I was both parents' Healthcare proxy and Caregiver for 5 years .. only now learning about DPOA document. I am so misinformed... But I've already been acting as parents' financial person since the beginning, no one asked me for power of attorney proof of whether I am their POA or not. I simple tell them I'm calling and translate on behalf of them and they continue talking to me. Or they ask if parents are in the room to give permission for the rep to talk to me and then we go on about our day. So did I violate any laws...? what should I know now about DPOA? Will any of the responsibilities clash with the other 2? Will the other 2 clash with DPOA rights? Do I need to update the caregiver agreement with anything?
You will need legal authority eventually to manage their financial affairs and make decisions on their behalf. I just went through this with my Mom's investment company for her annuities. One required a scan of the PoA doc, a diagnosis of sufficient incapacity from her doctor on the clinic letterhead, had me fill out a long affidavit, send an official ID of myself, have everything notarized at a bank and finally after the 6th try everything was acceptable. Another investment company for her other annuity just needed the PoA doc and the diagnosis letter.
And banks can vary as well. Ideally you should be joint on both their accounts. My Aunt had checking accounts at 3 different banks in FL. All 3 had different protocols for accepting my PoA status.
As for the written contract, we can't tell you since we can't read the document and we're not attorneys.
You Medical is limited to just Medical. It usually does not go into effect until a dictor invokes it. That is usually done when a doctor feels a patient can no longer make informed decisions. Your responsibility then is to carry out your parents wishes listed in the proxy. You also can make decisions on parents health not listed in the proxy. You can talk to Doctors and Nurses. But it does not give you the ability to help with their finances. Sell a house, a car. Place them if needed.
As to whether you have currently violated laws? No, of course not if you are acting as interpretor and helping parent on the phone with entities out there.
Lastly, your POA pays for you to make use of "experts" needed in doing your fiduciary legal duty to your parents. You will need to get educated. This is a LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY held to the highest standards. See an Elder law attorney. The POA pays for this. Make a list of questions and ask for a one hour consult on how to do POA duties. Then decide if that is within your capabilities; it is a HARD job.
All of your questions require expert advice, not the collective opinions of a bunch of strangers on social media. So see an attorney. You will have a much more clear understanding of POA, what it is, how to do it. And an answer to your questions.
I did this for my brother as his POA and Trustee. It was one heck of a STEEP learning curve.
Do not rely on us to answer questions about you violating any law.
We are not attorneys here and even if someone(s) is, you need to discuss your specific situation with a professional. Seek legal counsel.
Yes you are or may be ill informed or mis-informed.
If you are not able to understand the legal responsibilities you take on, consider that perhaps another person needs to take this on.
Gena / Touch Matters