You Can Just Say No: Declining to Act as an Agent Under a Power of Attorney
Acting as an agent under a power of attorney is a big responsibility and it isn’t something everyone can take on. It is possible to resign or refuse the position.
Posted on January 21, 2022

There are two main types of powers of attorney – financial and medical. As the agent under a power of attorney, you act in place of the “principal” – the person executing the power of attorney -- for financial or medical purposes when and if that person ever becomes incapacitated. This can be a big job, depending on the person you are representing.
With a financial power of attorney, you are responsible for taking whatever investment and spending measures the principal would take himself or herself. Unless limitations have been placed in the power of attorney document itself, you can open bank accounts, withdraw funds from bank accounts, trade stock, pay bills, and cash checks. In addition, you need to keep good records of all your dealings.
With a medical power of attorney, you must step in and make medical decisions for the principal that you believe the principal would have wanted. For example, you may have to make decisions about whether to start or stop a particular treatment, choose doctors and specialists, or to continue or stop life support.
While an agent under a power of attorney isn’t personally liable for the principal’s bills, it is still a huge responsibility that takes time and effort. Before agreeing to be an agent under a power of attorney, consider whether you are able to devote the time and energy to the job and whether you can emotionally handle making the decisions. In addition, think about if there are family issues, such as constant disagreements among siblings, that would make serving difficult.
FREE WEBINAR
5 Things to Know About
Estate Planning
When You Turn Sixty-Five
If you do not want to serve as an agent under a power of attorney, the best thing to do is have an honest discussion with the person executing the power of attorney. You can simply tell them that you are not the best person to act in this role. If you have already been appointed and you decide you want to resign, the power of attorney document may specify the steps necessary. If these steps aren’t spelled out, the best thing to do is write a letter tendering your resignation, and send it via certified mail to the person who executed the power of attorney and any co- or successor agents.
If the person who executed the power of attorney is incapacitated already, it is a little more complicated. Ideally, the power of attorney document has named successor agents. In that case, you can refuse the job and the successor agent can take over. If there are no successor agents, a guardian may need to be appointed for the principal. An interested party -- another family member or friend -- could petition the court for guardianship or if no one is available to take on the job, the principal may become a ward of the state.
If you are named as agent under a power of attorney and want to refuse or resign, consult with an attorney to find out the best way to do that in your state. To learn more on this topic, contact us today.
More from our blog…
Mostbet Aviator: Software, Rules & Trick
Mostbet Aviator: Software, Rules & TricksMostbet Aviator: Demo, Tricks, Algorithm, Signal, Overview 2023ContentAviator Game Mostbet And Demo & SignalMidfielder Reveals Not Enough Communication Led To [...]
Mostbet Review India 2023: Scam Or Real? Find Out
Mostbet Review India 2023: Scam Or Real? Find Out!Batery Aviator Game: Tricks, Demo, Strategies 2023ContentMostbet Aviator App Promo CodeYou Are Ready To Start Betting!Best Apps [...]
Mostbet India: Official Site For Online Betting, Bonus 25,00
Mostbet India: Official Site For Online Betting, Bonus 25,000Mostbet Bookmaker Review Bonuses, Apps, RegistrationContentSports Betting At MostbetMostbet License And RegulationIpl BettingTypes Of BetsMy Complaint Is [...]
Mostbet Registration: Register An Account, Verify Plus Logi
Mostbet Registration: Register An Account, Verify Plus LoginMostbet Apps India Review Bonuses Register GamesContentHow To Make Use Of Bet SlipFriday BonusSports CategoriesWhat Are The Minimal [...]
Recent blog posts
FREE WEBINAR
5 Things to Know About
Estate Planning
When You Turn Sixty-Five