Daisy, a Durable Power of Attorney includes not just financial authority but legal authority as well and still would be necessary even if the accounts are held jointly. That legal authority addresses a broad range of transactions that could be undertaken.
If your spouse is still competent, I would get all the paperwork prepared and signed or Durable Power of Attorney, Healthcare POA, Living Will, etc. You still need the authority to act on her behalf. You don't know what will come down the road. It's very difficult to conduct business if you don't have those documents, even if you are married.
If she is no longer competent, it may too late to get those signatures.
Also, if she has social security funds going into an account, there are special rules about who can handle those funds.
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If she is no longer competent, it may too late to get those signatures.
Also, if she has social security funds going into an account, there are special rules about who can handle those funds.