My parents' POA had long discussions with my parents' Attorney, shared emails, and reviewed documents....but it was all initiated by the POA, it was NOT at my parents' request.
Now they've received a bill for just under $2200, and the Attorney expects it paid.
However, they will not say specifically what was discussed, just "the POA" in general. They did itemize a few general things but again, none of it was at my parents' request.
Is this right, wouldn't they have to disclose more about the discussions, if they expect my parents to pay for the bill?
Your parents - assuming they are competent & cognitive - chose and signed off on whomever they selected as their DPOA. This is a legally binding document on their part. If the POA has been their POA for a period of time, it has established the intent of your parents. The POA met with their attorney regarding them and the bill was $ 2,200.00 which has to be paid from your parents assets.
$ 2,200.00 - although it seems high may not be IF there were a lot of documents done; or research needed on property ownership; or if mom or dad was married previously and has kids or property from marriage # 1; or either of them in the past inherited any real property that didn't go through probate….all this sort of issues really run up the meter on para-legal costs. If they have any assets in other county or another state, this can really run up costs.
Now after all this is done and paid for, your parents can choose to select a new DPOA. But if in any way they seem incompetent or doing this under duress by you, the POA can file for full guardianship. As LEP627 said, it will be very expensive and probably go to the current DPOA's favor.
Because I want to represent my mother the best I could, I needed answers to many questions. I also needed to know what my position consisted of and what I should or should not do and how best to handle the position.
I quickly found out that this position is no laughing matter and requires an enormous amount of work. I must handle her Finances, Medical, House and Property. That may seem simple but it is not as each area is broken down into many different aspects. Finances include, paying bills, banking, caring for investments and making decisions to change them or leave them alone, balancing check books. etc. I have almost lost my mind with contractors, making repairs to her home, gathering bids, suing them for sub standard work, etc.
I do all of this and I was thrown into being her 24/7 caregiver as well with zero compensation.
So YES, your parents are expected to pay the attorney for their time and work to make sure that everything their POA is doing is on the up and up and legal. The POA is doing this FOR THE BENEFIT OF YOUR PARENTS!
Count your blessing that it is not you in this position...It is much more difficult than you could ever imagine!
Also, the POA is acting as an Agent for your parents, neither they or the attorney have to tell you anything about what they are doing. I was told that my mothers Trust was Private, just as a will would be and not to be discussed prior to their death.
She did me a d*** favor.
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