What does successor POA mean?

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.

What is a conservator of the person?

A conservator of the person cares for and protects a person when the judge decides that the person cannot do it. The conservator is responsible for making sure that the conservatee has proper food, clothing, shelter, and health care.

What does a power of attorney ( POA ) mean?

Power of Attorney (POA) A power of attorney (POA) document is written authorization that enables a person (called the “principal”) to appoint a trusted relative or friend (called the “agent” or “attorney-in-fact”), to handle specific health care decisions or legal and financial responsibilities on their behalf.

Can a trusted family member handle a PoA?

Individuals usually choose a trusted family member to handle the responsibly of making health and/or financial decisions on their behalf, but it is important to understand the effects POA designations can have on family relationships. Read: When Family Members Feud Over POA

When does an agent under a durable POA have no power?

The individual must make the decision to reject tube feeding because it is what the principal wanted, regardless of whether the person acting on their behalf personally disagrees. An agent under a durable POA does not have any power until the principal is incapacitated.

Can a principal question the validity of a PoA?

Questioning the Validity of the POA Document and Actions of the Agent. A person must be competent in order to appoint an agent to legally act on their behalf. Drafting a POA when a principal is not capable of understanding its function and meaning is illegal.

What happens if you are named as an agent on a PoA?

Many people worry that if they’re named as an agent on a POA, they’ll end up owing money for the principal’s unpaid medical bills. That’s a common misconception, says John Ross, an elder law attorney in Texas. “People don’t always realize that they’re just acting on behalf of another person, not making themselves personally liable,” says Ross.