# Allocating Tasks

> Allocation of tasks to agents under a Power of Attorney

Source: https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agenttaskalloc · Updated 3 January 2023

- [**Tasks** may be **allocated differently** to different agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agenttaskalloc#tasks-may-be-allocated-differently-to-different-agents)
- [**Government forms** handle this task **poorly**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agenttaskalloc#government-forms-handle-this-task-poorly)
- [The terms **joint, several and joint & several** refer to ways in which decisions may be authorized to be made](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agenttaskalloc#the-terms-joint-several-and-joint-several-refer-to-ways-decisions-may-be-made)
- [There is a significant **problem** with government forms](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agenttaskalloc#there-is-a-significant-problem-with-government-forms)
- [Examples of how a principal might **allocate tasks in** many **different ways are** easy to find](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agenttaskalloc#examples-of-how-a-principal-might-allocate-tasks-in-many-different-ways-are-easy-to-find)
- [**Arguments against the wide and various allocation of tasks are misplaced**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agenttaskalloc#arguments-against-the-wide-and-various-allocation-of-tasks-are-misplaced)
- [**Mandatory authority** where *Power Of Attorney* is silent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agenttaskalloc#mandated-authority-where-a-power-of-attorney-is-silent)
- [California](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agenttaskalloc#california) - [Texas](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agenttaskalloc#texas) - [New York](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agenttaskalloc#new-york)
- [Florida](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agenttaskalloc#florida) - [Illinois](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agenttaskalloc#illinois) - [Pennsylvania](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agenttaskalloc#pennsylvania)

## Tasks May Be Allocated Differently To Different Agents

A [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) may appoint any number of [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) under a *Power of Attorney*, other than in **Illinois** if a [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) is used, in which event only one [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) may be appointed and multiple [successor agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/successoragents#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) may also be appointed: [§2-10.5](https://codes.findlaw.com/il/chapter-755-estates/il-st-sect-755-45-2-10-5.html).

A [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) may allocate [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) to their appointed [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal), to be performed however the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) sees fit.

## Government Forms Handle This Task Poorly

A [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) only permits ‘all [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks)’ to be assigned ‘one way’, as explained further below.

This is one of the reasons that a [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) represents at best, a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach.

Putting aside the other [deficiencies](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#there-are-shortcomings-with-government-forms) of [government forms](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il), there must be at least a fraction of people who want to arrange their affairs differently.

Allocating different [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) to be performed different ways by different [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) is an integral part of a *Power of Attorney,* which cannot be done using a [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il).

## The Terms Joint, Several and Joint & Several Refer To Ways Decisions May Be Made

A [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) might authorize a certain [task](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) to be performed in one or more of the following ways:-

- by agreement (often referred to as acting “jointly”)
- independently (often referred to as acting “severally”)
- by majority

Within the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa), only **Illinois** has [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) referring to [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) being performed by majority.[^1]

## Meaning of Jointly, Severally or Majority

EXPLAIN MAY BE AS BETWEEN ALL OR LESS THAN ALL AGENTS ETC.

EXPLAIN MAJORITY COULD BE 50% BASIS, OR SPECIFIED BASIS ETC.

## There Is A Significant Problem With Government Forms

[Government forms](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) in the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa) effectively provide for:

- a series of [‘statutory’ tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#statutory-tasks-are-contained-in-the-legislation-of-many-states) to be chosen
- a number of [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to be chosen
- a box to be ticked, indicating whether [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) may perform the chosen [‘statutory’ tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#statutory-tasks-are-contained-in-the-legislation-of-many-states) by agreement, independently or similar.

[Government forms](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) do not recognize for example, that often a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) wants:-

- some [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) to be performed by different [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal), perhaps some [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) by agreement, others independently and similar.
- certain [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) performed a certain way if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) lacks [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) (*say by certain [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) by agreement or majority*) and another way if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) has [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) (*say independently by any [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal)*)
- other [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) to be performed some other way

## Examples of How A Principal Might Allocate Tasks In Many Different Ways Are Easy To Find

Imagine a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) who appoints three [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal), Bill, Bob and Mary.

The [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) may authorize various [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) to be performed:-

- by Bill and Bob independently if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) has [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) and Mary if Bill and Bob are [ineligible](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-ineligible) or unable to be contacted
- by Bill and Bob jointly if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) lacks [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs), or one of them independently if only one of Bill and Bob is [eligible](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-eligible), or Mary if Bill and Bob are [ineligible](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-ineligible)
- by Mary and Bill independently and never by Bob, even if Bob is the only [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) who is [eligible](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-eligible)
- by Mary if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) lacks [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs)

## Arguments Against The Wide and Various Allocation of Tasks Are Misplaced

The wide and varied allocation of [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) to be performed different ways by different [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) is sometimes criticized by commentators on a number of grounds.

