Can a power of attorney have multiple co-agents?

Q: Can co-agents act independently?

Co-agents can act independently if the power of attorney document specifies this arrangement. If the document does not provide clear instructions, co-agents may need to act together, which could complicate decision-making.

Q: Can I have two people on my power of attorney?

Yes, you can name two or more individuals as agents in your power of attorney. Be sure to clarify how they should operate—together or independently—in the document to avoid confusion.

Q: What is a co-agent in power of attorney?

A co-agent in a power of attorney is an individual who shares the authority to act on behalf of the principal alongside another agent. Co-agents can be appointed to ensure that decisions are made collaboratively or independently, depending on the document's terms.

Q: What is the difference between agent and co-agent?

An agent is a person authorized to act on behalf of another, while a co-agent is one of multiple agents sharing this authority. The key difference lies in the number of individuals involved in the decision-making process.

Full question:

Can there be co-agents on a power of attorney or can there only be one named?

Category: Power of Attorney
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Illinois

Answer:

Yes, a power of attorney can have co-agents. However, it’s important to specify whether both agents must act together or if either can act independently. This should be clearly stated in the power of attorney document. Generally, if two or more people are appointed without specific instructions, they must act unanimously. But if the document expresses that they can act independently, then they can do so (Fla. Stat. § 709.2111).

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

Is there such a thing as a joint power of attorney?

Yes, a joint power of attorney allows two or more individuals to act as agents. However, it's crucial to specify whether they must act together or can act independently. Without clear instructions, they may be required to make decisions unanimously.