What a power of attorney can't do Change a principal's will. Break their fiduciary duty to act in the principal's best interests. Make decisions on behalf of the principal after their death. (POA ends with the death of the principal. Change or transfer POA to someone else.
You must first designate the individual who will act as your agent. Under the power of attorney. TheMoreYou must first designate the individual who will act as your agent. Under the power of attorney. The individual you choose should be someone you trust.
In California, you're able to create your power of attorney without the help of an estate attorney. As long as you follow California's requirements, any POA you create is just as valid as one drafted by a lawyer.
If an agent is to be given the power to manage real property, including the power to sell the property to a third party, the power of attorney should contain specific authority including the words “to grant and/or convey” the property. Powers of attorney concerning real property must be acknowledged (notarized).
Risk of Mismanagement or Abuse Since the legal instrument grants considerable authority to these individuals, they might potentially use this power for personal gain. For instance, an untrustworthy agent could mismanage or steal financial assets, leading to significant asset loss or debt accumulation.
A Durable Power of Attorney is a powerful and sustainable estate planning instrument. Important to note, the Durable Power of Attorney is effective as soon as you (i.e., the Principal) sign the document.
A power of attorney must be certified before it can be registered with the county recorder if it grants the agent the authority to undertake property transactions on your behalf. It is also important to note that a power of attorney cannot have the agent or anyone within your healthcare parameters named as a witness.
A power of attorney gives one or more persons the power to act on your behalf as your agent. The power may be limited to a particular activity, such as closing the sale of your home, or be general in its application. The power may give temporary or permanent authority to act on your behalf.