Power of Attorney (POA) is a crucial legal instrument that permits one person, known as the principal, to delegate authority to another person or entity, known as the agent, to make decisions on their behalf. In the Show-Me State of Missouri, understanding the lifespan and termination of a POA is a vital part of sound estate planning. The duration of a POA is largely influenced by its type - whether it's a durable, springing, limited, or medical POA - and the specific stipulations contained within the document.
The duration of a Power of Attorney is typically defined within the document:
Under Missouri law, like most states, the duration of a POA is usually determined by the stipulations outlined in the POA document itself. This implies that the POA can be set to expire on a specific date, upon the occurrence of a particular event, or upon the incapacitation or death of the principal. All these conditions can be clearly defined by the principal when creating the POA to meet their specific needs.
The type of Power of Attorney also impacts its duration:
Understanding the different types of POAs and their respective expiration rules is crucial. Each type of POA has unique characteristics and expiration rules.
- Durable Power of Attorney: This type of POA remains in effect even if the principal becomes mentally incapacitated. This means that the agent can continue to make decisions on behalf of the principal. For instance, if the principal has been diagnosed with a severe illness, the durable POA will remain in effect. However, like all types of POA, it ceases to be effective upon the principal's death.
- Springing Power of Attorney: A springing POA only comes into effect under specific conditions, typically the principal's incapacitation. For example, if a principal had an accident and is unconscious, a springing POA would spring into effect, allowing the agent to make decisions. However, once the principal regains capacity, the POA loses its validity unless otherwise specified in the agreement.
- Limited Power of Attorney: Also known as a special POA, it is used for a specific purpose or for a limited period. For example, if the principal needs someone to handle a transaction while they are unavailable, a limited POA could be used. Once the task is completed, the POA automatically ends.
- Medical Power of Attorney: This type of POA gives the agent the authority to make medical decisions for the principal if they become unable to do so. This type of POA expires when the principal dies or revokes the POA, or when the principal regains the ability to make their own decisions.
Understanding these different types of POAs and their respective expiration rules can help individuals and their appointed agents to navigate the legal landscape of power of attorney in Missouri more effectively.
Revocation of a Power of Attorney:
If a principal decides to revoke a POA before its stated expiration date, they must follow certain legal procedures under Missouri law. Revoking a POA isn't as simple as deciding one day that the agreement is over. It requires a proper understanding of legal procedures to ensure that all responsibilities are properly terminated.
- The principal must create a written notice of revocation. This document should include the principal's name, the agent's name, and the date the original POA was executed. This document must be signed and dated by the principal.
- The principal should then deliver this revocation notice to the agent. This can be done in person or through certified mail with return receipt requested, to ensure proof of delivery. It is also recommended to notify any third parties (like banks or other financial institutions) that may have been dealing with the agent under the authority of the POA.
Once these steps are completed, the revocation is generally effective immediately, and the agent no longer has the authority to act on behalf of the principal. However, in some cases, such as with a durable POA, the principal may need to record the revocation at the local county recorder's office where the original POA was filed.
It's important to note that if the principal is mentally incapacitated, they cannot legally revoke a POA. In such a case, a court may need to intervene to determine the validity of the revocation. If you are considering revoking a POA, it's always recommended to consult with an experienced attorney to guide you through the process in accordance with Missouri law.
Power of Attorney after the principal's death:
Once the principal passes away, the POA generally becomes null and void. The agent does not have the power to handle the deceased's estate. This task falls to the executor mentioned in the deceased's will or to the administrator appointed by the probate court if no will exists.
The executor or administrator's role begins upon the principal's death, whereas the agent's role ends. The executor or administrator is responsible for gathering the deceased's assets, paying off any debts or taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries as specified in the will, all under the supervision of the probate court.
Trustees, on the other hand, are individuals or entities appointed to manage a trust established by the principal. Unlike a POA or executor, a trustee's role does not necessarily end with the death of the principal. Instead, their responsibilities continue as outlined in the terms of the trust agreement, which may include distributing the trust's assets to beneficiaries.
In some instances, the agent may also be named as the executor or trustee. In such cases, their responsibilities could extend beyond the principal's death, but their role changes. As an executor or trustee, they are no longer acting under the authority of the POA but rather under the authority of the will or trust agreement.
