Can two siblings have power of attorney?
Asked by: Dr. Hazle Zemlak MD | Last update: June 10, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (13 votes)
Legal frameworks typically permit multiple agents, including siblings, to hold power of attorney jointly. However, specific requirements and limitations vary by jurisdiction. It's essential for siblings to draft a clear POA document, outlining their roles and responsibilities.
How does power of attorney work with siblings?
Your sibling must choose their agent or attorney-in-fact without undue influence from others. It should be someone trustworthy and capable of handling all of the tasks and decisions that come with the responsibility of acting in a fiduciary capacity for their sibling.
Can 2 family members have power of attorney?
The answer is yes a person can grant as many Powers of attorney as they want. And each power of attorney will have whatever powers are stated in the document for the holder to exercise. so both you and your brother can have a power of attorney for your mother if she wants to give you each one.
Can you have 2 people acting as power of attorney?
Can Powers of Attorney be given to more than one agent at the same time? Yes. You can give Powers of Attorney to two or more people at the same time, or you can name a second agent to take over under specified circumstances (such as the death of the first agent).
Who is the best person to be a power of attorney?
Since your power of attorney potentially will be handling your legal and financial affairs, you'll want to choose someone who either has some experience in these fields or has the personality and financial savvy to handle the decisions that may fall to him or her. Choose someone who: Is trustworthy and fair minded.
Can Two Siblings Have Power Of Attorney? - CountyOffice.org
Who is best to be a power of attorney?
Most people choose a family member or a close friend to be their attorney, especially for a health and welfare LPA –someone younger may be appropriate. talk to the person you want to appoint as your attorney before you make the LPA.
What are the disadvantages of power of attorney?
- Potential for Misuse: The most significant risk associated with a POA is the potential for misuse by the appointed agent. ...
- Lack of Oversight: A POA grants considerable control to the agent without requiring oversight or approval from third parties.
What three decisions cannot be made by a legal power of attorney?
- Write a will for them, nor can you edit their current will.
- Take money directly from their bank accounts.
- Make decisions after the person you are representing dies.
- Give away your role as agent in the power of attorney.
Can power of attorney change a will?
Someone with your power of attorney cannot change your will, nor can someone write one on your behalf. However, that person can change your assets to shift how your will works in practice, so be certain to speak with your power of attorney about your wishes before making any assignments.
Can a power of attorney transfer money to themselves?
An agent can only transfer money to themselves if the POA document explicitly allows it. Self-transfers without explicit authorization are generally considered a breach of fiduciary duty and can lead to legal consequences.
Can two siblings have medical power of attorney?
Legal frameworks typically permit multiple agents, including siblings, to hold power of attorney jointly. However, specific requirements and limitations vary by jurisdiction. It's essential for siblings to draft a clear POA document, outlining their roles and responsibilities.
Can an attorney represent two family members?
In many matters, such as a criminal trial or a custody dispute, this means that each client typically has their own lawyer. However, in estate planning it is quite common for one lawyer to work with multiple members of the same family - often husband and wife, or parents and children.
Can one power of attorney override another power of attorney?
In most cases, one power of attorney can supersede another, as long as language is included within the most current power of attorney revoking all prior powers of attorney.
How do I get power of attorney for a deceased sibling?
A power of attorney is no longer valid after death. The only person permitted to act on behalf of an estate following a death is the personal representative or executor appointed by the court. Assets need to be protected. Following the death of a loved one, there is often a period of chaos.
Can a sibling stop another sibling from seeing a parent?
No, even a sibling with power of attorney cannot prevent another sibling from seeing an elderly parent. If you believe your sibling is preventing you from seeing them, contact a lawyer.
Am I legally responsible for my sister?
Elder Law Guides
Download our in-depth guides on elder law topics. No, sisters are not legally responsible for one another. So, assuming that they were not already living together, one sister does not have to take in the other sister when she is discharged from the hospital.
Can more than one family member have power of attorney?
First, there is no legal reason why you cannot name more than one person as your power of attorney - you can name 10 people if you want. The real question is, should you name more than one person? The answer is generally no unless you have a specific reason and consider the potential problems.
Can a POA withdraw money from a bank account?
Through the use of a valid Power of Attorney, an Agent can sign checks for the Principal, withdraw and deposit funds from the Principal's financial accounts, change or create beneficiary designations for financial assets, and perform many other financial transactions.
Can a person with dementia change their will?
Having an Alzheimer's or other dementia diagnosis does not automatically prevent a person from being able to change their will. As long as an attorney confirms that one is still cognitively sound, changes may be made to their will. Seniors should draft legal documents to ensure their wishes are followed.
What voids a power of attorney?
For example, for power of attorney to be durable in California, it must contain specific language to that effect. Power of attorney documents must also either be notarized or signed by two witnesses. These errors and others can render the power of attorney void.
What are the responsibilities of a power of attorney to siblings?
The responsibilities of a POA involve making decisions in the best interest of the person who assigned the power, also known as the principal. This includes managing assets fairly and transparently, especially when siblings are involved. A POA should avoid favoritism and work towards preserving family harmony.
What is the best power of attorney to have?
More often than not, our clients opt for the General Durable Power of Attorney (a mix of the Durable and General Power of Attorney) for it's ease of use by the Agent, and sustainability over the lifetime of the Prinicipal.
What does the POA mean on a bank account?
Power of attorney. We can help you add someone to your account so they can handle your finances on your behalf. Explore power of attorney services.
Can a power of attorney sell property and keep money?
Someone who is designated as your agent in a power of attorney has a fiduciary duty to you. That means they cannot make financial decisions or take actions with your money or accounts that aren't in your best interest.
What does power of attorney give you authority over?
A power of attorney gives one or more persons the power to act on your behalf as your agent. The power may be limited to a particular activity, such as closing the sale of your home, or be general in its application. The power may give temporary or permanent authority to act on your behalf.