3 of us siblings have poa for mom. My brother signed his power of attorney to his daughter and now she is making all moms desicions. I am the 24/7 care giver and daughter also with poa.
Pam is right. Only your mother can assign a POA for herself. Your brother cannot transfer his POA to his daughter, though he might transfer his duties to her if no one objects. Your brother could have named his daughter his own POA, but that does not include responsibilities that he has to your mother.
No. Your niece has no legal standing in this matter.
Power of Attorney is given by one person to another person. It does not give the 'nother person the right to transfer his responsibilities to someone else. Only the person giving the POA originally can do that, and only while he or she has mental capacity.
I cannot imagine what the notary thought he was doing participating in this obviously nonsensical exercise.
Having said that, you don't need legal permission to discuss things within a family. Even though your niece has no legal POA status, if you know she represents your brother's views you can still take what she says into account. But she cannot make decisions on your mother's behalf: that is for you, your other sibling and your brother to do together. If your brother is too ill to participate, work with the other sibling.
What is the back story, please? If you have joint POA and you are your mother's primary caregiver, why are you being so deferential to your brother in any case?
Bkgirl, what sorts of "decisions" is your Niece making on behalf of your brother? Do you two see eye to eye on these decisions? It seems like it's time to have a conversation with your brother about exactly what his Daughter's involvement in your mutual Mother's care should be, as it certainly isnt Legal, as others have said. Is your Niece an RN with insight into your Mother's care? So many questions, but not enough info to help you figure this out, unless thats all you needed to know? But FYI, you are now umongst some of the most knowledgeable and helpful people here on the AC Forum, and I hope you come back to share, teach and learn! We are all here to Support one another! Take care!
The only other thing I can suggest, if your niece insists on being the big I Am, is writing to your brother and explaining to him that it has been made clear that his supposed transfer of his POA to his daughter has no standing in law. Would he therefore please speak to his daughter and, while appreciating her help, ensure that she understands that she has NO authority to make decisions for your mother.
I agree Churchmouse, but having joint POAs is just asking for difficulties - imo. I always try to get my brother opinion but if we had to agree on everything, nothing would ever get done, lol! I also can't help but think back to when I was in my 20's - before life had kicked my butt around the block a few times. Remeber the days when we were bulletproof and knew it all?!! Just makes me chuckle now.
BKG I hope it is clear now: your niece does not have Power of Attorney.
She can still help with the Medicaid process, if she's a mind to. But she must not sign anything on behalf of your mother. If she won't co-operate or you'd be more comfortable dealing with it yourself, call the Medicaid people and ask for their help.
When she told your brother that you are 'ruining your mother's chances for Medicaid' what did she mean? This kind of comment often comes from a person who wants another person (you) not to be entirely truthful about things. I hope your niece hasn't been trying to be clever.
Do you have the document giving the details of your POA? You need to check it to see whether you, your sister and your brother all have to act together, or you can each act individually on your mother's behalf.
Have you read the POA document all the way through? I was wondering if perhaps there is some type of clause that allows for a child of one of the originally named three to step up if their parent can't/ won't preform their duties. It is common for a second to be named in a POA - of course it wouldn't be needed in this specific case with one or two originals left if one drops out. But still... Can't help but wonder since you say an actual notary was involved in this transfer of duties.
Power of Attorney is given by one person to another person. It does not give the 'nother person the right to transfer his responsibilities to someone else. Only the person giving the POA originally can do that, and only while he or she has mental capacity.
I cannot imagine what the notary thought he was doing participating in this obviously nonsensical exercise.
Having said that, you don't need legal permission to discuss things within a family. Even though your niece has no legal POA status, if you know she represents your brother's views you can still take what she says into account. But she cannot make decisions on your mother's behalf: that is for you, your other sibling and your brother to do together. If your brother is too ill to participate, work with the other sibling.
What is the back story, please? If you have joint POA and you are your mother's primary caregiver, why are you being so deferential to your brother in any case?
She can still help with the Medicaid process, if she's a mind to. But she must not sign anything on behalf of your mother. If she won't co-operate or you'd be more comfortable dealing with it yourself, call the Medicaid people and ask for their help.
When she told your brother that you are 'ruining your mother's chances for Medicaid' what did she mean? This kind of comment often comes from a person who wants another person (you) not to be entirely truthful about things. I hope your niece hasn't been trying to be clever.
Do you have the document giving the details of your POA? You need to check it to see whether you, your sister and your brother all have to act together, or you can each act individually on your mother's behalf.
Can't help but wonder since you say an actual notary was involved in this transfer of duties.
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