I have been told I cannot use the POA for everything, what do I do?

If he's still competent he may still sign a modified DPOA, if there is an issue with the existing one. Did you have an attorney prepare it? If not I would try to make the one I have work.

Some states require that the POA be registered with the county's register of deeds office. There it is recorded, assigned a Book and page number and available online for any agency that wants to view it.

I always carry a Filed copy of my DPOA with me when I do business on behalf of my cousin. I've had few problems. When I've called on her behalf, it's a little more difficult, but I have been able to explain myself and it worked out fine.

I might ask the place exactly what their issue is.

All POA's are not the same. Many say right in the first paragraph "except medical decisions", some have lines that have to be initialed in order to grant certain powers. I saw a POA that was signed properly, but the powers were not properly listed, so the POA granted no powers at all. It was even notarized. The daughter was very unhappy when I told her the POA did not convey any power to her, especially the medical part.

Wilma, what specifically is it you want to accomplish but believe isn't allowed under the DPOA? Have you verified this by reading the document? The powers granted are generally quite broad, in the legal and financial areas.

If it's medical authority or powers, no, a DPOA does not address this. You need a HIPAA authorization for information and a Living Will or Advanced Directive for medical authority.

If you find financial institutions don't recognize your POA for your husband, then you may have to go for guardianship. Don't rush into that. See how far the POA gets you.

Isn't most of your money owned jointly? I had mom with me for a year. Only one bank would not recognize my POA for her. I packed her in the car, sat down with an officer, and said, "Mom's here to check out her money, aren't you, mom?" Problem solved. She showed her identification and put an X on the signature line.