Q. My aunt signed a Power of Attorney naming her son, my cousin Andy, as her POA. When Andy took it to the bank, he was told that the document had to be on the bank’s form to be valid. This happened in Texas, but I’m concerned … [Read more...]
Top Five Reasons Banks Won’t Accept a Power of Attorney and What You Can Do About It
Critter Corner: Why Would an 18-Year-Old Need a Power of Attorney?
Dear Raider, A friend told me that when her son headed to college, they had a Power of Attorney drafted for him. Isn’t 18 way too young to think about these types of things? Why would an 18-year-old need a Power of Attorney or … [Read more...]
How Conservatorship Can Lead to Abuse — UVA Law Professor Weighs In
Q. There has been so much coverage in the news about Britney Spears and her court-enforced conservatorship, and now I’m confused about conservatorships in general. I thought conservatorships are for people with severe cognitive … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: How Do I Properly Revoke a Power of Attorney?
Dear Hayek, I appointed my son to be my agent under my Power of Attorney five years ago. Since then, he has shown his true colors as a spendthrift with massive credit card debt. I don’t think I can trust him to handle my … [Read more...]
When Should I Update My Power of Attorney?
Q. I’ve had a Power of Attorney in place for two decades now. I have moved since then and have had several life-changing events occur. I’m wondering in what instances should someone update their Power of Attorney? What happens if … [Read more...]
Why You Don’t Want a Springing Power of Attorney
Q. My sister recently discussed the topic of power of attorney with her family at a family meeting. She is planning to use an online service (which I know is a bad idea from one of your recent articles on this subject) and is … [Read more...]
Is the New Netflix Movie “I Care A Lot” Realistic About Guardianship?
Q. I just watched “I Care A Lot” on Netflix and it was certainly eye-opening. In the story, a shady legal guardian, Marla Grayson, abuses the system by targeting wards that don’t really need her, places them in care facilities, … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: Plan Ahead to Live Longer
Dear Hayek, I read somewhere that if you plan ahead for the end of life that you will live longer. Is this true? Thanks! Liv Lawnger --- Dear Liv, According to a recent study, what you say is true, but the study … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: What if the Bank Refuses to Accept a Power of Attorney?
Dear Bebe, My friend’s brother had a stroke and is now incapacitated. As his agent under his Power of Attorney, my friend needs to take over his finances. She recently went to his bank and was told that the bank will not accept … [Read more...]
What it Really Means to Be an Agent Under a Power of Attorney
Q. My lifelong friend, Declan, has a family that has a history of early-onset Alzheimer’s. Declan is worried that he will get sick when he is still young and will not be able to pay his bills or make other decisions about his … [Read more...]