WALTEMATH LAW OFFICE

Top Ten Facts About Power Of Attorney

1. The person signing the power of attorney which gives someone else the authority to act for them is called the “principal” and the person who is given the power to act for you is called your “agent.”
2. The agent's authority pursuant to a powers of attorney ceases at the death of the principal. Powers of attorney should not be used after the death of the principal.
3. The agent only has the authority the principal specifically authorizes in the power of attorney.  Colorado law was changed in 2010 so that general language in a power of attorney may not be enough to authorize certain transactions.
4. Your power of attorney is effective immediately (not upon your incapacity), unless stated otherwise.
5. If you have named more than one agent, your agents may act independently unless your power of attorney states otherwise.
6. Banks and investment companies must honor your power of attorney, they cannot force you to sign their power of attorney forms.  In 2010, Colorado law was changed to impose liability on third parties who refuse to honor your current power of attorney arbitrarily or without reasonable cause.
7. You must expressly grant your agent the authority to create a trust in your power of attorney if you anticipate the need for a trust in the future.
8. An agent should not use your property to benefit themselves unless you give them specific authority to do so. They may need this authority if you own property jointly with them.
9. Your agent has the responsibility to report financial abuse and your agent is required to take any action reasonably appropriate to safeguard your best interest.
10.  If an agent fails to notify you of abuse by others or take action against the abuser, the agent may be liable for reasonably foreseeable damages that could have been avoided, which include the obligation to restore property plus reimburse you for attorney fees.