As an agent or personal representative (also known as a personal representative), you have an important job ahead of you. If you become a medical agent, financial agent, or personal representative for someone, there are specific laws you must follow to properly fulfill those roles. The following tips offer some direction as you step into caring for your loved one or their estate.
Dos and Don’ts For Agents, Executors, or Personal Representatives
If you have been appointed as an agent under a Financial Power of Attorney or Advance Medical Directive, OR if you have been appointed as a personal representative (executor) of someone’s estate, here are some areas you will need to consider, with some basic dos and don’ts for each:
#1 Legal Instructions and Decision-making
DO:
Do refer to financial, medical, or general estate instructions your loved one has previously laid out. Some of these instructions are legally binding, meaning the court will enforce them.
DON’T:
Do not take any action that is contrary to the instructions set out in your loved one’s Will, Trust, Financial Power of Attorney, or Advance Medical Directive, as this puts you at risk of being criminally charged.
#2 Non-binding Wishes and Decision-making
DO:
Do honor your loved one’s non-binding wishes as much as possible. Make decisions based on what your loved one has communicated to you. If an issue arises that they have not addressed, make decisions in accordance with what you think they would do or want if they were able to choose for themselves.
DON’T:
Do not fulfill responsibilities without at least considering your loved one’s preferences. In some cases, they may be impossible to carry out, but many times they are doable if you are willing to take the extra step.
#3 Finances
DO:
Do keep a record of any action you take as a personal representative, in case you are called upon to prove that you have acted in a legal manner and in your loved one’s best interest.
DON’T:
Do not spend your loved one’s money for any reason outside the instructions set forth in their legal documents. Do not spend your loved one’s money, even in a permissible way, without keeping a record of those actions, as you may be called upon in court to give an account of what you did with their finances.
#4 Original Documents vs. Copies
DO:
Do keep original documents in your safekeeping in the event that you are in a situation with a doctor or financial institution where a copy is not acceptable.
DON’T:
Do not give away original documents for any reason, as you may have to show proof of originals, depending on the circumstances your loved one is in.
If you have more specific questions about decision-making for a loved one, or about administering an estate, please contact our firm. We would love to help you sort through all the details that come along with your role as agent, executor, or personal representative.
