FAQs about Power of Attorney

Power of Attorney documents are an important tool in the estate planning process.

Many people who are declared agents for another person do not know what responsibilities and powers this duty entails.

What is a Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney is a legal document created by an individual, known as the principal, that grants another individual, known as the agent, the authority to act on behalf of the principal’s personal, business, and financial matters.

What can an agent do?

As an agent there are several powers a Power of Attorney grants to the agent under the Ohio Uniform Power of Attorney Act. This statute gives the agent power to act on behalf of the principal in the following areas:

• Insurance and Annuities
• Estates, Trusts, and Other Beneficial Interests
• Claims and Litigation
• Personal and Family Maintenance
• Retirement Plans
• Taxes
• Real Property
• Tangible Personal Property
• Stocks and Bonds
• Commodities and Options
• Banks and Other Financial Institutions
• Operation of Entity or Business

What Must an Agent Do?

An agent must always:

• Act in good faith
• Act within the scope of the authority granted in the Power of Attorney
• Attempt to preserve the principal’s estate plan
• Maintain the best interests of the principal
• Disclose your identity as an agent whenever you act on behalf of an agent

If an agent fails to act in good faith or if an agent violates the Uniform Power of Attorney Act, then the agent may be liable for any damages that may arise from the agent’s violations.

Terminating an Agent?

An agent’s duties are terminated if any of the following events happen:

• The death of the principal
• The principal’s revocation of the power of attorney or the agent’s authority
• The occurrence of a termination event stated in the power of attorney
• The purpose of the power of attorney is fully accomplished

Authored by: Mary E. Zoldak