Is a Power of Attorney enough to be able to sell the home of the deceased if there is a mortgage?

Full question:

Person A named Person B general Power of Attorney. Person B had been caring for Person A who just recently became deceased. The Power of Attorney has a clause stating "This Power of Attorney is not affected by the subsequent disability of the principal." Person B is now wanting to sell the home in which Person A once lived in before they had died. The bank holds the deed to the home and the bank will not allow Person B to sell the home. Should Person B with Power of Attorney be able to sell the home?

Answer:

No, the bank is correct because the Power of Attorney is no longer valid. The clause in the Power of Attorney refers to principals who are disabled, but still alive. The clause makes the Power of Attorney durable, effective even though Person A has become disabled, but the Durable Power of Attorney ends when the principal dies.The executor of Person A's will or the estate administrator (if Person A died without a will), are the only people who must handle the sale of Person A's home, if necessary.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

A legal document that allows one person to act on behalf of another is called a Power of Attorney (POA). This document grants authority to the designated agent, or attorney-in-fact, to make decisions and take actions on behalf of the principal, who is the person granting the authority. The powers granted can be broad or limited, depending on the specific terms outlined in the document.