Can A Family Member Override a Power of Attorney: The ability to override a Power of Attorney (POA) depends on the specific type of POA and the reason for seeking its cancellation.
A POA grants authority to an Agent chosen by the Principal to act on their behalf when they are unable to do so, usually due to age or declining health.
In the case of a durable power of attorney, it remains in effect even if the Principal becomes incapacitated.
Can A Family Member Override a Power of Attorney
Certain circumstances allow a family member to override a power of attorney, but mere disagreement with the agent’s decisions is not sufficient.
The power of attorney (POA) is a potent document that grants the agent extensive legal authority to make critical decisions for the principal.
The principal, who creates the POA, has the ability to override it as long as they are still mentally competent.
If the principal becomes incapacitated, the agent may continue acting on their behalf unless the POA is specifically revoked or terminated.
In situations where the agent is abusing their authority or not acting in the principal’s best interests, a family member may petition the court to override the POA.
However, this process is intricate, requiring the family member to provide evidence of the agent’s misconduct.
Circumstances in which a family member can override POA
- The principal is no longer of sound mind and cannot revoke the POA themselves.
- The agent is abusing their authority or not acting in the principal’s best interests.
- The agent has died or become incapacitated.
- The Power of Attorney (POA) has expired or someone has revoked it.
Can A Family Member Override a Power of Attorney: How to override POA
- Consult the principal: If they desire to revoke the POA, they can do so in writing or verbally.
- Revocation of POA
- Petition the court
- Step down voluntarily
- Resolve in court