Saying “NO” to Power of Attorney Duty
Being responsible for someone else’s affairs under powers of attorney is a lot of work. If you are being asked to serve as agent under power of attorney, ask yourself these three questions:
- Are you able to drop everything, perhaps for weeks or months, and make crisis medical decisions?
- Do you have the emotional fortitude to make tough, life-and-death decisions?
- How are your family dynamics? Do you have a brother who is quick to anger or a sister who could be suspicious of your motives when it comes to medical or financial decisions?
If your answers to the above questions don’t sit well, be honest with yourself and the individual who has named you as their agent. Seek out a professional that specializes in the role of agent under a power of attorney.
