{"id":55142,"date":"2023-04-14T18:20:26","date_gmt":"2023-04-14T12:50:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/?p=55142"},"modified":"2023-04-14T18:20:26","modified_gmt":"2023-04-14T12:50:26","slug":"how-to-choose-the-right-agent-for-your-power-of-attorney","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/how-to-choose-the-right-agent-for-your-power-of-attorney\/","title":{"rendered":"How to choose the right agent for your Power of Attorney (PoA)?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>A Power of Attorney establishes the <strong>legal relationship<\/strong><sup><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Legal_relationship\"><strong>[1]<\/strong><\/a><\/sup> between the principal and his POA representative, legally referred to as an agent. POA agent has the power to make crucial decisions on behalf of the Principal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The\nPrincipal chooses to make a Power of Attorney (POA) as part of his\/her\nlong-term planning. He makes POA for future assurance for handling his\nfinancial and medical decisions. Even if the principal becomes incapable, this\nstep is crucial to ensure that his wishes and decisions are performed and\nimplemented with help of POA. However, it&#8217;s also crucial that the principal\nshould choose the appropriate person to serve as his agent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regardless\nof the type of power of attorney considered by the principal, selecting a\nreputable and appropriate representative is of foremost\/prime importance. The\nfollowing highlights your agent&#8217;s credentials and provides suggestions on what\nto consider when appointing an agent for your power of attorney.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Page Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/how-to-choose-the-right-agent-for-your-power-of-attorney\/#Who_is_an_agent\" >Who is an agent?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/how-to-choose-the-right-agent-for-your-power-of-attorney\/#What_can_an_agent_do\" >What can an agent do?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/how-to-choose-the-right-agent-for-your-power-of-attorney\/#What_to_look_for_when_choosing_the_right_agent_for_your_power_of_attorney\" >What to look for when choosing the right agent for your\npower of attorney<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/how-to-choose-the-right-agent-for-your-power-of-attorney\/#A_Reliable_or_Trustworthy_individual\" >A Reliable or Trustworthy individual<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/how-to-choose-the-right-agent-for-your-power-of-attorney\/#An_individual_who_is_locatedliving_nearby_the_Principals_house\" >An individual who is located\/living nearby the Principals\nhouse<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/how-to-choose-the-right-agent-for-your-power-of-attorney\/#An_individual_who_is_well-organized_and_logical\" >An individual who is well-organized and logical<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/how-to-choose-the-right-agent-for-your-power-of-attorney\/#An_Individual_who_shares_the_Principal_desires_and_values\" >An Individual who shares the Principal desires and values.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/how-to-choose-the-right-agent-for-your-power-of-attorney\/#An_individual_who_wants_to_be_a_POA_agent_by_will\" >An individual who wants to be a POA agent by will<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/how-to-choose-the-right-agent-for-your-power-of-attorney\/#What_questions_should_be_consideredasked_by_the_principal_when_choosing_a_POA_agent\" >What questions should be considered\/asked by the principal\nwhen choosing a POA agent?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/how-to-choose-the-right-agent-for-your-power-of-attorney\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_is_an_agent\"><\/span>Who is an agent?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In a <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/power-of-attorney\">power of attorney<\/a><\/strong>, you authorise a specific person (or people) to make decisions for you. This person is called an agent. And in the context of estate planning, this agent often makes these decisions when you are unable to do so, e.g., if you are unable to work or in a coma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a Power of Attorney (PoA), the principal gives permission to a person to act on his behalf; that person is legally known as an agent. And when it comes to making decisions about matters related to finance and medicine, this agent frequently decides for his principal when he is unable to do so, such as when the principal is not capable, not in the state (country), or in a coma. The POA agent has the authority to decide on matters both personally and professionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_can_an_agent_do\"><\/span>What can an agent do?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\nwholly depends on the principal and to what extent he can delegate\nresponsibilities to the agent. The principal can grant broad responsibilities\nwith a conventional power of attorney or, especially for specific occasions,\nwith a springing power of attorney.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, the principal may want his  Power of Attorney (PoA)  agent to make only medical decisions, or he may want another POA agent to take care of his finances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_look_for_when_choosing_the_right_agent_for_your_power_of_attorney\"><\/span>What to look for when choosing the right agent for your\npower of attorney<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>POA\ngives very crucial powers to an agent, so it&#8217;s very important for the principal\nto choose his agent carefully and wisely. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The\nfive factors listed below should be taken into account by the principal when\nchoosing an agent for his power of attorney.