My Dad has Alzheimer's. Mom passed last Sept. My brother wants to add me as financial POA. Do we need an attorney? Dad can't sign.

I would suggest first reading the POA document very carefully to see if there is any provision for adding a successor POA. Ordinarily POA must be given by the principal.

This might even vary state to state to state, I'm not sure but if you have an attorney you can call to ask in your Dad's state of residence it's probably the best place to get the info. If it isn't as easy as your brother just adding you the way you could get around it is to have him give individual permission to each financial and medical office (including the local hospital just to have it on file) to give you full access/power. Once your name is listed as an approved person you are able to take care of business. I know this because in several instances it was faster to just have my mom give permission over the phone than take the time and jump through the hoops of sending my POA, I was usually needing to take care of something right then and there.

Your brother can’t add you as POA. You need to see a lawyer.

Only your Dad can assign a POA and back up. Don't think a lawyer can do it. You can try though.

What s the purpose? POA cannot be changed when someone is incapacitated. What your bro could do is to add you on his accounts so you can conduct dad's business.

There is very little financial business that can't be accomplished remotely - automatic bill payments, on line banking etc. Everyday purchases can be managed using a credit card/debit card - you can be added to the account as a signer or just having knowledge of the PIN might be all you need.

Thank you to everyones response. My father has an annuity, life insurance policy, stocks, money stashed in various places and we have no clue exactly how much it is because my Mom handled it all and she passed away last Fall with incomplete files. We receive dividend checks is how we know about stocks/bonds/life insurance. We do know the annuity hasn't paid a dime. We have no clue if there are named beneficiaries on any of this. We also would like to round this up and make sure we can put it into his trust he has in place. My brother, the POA has no time for all this followup. I do, BUT can't as Im not named as an additional POA. So my since my Dad is incapacitated and can't add me I assume I have to hire a lawyer and go to court. My brother says he would like me named but has no time to do this. So we are in a mess which is why I was asking opinions here. But I believe I have my answer and that is hire an attorney and go to court. My Dad is in Michigan.

Your bank should be able to print out what accounts Dad has with them.

I guess Dad is private paying? I doubt when you find all the money it will be able to be put in a trust since he is already in a NH and may need Medicaid in the next five years.