How to Request an Accounting from a Power of Attorney

Question from Pooter, How to Request an Accounting from a Power of Attorney

Answer from AI:

If you suspect that your grandmother, as the Power of Attorney (POA) for your grandfather, has abused her position, you have the right to request an accounting of her actions during the time she served in that role. This process can help uncover any potential financial abuse or neglect of duties, such as failing to administer medication. Here are the general steps you might take:

Understanding Power of Attorney Responsibilities

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that grants one person (the agent or attorney-in-fact) the authority to act on behalf of another person (the principal). The agent is expected to act in the principal’s best interest, maintain accurate records, and act within the scope of authority granted by the POA document.

Requesting an Accounting

1. Review the POA Document: Check the terms of the Power of Attorney agreement to understand the scope of the agent’s authority and any requirements for record-keeping or reporting.
2. Informal Request: Start by making an informal request to your grandmother for an accounting of her actions as POA. This could be done verbally or in writing.
3. Formal Written Request: If the informal request is unsuccessful, send a formal written request. This should be done via certified mail with a return receipt requested to ensure there is a record of the request.
4. Legal Action: If your grandmother fails to respond or provide the accounting, you may need to take legal action. This typically involves filing a petition with the court asking for an order compelling the agent to provide an accounting.

Legal Proceedings

If you need to go to court, the process generally involves the following steps:

1. Filing a Petition: You would file a petition in the appropriate probate or civil court where your grandfather resided.
2. Serving the Petition: Your grandmother must be formally served with the petition, notifying her of the legal action.
3. Court Hearing: A hearing will be scheduled where both parties can present evidence and arguments.
4. Judicial Order: If the court finds that an accounting is warranted, it will issue an order requiring your grandmother to produce the necessary documents and records.

Considerations and Next Steps

• Statute of Limitations: Be aware that there may be time limits for challenging actions taken under a POA or for filing a lawsuit.
• Seek Legal Advice: Because these matters can be complex and emotionally charged, it’s advisable to consult with an attorney who specializes in elder law or estate litigation.
• Gather Evidence: Collect any evidence of potential abuse, such as financial records, medical records, or witness statements.
• Report Abuse: If you believe your grandmother neglected to give your grandfather his medicines, you may also want to report this to adult protective services or a similar agency.

Additional Resources

For more information on POAs and elder abuse, you can refer to resources such as the National Institute on Aging or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Remember, while this information provides a general guideline, every situation is unique, and laws can vary by state. It is crucial to seek personalized legal advice to address your specific circumstances.