserve his or her rights and mitigate the potential financial consequences.

What is a power of attorney?

Powers of attorney are key estate planning documents. In the unfortunate event that you become unable to care for yourself, it is crucial that you grant a trusted party the authority to effectively make legal, financial, and medical decisions on your behalf. Through two key estate planning documents — the durable power of attorney and ...

Can you have multiple power of attorney?

Yes. You have the legal right to appoint multiple people as your power of attorney. You could even split your durable power of attorney and your medical power of attorney. The legal documents should state whether each agent has full, independent power or if they have to act jointly.

Can a durable power of attorney make medical decisions?

Can a Durable Power of Attorney Make Medical Decisions? No. A durable power of attorney is generally for legal decision making and financial decision making. To allow a trusted person to make health care decisions, grant them medical power of attorney.

Can a convicted felon have a power of attorney in Texas?

Can a Convicted Felon Have Power of Attorney? Yes. Texas law does not prevent a convicted felon from having a power of attorney. A mentally competent person has the authority to select who they want to serve as their power of attorney.

Legal Actions That Can Be Taken Against a Dishonest POA

Generally, there are two different types of legal actions that can be taken to try to undo the damage caused by a dishonest POA. If the person who created the POA is still alive, then typically a guardianship or conservatorship proceeding is needed to appoint a proper decision-maker.

What to Do If a POA Acts Improperly

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being concerned of POA abuse – or if someone is wrongly accusing you of committing it – it’s critical to work with the right Michigan power of attorney lawyer, as soon as possible. While many lawyers say they can handle cases of this nature, this area of law is very specialized.

What can an agent do with a power of attorney?

Once an agent has been given authority, he or she can sell property; access and use money in the accounts of the person who created the power of attorney; and otherwise act on behalf of the person who created the power of attorney. This could include entering into contracts or business relationships.

What is a power of attorney in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma has a statutory form which can be used to create a power of attorney. When a legally valid power of attorney is created using this form or other appropriate legal documents, the power of attorney vests tremendous power in an agent who is chosen when the power of attorney is created. Depending upon how the power of attorney was created, the agent may get immediate authority to manage all of a person’s financial affairs; may get immediate but more limited authority; or may get delayed authority with a springing power of attorney.

Who is the grantor of a power of attorney?

If you are given (and except) a Power of Attorney, you become the “agent” of the “grantor”.

Can creditors come after you?

Sure there are some cases where creditors can come after you. But that can only happen if you: Agree to be personally liable by signing an additional agreement. Are liable because of the relationship you have with the person (and this has nothing to do with you being the “agent”).

Why is an agent a fiduciary?

Because the “agent” has a “fiduciary responsibility” to act on behalf of the grantor. That means you have to work in the best interests of the grantor and not your own. And that means if the grantor thinks (and can prove) that you acted outside your duty, she (or her heirs) can and will sue you.

What does "agent" mean in real estate?

As “agent” you can enter into business transactions as defined by the general or limited power of attorney. Usually that means you can buy and sell real estate, take on mortgages, sign contracts and obligate the “grantor” in many other ways.