If you suspect that someone you know has abused your power of attorney, it is important to seek legal help immediately. An attorney can investigate the allegations, represent your interests, and file a civil lawsuit to remedy the situation.
Abuse can take the form of financial exploitation, identity theft, or breach of fiduciary duty. These claims typically require legal expertise to resolve, so it is always a good idea to hire a Houston attorney experienced in power of attorney litigation.
Choose Your Agent Wisely
Having the right agent is an important part of planning for your future. They can help you make important decisions regarding your finances, health care, and other matters, while also protecting you from possible legal problems down the road.
However, if you hire someone without your consent or approval, they may be able to abuse the power of attorney they are given. This is particularly true when it comes to financial and medical powers of attorney.
With medical abuse, your appointed agent can ask your doctors to use life-saving measures that you do not want, or they could even move you into a nursing facility against your wishes.
If you feel your agent has abused your power of attorney, you need to take action immediately. This can include providing evidence that the agent transferred money into their own accounts or made purchases with your credit card without your consent.
Know the Powers Delegated
The best way to prevent power of attorney fraud is to know your stuff. That may mean sifting through the hundreds of power of attorney applications that fill your mailbox and scouring the web for any articles, videos or podcasts that you can use as ammunition against the rogue. It also means having a well vetted list of trusted contacts ready to hand out the keys if and when you need them. Having a solid plan in place before the big day will go a long way towards avoiding an all out battle with your family’s financial future. There is no denying that the modern era has made it more difficult for people with mental health issues to access vital information in an effective manner.
Communicate with Your Agent Regularly
One of the most important things you can do to prevent power of attorney abuse is to communicate with your agent regularly. This could be in the form of calls, emails or even a face-to-face meeting.
This will allow your agent to stay informed on how your home is doing and how often you’re getting showings. It will also help to build trust, which assures loyalty.
A big concern for many homeowners is the lack of communication from their agents. They don’t want to hear the same old thing, such as no shows or no updates, over and over again.
If you feel your agent is neglecting you, it may be time to take action. Contact a Texas Power of Attorney Abuse Lawyer for a consultation to find out what your legal options are.
Monitor Your Accounts
Most people don’t check their bank account regularly, yet a daily account check can help you spot suspicious activity and save you from paying costly banking fees. Monitoring your accounts can also keep you in the loop on financial habits you need to work on.
Aside from checking your balance, you should also review your transactions and credit card activities to see where your money is going each week. This will help you develop better budgeting skills and stop unhealthy spending habits.
Using an online or mobile banking app makes it simple to monitor your accounts, even when you are on the go. This allows you to catch any unauthorized purchases or fraudulent charges and alert your bank or credit card company as soon as possible.
