What is an agent under a power of attorney?

An agent is a person authorized to make financial or other listed decisions for the principal during life. The agent must act within the document and for the principal's benefit.

General information

• The agent does not become the owner of the principal's money.
• Authority may begin at signing or after a stated event.
• The power ends at death.

Service steps to consider

1. Considering the choice of someone trustworthy and organized.
2. Considering whether to name a backup.
3. Considering whether to tell the agent where the document is kept.

Quick check

• Can this person do the work?
• Do they know where the forms are?
• Did I name a backup?

How Complete Wills can help

Complete Wills' questionnaires let customers name primary and backup executors, trustees, financial agents, and health-care agents. The service can explain what a field asks for. But it cannot select a person, assess a conflict, or decide whether one person may hold several roles in a particular situation. Customer support can explain website features and questionnaire fields, but it cannot choose documents, people, distributions, or legal terms, interpret a completed document, or explain how the law applies to a person's facts. Only a separately engaged licensed attorney may provide legal advice within the attorney's engagement.

Important limits

• These positions carry legal duties. The person named may need to accept the role and, for an estate, receive court appointment.
• A licensed attorney can provide advice when family conflict, business ownership, complex assets, or a questionable decision-maker creates risk. This article gives general information only. A licensed attorney can explain how state law applies to a specific estate plan or document.