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Reliable_or_Trustworthy_individual\"><\/span>A Reliable or Trustworthy individual<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>POA\nagent is in the power of handling the principal\u2019s most crucial and delicate\ndecisions relating to property, health, or finance, so his agent must be\nsomeone whom he can trust completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"An_individual_who_is_locatedliving_nearby_the_Principals_house\"><\/span>An individual who is located\/living nearby the Principals\nhouse<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\ncan be crucial to choose a representative that is positioned\/located quite\nclose to the principal\u2019s location. An agent who is able to get up and running\nquickly to help the principal is helpful. This is important if the principal\nwants his agent to manage day-to-day operations or responsibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"An_individual_who_is_well-organized_and_logical\"><\/span>An individual who is well-organized and logical<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>POA agents will likely to add his duties to established work and family-related responsibilities. He have to organize himself so as not to be overwhelmed. Precisely because of the emotions associated with the principal\u2019s disability, POA agents need to be reasonable\/logical. Many of decisions made by POA agents will be challenging and will affect the people you love. POA agents must possess the ability to remain rational and logical under pressure or stressful circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"An_Individual_who_shares_the_Principal_desires_and_values\"><\/span>An Individual who shares the Principal desires and values.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the principal has explained his general desires in the power of attorney, the  Power of Attorney (PoA) agent should be someone who knows the principal\u2019s desires and values in detail. If the principal wants to avoid the risk of investment or finance-related matters, then he should avoid an agent who can gamble away his money. The principal should have a detailed conversation with the potential agent about the exact plans and the extent of the powers and responsibilities given to the POA agent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"An_individual_who_wants_to_be_a_POA_agent_by_will\"><\/span>An individual who wants to be a POA agent by will<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The principal should never choose someone to represent him as his POA agent against his will or wish because the  Power of Attorney (PoA)  agent will need to make crucial decisions and handle responsibilities related to finance, property, and\/or health-related matters, which can be overwhelming for some people or for those who may not be well equipped or have sufficient time to fulfil their desires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_questions_should_be_consideredasked_by_the_principal_when_choosing_a_POA_agent\"><\/span>What questions should be considered\/asked by the principal\nwhen choosing a POA agent?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\nis very crucial to choose the right POA agent as they have the legal authority\nto act on behalf of the Principal. Following questions can be asked while\nconsidering a potential POA agent:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Can you trust this person with handling crucial matters related to finance and legal?<\/li><li>Is this person financially responsible? How he manages his own legal and finance-related matters?<\/li><li>Family members typically offer this service without charging, but in case of appointing agent, he will charge fee; How much fee he will charge? <\/li><li>Will this person agree to act as a POA agent? A principal should discuss with them in detail about his decisions before formally appointing them.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In\ncase the principal is in doubt ever as to agent\u2019s trustworthiness or conflict\nof interest arises, Principal should use Revocation of power of attorney to\nwithdraw agent\u2019s power to act on behalf of him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>By appointing a power of attorney Principal ensures that he has an individual legally known as a POA agent for managing his long-term planning relating to property, finances, and health. Appointing a POA agent is his future assurance for decisions relating to personal as well as finance-related affairs. Taking decisions related to finance, health, and property is very delicate and crucial, so while appointing an agent for POA, the principal should make sure that the agent is trustworthy, well-organised, logical and that he wants to be a POA agent by his own will, as being a POA agent requires handling various responsibilities that can be overwhelming for some people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"text-left\"><b>Read our Article<\/b>:<mark style=\"background: #fffd03 !important;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/execution-of-sale-deed-via-power-of-attorney\/\">Execution Of Sale Deed Via Power Of Attorney: Is It Possible?<\/a><\/mark><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A Power of Attorney establishes the legal relationship[1] between the principal and his POA representative, legally referred to as an agent. POA agent has the power to make crucial decisions on behalf of the Principal. The Principal chooses to make a Power of Attorney (POA) as part of his\/her long-term planning. He makes POA for [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":55157,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[272],"tags":[3437],"acf":{"service_id":"215"},"authorName":"Karan Singh","authorImageUrl":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/processed-1-150x150.jpeg","authorDescription":"A legal writing enthusiast, a wanderer, and a zealous reader. After gaining a lot of knowledge about the diverse legal topics and developing research skills, Karan joined the league of legal content writers to deliver quality-rich blogs.","postViews":2260,"readingTime":4,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55142"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/35"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=55142"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55142\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":55163,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55142\/revisions\/55163"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/55157"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=55142"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=55142"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=55142"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}