power of attorney

[redstaff]

can a person who has been granted power of attorney , sell your house, spend all the money of the person involved , and not have to answer to anyone or do they legal have to justify every transaction ?

[dasherman]

It's the job of someone who has been given a power of attorney to act in the best interests of the 'donor'. They don't become the legal owners of any property or money,so if they help themselves to it,that's theft.

[redstaff]

cheers for that . i thourght that was the answer. only a distant relative is sorting my aunts affairs through the court of justice . and i want to try and keep it in check

[droopdrawers]

If someone is going through the Courts of Justice I am assuming your relative is now unable to deal with their own affairs.

I had this power for my lovely Step Dad a few years ago and I always made sure someone witnessed my spending on his behalf. Its always safer to have complete records so as you avoid problems later on.

The moment the relative takes his/her last breath all Powers are relinquished and Executors to the will take over.

[oldmaggie]

I have power of attorney and keep strict accounts so anyone with an interest i.e. close family can ask to see where money comes from and how it is spent. All receipts even supermarket receipts are in the file

[dzug]

A person who has power of attorney is answerable to the Court Of Protection for his actions.

In practice they would only get involved if someone (eg another relative) complained that he was acting inappropriately.