Mateya Law Administrator

            The law has changed concerning the Power of Attorney document. There are many technical changes, some which deal with protecting the principal, that is, the person signing the document. There are some changes which protect the banks and others from reliance on a defective power of attorney document.

            The thing that did not change, and likely cannot change, is that the person who is appointed as the agent, or attorney-in-fact, for the principal, still has a moral obligation to do the “right thing.”  Many hours, and countless cups of coffee (or glasses of adult beverages) have been imbibed while […]

            Suppose Aunt Gertrude, who is up in years, has appointed her dear, sweet niece Milly to be her attorney in fact (commonly referred to as her “power of attorney”). What if Milly starts taking actions which take advantage of Aunt Gertrude? What should she do?

            The short answer is to remove Milly. When? Now.

            That, unfortunately, is sometimes easier said than done. Aunt Gertrude may be dependent upon Milly for daily chores, banking, and even simple things like grocery shopping. Aunt Gertrude may feel helpless. There are a few things that can be done.

            First, Aunt Gertrude can phone […]