These concerns are far outweighed by the importance of protecting the fundamental right of a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) to define and allocate [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) to different [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal), however they see fit.

Below are some further comments, addressing the fallacy of some of the common arguments.

#### Argument 1

It is sometimes said that where for example, a [task](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) is authorized to be performed independently by say two of four [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) the inability of the unauthorized [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to perform the [task](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) if the authorized agents are [ineligible](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-ineligible) is a weakness.

This is a fallacy if the *Power of Attorney* simply provides that in the event that the two authorized [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) are [ineligible](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-ineligible), the unauthorized [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) may perform the [task](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks)

This is a good example of a criticism of a [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il), a weakness unique to [government forms](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il), which is easily overcome using a [better](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/idealcontent#features-of-powersofattorneycom) *Power of Attorney.*

There would be many ways to resolve the concern, using a custom-made *Power of Attorney*.

Solutions include for example, allocating a [task](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) to be performed by a majority made up of two or more [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) who are [eligible](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-eligible), including provisions authorizing a single [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) who is [eligible](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-eligible) to perform the [task](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) independently if only one [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) is [eligible](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-eligible) and this is the [principal’s](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) preference.

#### Argument 2

It might be said that allocating [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) to be performed certain ways depending on whether the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) has or lacks [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) is unreasonably complicated:-

- a common criticism of this approach is that it makes the [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) a ‘live fact’ at all times
- affording [freedom](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#freedom-of-choice-is-important) to anyone who prefers to structure their affairs any way they see fit should be protected as a fundamental right
- even if only a handful of people prefer to structure their affairs in such a fashion, that right should be protected in every way possible

Any issue is capable of being managed with appropriate wording in a *Power of Attorney*.

For example, what if a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) was content to define a regime that provided in the absence of medical evidence to the contrary, the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) was to be considered to have [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) for all purposes under the *Power of Attorney*?

Would that not make such an arrangement more workable?

## Mandated Authority - Where A *Power Of Attorney* Is Silent

In the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa), [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) governing *Powers of Attorney* for [persons](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-natural-person)[^2] provides what is to occur where a *Power of Attorney* is silent as to how multiple [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) exercise authority.

#### California

[§4202](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4202.html) states the following which is to be read in conjunction with [§4101](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4101.html) which recognizes the right to vary the effect of this provision:

*(a) A principal may designate more than one attorney-in-fact in one or more powers of attorney.*

*(b) Authority granted to two or more attorneys-in-fact is exercisable only by their **unanimous** action…*

#### Texas

*Unless the durable power of attorney otherwise provides, each co-agent may exercise authority **independently** of the other co-agent*: [§751.021](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-021.html)

#### New York

*Unless the principal provides otherwise in the power of attorney, the co-agents must act **jointly**:* [§5-1508](https://codes.findlaw.com/ny/general-obligations-law/gob-sect-5-1508.html)

#### Florida

[§709.2111](https://codes.findlaw.com/fl/title-xl-real-and-personal-property/fl-st-sect-709-2111.html) states:

(*6) If a power of attorney requires that two or more persons act together as co-agents, notwithstanding the requirement that they act together, one or more of the agents may delegate to a co-agent the authority to conduct banking transactions as provided in* [*§709.2208(1)*](https://codes.findlaw.com/fl/title-xl-real-and-personal-property/fl-st-sect-709-2208.html) *, whether the authority to conduct banking transactions is specifically enumerated or incorporated by reference to that section in the power of attorney.*

*Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, each co-agent may exercise its authority **independently**:*[§709.2111](https://codes.findlaw.com/fl/title-xl-real-and-personal-property/fl-st-sect-709-2111.html)

#### Illinois

[§2-10.5](https://codes.findlaw.com/il/chapter-755-estates/il-st-sect-755-45-2-10-5.html) states:

*(b) Unless the power of attorney or this Section otherwise provides, authority granted to 2 or more co-agents is exercisable only by their **majority** consent.*

#### Pennsylvania

[§5602](https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-20-pacsa-decedents-estates-and-fiduciaries/pa-csa-sect-20-5602.html) states:-

*A principal may provide for:*

*(1) The appointment of more than one agent, who shall act jointly, severally or in any other combination that the principal may designate, but if there is no such designation, such agents shall only act **jointly**.*

[^1]: See “*Unless the power of attorney or this Section otherwise provides, authority granted to 2 or more co-agents is exercisable only by their majority consent”*[: §2-10.5](https://codes.findlaw.com/il/chapter-755-estates/il-st-sect-755-45-2-10-5.html).
[^2]: Being *Powers of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-natural-person) that is not excluded from the ambit of the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) - [click here](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) to read more.