Does the activation of medical power of attorney lead to the activation of financial power of attorney?

Leahan, read the powers of attorney to see if they're durable. If there are activation clauses, such as declaration of mental incapacity, there are usually statements indicating that x number of physicians must attest to this condition.

If there's no such clause and there are statements that the proxy powers are in effect immediately, then, no, you don't need legal advice nor is there any activation trigger. A well drafted POA will include statements to this effect, i.e., as to whether there are actions that need to be taken for the proxies to act.

Yes, you can deal with those scams on the credit cards directly. Contact the credit card people immediately, explain that ya'll are joint POA and have noticed these scams. A large number of scams on a credit card is a red flag of identity theft. The card needs to be closed and those scams identified so that she can be reimbursed. How long has this been going on?

I can only speak from personal experience, but yes, our family has separate powers of attorney for medical and legal. Yes, you need to check with a lawyer.