Two of the most common ways to assume authority over another person’s affairs are through Power of Attorney and executorship. Both positions allow an individual to make decisions on behalf of another, but in differing ways and situations.
Power of Attorney
Power of Attorney gives someone the authority to act on someone else’s behalf for certain matters. A Power of Attorney agreement remains valid during the principal’s lifetime, and automatically ends upon the principal’s death.
Read More: Does Power of Attorney Override a Will?
Executor of a Will
An executor handles a decedent’s estate after he passes away. The executor has no authority during the decedent’s lifetime.
Powers and Authorities
Someone who has Power of Attorney has the authority to make decisions for the principal, but is limited to what powers are outlined in the agreement. An executor has the authority to handle the estate as the decedent would if she were still alive.
Responsibilities
The agent in a Power of Attorney agreement has a responsibility to the principal and her best interests. The executor of a will has a responsibility first to the decedent and his wishes (as described in the will), then to the estate, the estate’s creditors (including the IRS), and the beneficiaries.
Termination of Authority
An agent’s powers can be revoked at any time by the principal for any reason. An executor’s powers can only be terminated by court order. Agents and executors can also voluntarily resign from their positions at any time, with or without cause.
References
- "Wills, Trusts and Estate Administration"; Dennis Hower, Peter Kahn; 2005
- "Power of Attorney Handbook (6th Ed.);" Edward Haman; 2006.
Writer Bio
Carrie Ferland is a practicing civil litigation defense attorney in the Philadelphia Area. As an author, her work has been featured in various legal publications for over 10 years. Ferland is a 2000 graduate of Pennsylvania State University and completed her Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration with the Dickinson School of Law. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in English.