Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New York
Responsibilities of Power of Attorney
I recently accepted P.O.A. for my mother, who has become ill but not incapacitated. She has no holdings, assets or savings...only debt. Her debt is reaching six figures. As P.O.A., am I responsible to her creditors for her debt when she passes? Can I relinguish P.O.A.? She did not inform me of her financial status when requesting that I be her P.O.A. She has no intention or means to satisfy her obligations with her creditors.
Asked on 11/28/01, 11:16 am
1 Answer from Attorneys
Norman Nadel
Norman Nadel, Esq.
Re: Responsibilities of Power of Attorney
The power of attorney merely authorizes you to perform acts for your mother and only as she directs. You are not made liable for her debts.
You can renounce the power or decline to act.
Answered on 11/28/01, 12:30 pm