# Durability - An Exposé

> Durable Powers of Attorney - general and technical considerations

Source: https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable · Updated 2 February 2023

**Overview**

- **This page examines the concept of a durable *Power of Attorney*.**

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BN7M-xwrwuA

**Parts**

- [**Part 1 - General Aspects: use; history; challenges; the global experience; importance of freedom of choice; complexities, fallacies & improvement**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#part-1-general-aspects)
- [**Part 2 - Technical Aspects: Determining when effective; remedial legislation; immediately effective & future effective *Powers of Attorney*; different technical approaches**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#part-2-technical-aspects)

[**Scope of Analysis**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#scope-of-analysis)

**General**

- [An **introductory description** of a durable *Power of Attorney*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#an-introductory-description-of-a-durable-power-of-attorney)
- [A durable *Power of Attorney* may be **used in lots of sitations**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#a-durable-power-of-attorney-may-be-used-in-lots-of-situations)
- [**Historical developments** account for the need for durable *Powers of Attorney*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#historical-developments-account-for-the-need-for-durable-powers-of-attorney)
- [Durable *Powers of Attorney* are **sophisticated instruments**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#durable-powers-of-attorney-are-sophisticated-legal-instruments)
- [The **global experience** is wide and varied](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#the-global-experience-is-wide-and-varied)
- [The **ULC approach**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#the-ulc-approach)
- [**Freedom of choice** is important](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#freedom-of-choice-is-important)
- [**Creature of statute**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#creature-of-statute)
- [**Do we really need** durable *Powers of Attorney?*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#do-we-really-need-durable-and-non-durable-powers-of-attorney)
- [If a **definition of "durable"** is needed](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#if-a-definition-of-durable-is-needed)
- [In **Texas**, casting a *Power of Attorney* as **durable has special advantages**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#in-texas-casting-a-power-of-attorney-as-durable-has-special-advantages)
- [**Complexities** (transient nature of capacity; failure to comply with mandatory requirements)](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#complexities)
- [**Fallacies & shortcomings** repaired](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#fallacies-shortcomings-repaired)
- [**Solving the** fundamental **problem**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#solving-the-fundamental-problem)

**Technical**

- [**What** is a durable *Power of Attorney?*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#what-is-a-durable-power-of-attorney)
- [Determining **when** a *Power of Attorney* is **intended to be effective**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#determining-when-a-power-of-attorney-is-intended-to-be-effective)
- [**Remedial** nature of **legislation**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#remedial-nature-of-legislation)
- [The **common law**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#the-common-law)
- [**Non-durable** *Powers of Attorney* in **California, New York & Florida**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#non-durable-powers-of-attorney-in-california-new-york-florida)
- [Can a durable *Power of Attorney* **terminate at the moment the principal loses capacity?**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#can-a-durable-power-of-attorney-terminate-at-the-moment-the-principal-lacks-capacity)
- [**Casting** a *Power of Attorney* **as** a **durable *Power of Attorney***](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#casting-a-power-of-attorney-as-a-durable-power-of-attorney)
- [Durable *Powers of Attorney* intended to be **immediately effective**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#durable-powers-of-attorney-intended-to-be-immediately-effective)
- [Durable *Powers of Attorney* intended to be **effective in the future**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#durable-powers-of-attorney-intended-to-be-effective-in-the-future)
- [Expression of **durable preference**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#expression-of-durable-preference-california-texas-florida)
- [**Determining** the principal's **preference**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#determining-the-principals-preference)
- [**Key concepts**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#key-concepts)
- [**Determining if** a *Power of Attorney* is **durable or non-durable**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#determining-if-a-power-of-attorney-is-durable-or-non-durable)
- [A special consideration in **Texas**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#a-special-consideration-in-texas)
- [**REFERENCES**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#some-handy-references)
- [California](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#california) - [Texas](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#texas) - [New York](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#new-york) - [Florida](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#florida) - [Illinois](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#illinois) - [Pennsylvania](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#pennyslvania)
- [Appendix 1: References to "Effect"](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#appendix-1-references-to-effect)
- [*Powers of Attorney* **outside this analysis**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#outside-the-scope-of-this-wiki-page)

---

## Scope of Analysis

Outside the analysis on this Wiki page:-

- *Powers of Attorney* for [commercial entities](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable)
- *Powers of Attorney* for [excluded](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) purposes

See further [Outside The Scope Of This Wiki Page](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#powers-of-attorney-outside-the-scope-of-this-wiki-page) below.

## Part 1: General Aspects

## An Introductory Description Of A Durable *Power Of Attorney*

In oversimplified terms, a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* is:

..**a *Power of Attorney* that operates according to its terms, irrelevant to whether or not 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)**.

If for example, a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* provides that it [terminates](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) on a certain date, or only authorize an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to perform certain [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) when 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), the *Power of Attorney* will continue to operate according to these terms, if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs).

Whatever a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* says about when or how it may be used, the terms of a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* will be applied, without regard to any [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law) principles that deal with other outcomes associated with the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) losing [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs), for example any [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law) rule that upon the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) losing [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) the *Power of Attorney* [terminates](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end).

The complete [description](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#what-is-a-durable-power-of-attorney) of the term “[durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney”* preferred in this Wiki is set out in [Part 2: Technical Aspects](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#scope-of-analysis) below.

