Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Texas

Power of Attorny

My brother was in a serious accident and is in acoma. We need to have someone be the power of attorny, to take care of things for him. He is divorsed, with a 15 son, he has custidy. We would like to make his 25 year old son power of attorny for everything until my brother recovers. He did not have a living will.


Asked on 3/11/01, 1:07 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Earl Bentley Earl Bentley & Associates

Re: Power of Attorny

The "Power of Attorney" is created by contract and if the grantor is in a coma, then that will not be a direction which will work. Depending on the duration of his incapacity, which, I understand, may be unknown at this time, you have the choice of "making do" in the present situation or seeking assistance of a court to establish a court appointed temporary administrator of his financial affairs. Meanwhile, the court granting the divorce and granting your brother custody of his son has the jurisdiction over what to do about the minor son's situation. If this situation is going to stay as it is for any length of time, you will need legal guidence for things could get very complicated.

Read more
Answered on 5/22/01, 8:16 am

Re: Power of Attorny

The only person that can grant a power of attorney for your brother is your brother. In other words, you can't get a poewr of attorney document unless the person granting the power has the capacity to sign. Since your brother is comatose, he cannot grant the power.

With respect to your brother's adult son, he can initiate a temporary guardianship over your brother's estate in probate court, if need be. This would allow him to handle the financial affairs of your brother, until he recovers.

You mentioned that he is divorced with a minor child. In that case, the court that had the SAPCR / divorce still has continuing jurisdiction with respect to the care of the minor. Therefore, actions with respect to the guardianship of the minor would most likely be in the court that granted the divorce.

Read more
Answered on 5/22/01, 10:53 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Probate, Trusts, Wills & Estates questions and answers in Texas