How to Obtain Power of Attorney in MA

A power of attorney is an instrument signed by one person, known as the principal, authorizing another, known as the agent or attorney-in-fact, to sign documents and/or perform actions on her behalf. The authority granted under a power of attorney can be broad or narrowly limited, depending on the intent. If you have been asked to be an attorney-in-fact for someone in Massachusetts, know that the appointment carries great responsibility to act in a trustworthy manor and in the best interest of the principal who appointed you.

Discuss the reasons or need for a power of attorney with the principal and determine whether you are the correct person to act as attorney-in-fact on her behalf. It is better for these conversations to be initiated by the principal, as Massachusetts laws against coercion or elder abuse prohibit individuals from taking advantage of another for their own personal gain. If, however, you are a child who is assisting with the day-to-day affairs of your parent anyway, out of love and a sense of duty you may wish to broach the subject to determine if your parent has or would entertain the idea of creating a power of attorney.

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Agree to accept the appointment only after fully understanding the ramifications of acting under the power of attorney. Understand what you are being asked to do and what responsibility you are being asked to accept. If the principal is appointing another individual to act on her behalf initially, she may have asked you to act as successor attorney-in-fact in the event that person is unable or unwilling to act in the future. If you would not be willing to accept an appointment as primary attorney-in-fact, do not agree to accept the responsibilities of a successor attorney-in-fact, as you may be called upon to step into the primary agent’s shoes in the future.

Acquire the properly executed power of attorney that complies with Massachusetts law from the principal appointing you as attorney-in-fact. The powers granted in the power of attorney, as well as state law, will generally determine the actions you may perform on the principal's behalf. Laws prohibit using a power of attorney for certain actions, such as testifying as a witness for someone else or voting for her. Know what powers are granted in the document. The principal may have merely appointed you to perform one single act under a specific or limited power of attorney, such as signing the title to a vehicle or signing a deed selling property while she is away. Alternatively, under a general and durable power of attorney, the principal may have appointed you to perform any and all actions that she could perform herself in the event she is unavailable or incapable of acting.