Understanding Powers of Attorney
Legal Services for Maine Elders shares the following information for you and your residents. Health Care Powers of Attorney and Durable Financial Powers of Attorney (“POA”) can be useful planning tools for many Mainers. These tools allow a person, the “principal”, to appoint another person, an “agent”, to have authority to make financial and/or medical decisions for them. Anyone thinking of signing a POA must be sure that they are appointing an agent they trust and who understands their wishes. Some agents, due to misinformation or bad intentions, misuse their powers under a POA. One way to prevent this from happening to is by knowing rights as a principal, and knowing the duties an agent owes to the resident. It is important to know that a principal of sound mind has the right to revoke a Power of Attorney at any time.
As with any important decision, think carefully, ask questions, and seek legal assistance before signing a Power of Attorney. If you have a resident who would like more information on executing a Financial or a Health Care Power of Attorney, or if your resident feels that their agent has abused power under a current Power of Attorney, please have them contact Legal Services for Maine Elders at 1-800-750-5353 for assistance. The services are free and confidential. For more information about Powers of Attorney or other legal issues please check out LSE online Elder Rights Handbook at
www.mainelse.org
Staff contact:
mcarland@mehca.org
