Florida Estate Planning Lawyer Blog
When is a Durable Power of Attorney effective?
The Durable Power of Attorney is effective as soon as the principal signs it unless the document specifies that it is conditioned on the principal’s lack of capacity to manage property in which case appropriate affidavits are required in accordance with Florida law.
Must the principal deliver the Power of Attorney to the attorney- in-fact right after signing or may the principal wait until such time as the services of the attorney-in-fact are needed?
No. The principal may hold the Power of Attorney document until such time as help is needed and then give it to the attorney-in- fact. Because third parties will not honor the attorney-in-fact’s authority unless the attorney-in-fact provides the Power of Attorney document, the use of the Power of Attorney may effectively be delayed.
Often, the lawyer may fulfill this important role. For example, the principal may leave the Power of Attorney with the lawyer who prepared it, asking the lawyer to deliver it to the attorney-in- fact under certain specific conditions. Since the lawyer may not know if and when the principal is incapacitated, the principal should let the attorney-in-fact know that the lawyer has retained the signed document and will deliver it as directed.
How does the attorney-in-fact initiate decision-making authority under the Power of Attorney?
The attorney-in-fact should review the Power of Attorney document carefully to determine what authority the principal granted. After being certain that the Power of Attorney gives the attorney-in-fact the authority to act, the Power of Attorney (or a copy) should be taken to the third party (the bank or other institution, or person with whom you need to deal). Some third parties may ask the attorney-in-fact to sign a document stating that the attorney-in-fact is acting properly. (The attorney-in- fact may wish to consult with a lawyer prior to signing such a document.) The third party should accept the Power of Attorney and allow the attorney-in-fact to act for the principal. An attorney-in-fact should always make it clear that the attorney-in-fact is signing documents on behalf of the principal.
How should the attorney-in-fact sign when acting as an attorney-in-fact?
The attorney-in-fact will always want to add after his or her signature that the document is being signed “as attorney-in-fact for” the Principal. If the attorney-in-fact only signs his or her own name, he or she may be held personally accountable for whatever was signed. As long as the signature clearly conveys that the document is being signed in a representative capacity and not personally, the attorney-in-fact is protected. Though lengthy, it is, therefore, best to sign as follows:
Howard Rourk, as attorney-in-fact for Ellsworth Toohey.
In this example, Howard Rourk is the attorney-in-fact, and Ellsworth Toohey is the principal.
What if the third party will not accept the Power of Attorney?
If the Power of Attorney was lawfully executed and it has not been revoked, suspended or terminated, third parties may be forced to honor the document. Due to changes in the law, Durable Powers of Attorney executed on or after October 1, 1995, have more clout. An older document may be enforced as well. Under some circumstances, if the third party’s refusal to honor the Durable Power of Attorney causes damage, the third party may be liable for those damages and even attorney’s fees and court costs. Even mere delay may cause damage and this too may be actionable. It is reasonable, however, for the third party to have the time to consult with a lawyer about the Power of Attorney. Banks will often send the Power of Attorney to their legal department for approval. Delay for more than a short period may be unreasonable. Upon refusal or unreasonable delay, consult an attorney.
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