Sometimes, you may need to modify or protect a power of attorney to prevent it from being challenged. These situations can be unpleasant and pose legal complexities.
The authority to revoke a power of attorney lies with specific entities. If you wish to invalidate a power of attorney, you must seek recourse through the courts. Only a court or legal guardian holds the power to revoke a power of attorney.
Before deciding whether to invalidate a power of attorney, the court will carefully examine the details of your case.
If a court invalidates a power of attorney, it may appoint a guardian who will make decisions in the best interests of the person who signed the power of attorney.
Understanding Power of Attorney
It is a written authorization for someone to represent or act on another person’s behalf. It can pertain to private affairs, such as finances, health, and welfare, as well as business or other legal matters.
The person who grants the authority is called the principal, grantor, or donor of the power.
The individual who is authorized to act is referred to as the agent, attorney, or, in some common law jurisdictions, the attorney-in-fact.
Who Can Override A Power of Attorney
Certain circumstances can lead to the revocation or invalidation of a power of attorney.
Additionally, if the court finds that the person who granted the power of attorney is no longer capable of making decisions for themselves, it may appoint a guardian.
The appointed guardian would then have the authority to make decisions on behalf of the individual, rendering the power of attorney ineffective.
However, while the power of attorney remains valid, the court cannot override the authority of the attorney-in-fact.
As long as the document is legally binding, the attorney-in-fact can continue to act in the best interests of the individual who granted the power of attorney.
Key Takeaways
- A court can invalidate a power of attorney for incorrect execution.
- Incase you suspect illegitimacy or abuse of a family member’s power of attorney, you can request the court to revoke it.
- If a judge invalidates or overturns your power of attorney, it becomes invalid.
- You can have an unlimited number of powers of attorney.
Who Can Override a Power of Attorney and Why
- Someone acquired the power of attorney through deception or coercion.
- The person who signed the power of attorney was mentally incapable at the time.
- The signer has regained mental capacity and no longer wants the attorney-in-fact to have authority.
- The attorney-in-fact is acting in their own interests instead of the best interests of the person who granted the power of attorney.
What To Do If Your Power of Attorney Is Contested
The first step is to promptly seek legal counsel. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, explore alternatives, and represent you during court proceedings.
The court will assess the facts of your case and decide whether to invalidate the document.
Factors considered include the mental capacity of the person who signed the power of attorney, evidence of fraud or coercion, and the validity of the document’s execution.
In addition, if the court determines that the current attorney-in-fact is not acting in the best interests of the person who granted the power of attorney, it may appoint a new attorney-in-fact.
Keep in mind that the court’s decision is based on what serves the best interests of the person who signed the power of attorney.
If you are the attorney-in-fact and believe you are acting in the best interests of the person who authorized the power of attorney, you must provide evidence to support your claim before the court.
Can Spouses Challenge a Power of Attorney?
Power of attorney always comes before a spouse’s preferences as a legal designation.
If you have concerns about the agent chosen by your partner, you will probably have to go through the mentioned procedures and involve the court to resolve the problem.
However, talking to your spouse and other family members about potential agents might help you prevent such situations.
Who can override a Power of Attorney: what happens if it’s revoked
If a court invalidates or overturns your power of attorney, it becomes invalid, and you lose the authority to represent the person who signed the document.
This could involve appointing a new attorney-in-fact or having the court assign a guardian to oversee their affairs.
If the person who signed the power of attorney used it for making healthcare decisions, they will need to make their own healthcare choices or appoint someone else to act on their behalf.
If you believe that your actions were in the best interest of the individual who granted the power of attorney, you have the option to appeal the court’s decision.
Trivia
- After revoking the previous power of attorney, it is possible to create a new one.
- You can find powers of attorney forms on your state’s government website. Alternatively, you can hire an attorney to draft a power of attorney for you.
- Furthermore, forms for power of attorney may also be available at physician’s offices, hospitals, banks, and other financial organizations.