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This is why it is important that you review and sign a new power of attorney every few years. There is no set rule of how often you should resign one, but if you want to make sure you are safe, every 3 years would be prudent. You don't have to go to a lawyer to draft you a new one every time.

Usually, it will require a formal contest in court, unless the agent voluntarily resigns their power of attorney.If an agent continues to make decisions of behalf of the principal after a non-durable power of attorney ends, a third party would be able to contest any decisions made in court.

Misconception #1: You can sign a power of attorney if you are legally incompetent. Someone cannot appoint a power of attorney (or sign any legal document) if they are incapacitated.Contrary to popular belief, only a mentally competent individual can appoint a POA for themselves.

A person with power of attorney (POA) cannot change a will.Under a POA, the agent can have limited authority, such as paying bills on someone else's behalf, or broad powers, such as managing all finances or medical care of someone. For a last will and testament, only the person drafting the document can make changes.

While any new power of attorney should state that old powers of attorney are revoked, you should also put the revocation in writing.Sign the document and send it to your old agent as well as any institutions or agencies that have a copy of the power of attorney. Attach your new power of attorney if you have one.

Unless the power of attorney states otherwise, and they usually don't, a revocation of a POA must be made in writing. A verbal revocation may not be enough.A revocation will reference the existing POA and the current attorney-in-fact and revoke the document and the powers granted.

For example, the State of California simply requires that you write Revoke in big print at the top of your original power of attorney form, sign and date at the bottom and send it to the state agency. Ideally, your agent assumes the obligation of acting in your best interest and following your instructions.

If the agent is acting improperly, family members can file a petition in court challenging the agent. If the court finds the agent is not acting in the principal's best interest, the court can revoke the power of attorney and appoint a guardian. The power of attorney ends at death.

A successor agent is the person named to serve as a backup agent if the first person named as agent cannot serve due to death, incapacity, resignation or refusal to act. If a named individual is unable or unwilling to serve as agent, the next person in line under the document becomes the agent.