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Review your powers of attorney at least every 5 years
Powers of attorney are critical components of an effective estate plan. After you’ve executed powers of attorney, it’s important to review them...
A financial power of attorney — sometimes called a “power of attorney for property” or a “general power of attorney” — can be a valuable estate planning tool. The main disadvantage is that it’s susceptible to abuse by scam artists, dishonest caretakers or greedy relatives.
Help or harm
The most common type is the durable power of attorney, which allows someone (the agent) to act on behalf of another person (the principal) even if the person becomes mentally incompetent or otherwise incapacitated. It authorizes the agent to manage the principal’s investments, pay bills, file tax returns and handle other financial matters if the principal is unable to do so as a result of illness, advancing age or other circumstances.
A broadly written power of attorney gives an agent unfettered access to the principal’s bank and brokerage accounts, real estate and other assets. In the right hands, this can be a huge help in managing a person’s financial affairs when the person isn’t able to do so him- or herself. But in the wrong hands, it provides an ample opportunity for financial harm.
Take steps to prevent abuse
If you or a family member plans to execute a power of attorney, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of abuse:
Some state laws contain special requirements, such as a separate rider, to authorize an agent to make large gifts or conduct other major transactions.
Act now
If you have elderly parents who’ve signed powers of attorney, keep an eye on their agents’ activities. When dealing with powers of attorney, the sooner you act, the better. If you’re pursuing legal remedies against an agent, the sooner you proceed, the greater your chances of recovery. And if you wish to execute or revoke a power of attorney for yourself, you need to do so while you’re mentally competent. Contact us at 1-866-287-9604 for additional details.
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