## A Durable *Power Of Attorney* May Be Used In Lots Of Situations

[Durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#durable-powers-of-attorney) *Powers of Attorney* may be used:-

- in an [estate planning](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-estate-planning) context
- in a specific [transaction](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#simpler-transactions)
- in a risk management context

In each instance, a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#durable-powers-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney* is used to manage the risk that a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs).

### Use In Estate Planning

A [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) might use a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* to authorize someone to control their [commercial](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial) affairs, in the event that the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs).

### Use In Transactions

The use of [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#durable-powers-of-attorney) *Powers of Attorney* can be invaluable, in both [sophisticated](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#sophisticated-transactions) and [simpler](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#simpler-transactions) transactions.

For example, if two [persons](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) were arranging the transfer of a home from one to the other, either or both [persons](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) may:-

- want to [properly execute](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#witnessing-acknowledgement-requirements) a *Power of Attorney* themselves
- require the other [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) to [properly execute](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#witnessing-acknowledgement-requirements) a *Power of Attorney*

For either [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person), [properly executing](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#witnessing-acknowledgement-requirements) a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#durable-powers-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney* is an important protection, to minimise any risk that an accident or other kind of unpredictable problem somehow prevents them completing the transaction, which could result in them suffering loss, as well as potentially becoming liable to pay damages to another party to the transaction.

As to why it might be prudent if you are entering a transaction with a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) to require that [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) to [properly execute](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#witnessing-acknowledgement-requirements) a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#durable-powers-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney* before entering the transaction, having that [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) [properly execute](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#witnessing-acknowledgement-requirements) a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#durable-powers-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney* before entering the transaction ensures that if that other [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) has an accident or loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) for any other reason, the transaction remains capable of being completed on their behalf by their [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) or [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) appointed under the [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#durable-powers-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney*.

#### Use In Simpler Transactions

A [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* might be used in [simpler](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#simpler-transactions) transactions.

For example, a *Power of Attorney* might authorize:-

- someone to sign a contract to purchase a vehicle on behalf of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) on a certain date, because the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) will be out of town
- someone to source specific records from certain [third parties](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-third-party) on behalf of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney), such as an accountant seeking copies of tax records
- a corporation, company or partnership to collect on behalf of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) a debt owed to the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney)
- a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person), corporation, company or partnership to monitor the performance of [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) under a separate *Power of Attorney*

#### Use In Sophisticated Transactions

In a [sophisticated](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#sophisticated-transactions) transaction:-

- *(first party)* a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) may [create](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* to ensure that someone is authorized to complete the transaction on their behalf, if they lose [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs)
- *(other party)* the other party might insist that the [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) they are dealing with sign a suitable [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*, authorizing an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to complete the transaction on behalf of that [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person), if the [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) the other party they are dealing with loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs)

In particular, in a [sophisticated](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#sophisticated-transactions) transaction, a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Powers of Attorney* tend to minimise the risk of liability for damages if a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs).

### Use In A Risk Management Context

Each year in the United States:

- 20 million people are injured on the road, at work, or engaging in recreational activities
- 1.2 million people attend emergency as the victim of an assault
- 6.4 million people attend emergency having been attacked by an animal
- 1 million people are diagnosed with a brain related disease or disorder
- 250,000 people attend emergency having been poisoned
- 36 million people fall
- 48% of traumatic brain injuries are caused by falls
- 21% of traumatic brain injuries are caused by motor accidents and assaults

Around 60 million people suffering a debilitating injury each year.

3.5 million debilitating injuries involve traumatic brain damage.

Right now, 25 million people are living with a brain related injury, Alzheimer’s disease or mental illness.

1 in 14 people are struggling to take care of themselves.

The risk that you find yourself in need of a Power of Attorney increases with age.

A [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) might use a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* to authorize someone to control their [commercial](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial) affairs, in the event that the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs).

Traumatic events that might give rise to cognitive and physical incapacity include:-

- early onset disease or illness including causes of strokes, heart attacks, paraplegia etc.
- work, motor vehicle, household, recreational or other accidents, accepting that:-

  - there are many dangerous occupations, such as logging, energy sector roles, aircraft, delivery work, law enforcement, emergency and correctional services
  - 53% of all injuries occur in the home
  - many recreational activities are dangerous (*i.e. racing, combat sports, hang-gliding, rock climbing, sky-diving, boating, rock fishing, rodeo riding etc.*)

- exposure to toxins, poison or chemicals, electrocution or oxygen deprivation
- criminal or animal inflicted injury
- effects of the ageing process, including degenerative conditions like Altzheimer's, Parkinson's, cerebral palsy etc.

There are good reasons for everyone to consider using a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*.

With a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* in place, family are not left without option but to approach a Court for orders permitting them to manage the affairs of a family member who lacks [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs).

For families, [incapacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#incapacity-refers-to-inability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) of a loved one is enough to deal with, without having to file and manage legal proceedings to access critical funds, manage family property, perhaps manage claims or entitlements available to their [incapacitated](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#incapacity-refers-to-inability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) relative and similar.

For singles, the consequences of a tragic accident are also troubling, commonly justifying the appointment of professionals, to ensure that their interests are protected if they lose [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs).

## Historical Developments Account For The Need For Durable *Powers of Attorney*

For some years, Courts have been presented with cases involving:-

- [persons](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) who require someone to ‘manage’ their affairs because they have lost [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs), with or without a *Power of Attorney*
- *Powers of Attorney* containing an expression that the *Power of Attorney* is to survive the [incapacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#incapacity-refers-to-inability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney)

Nonetheless, when we speak of [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Powers of Attorney*, we are talking about a relatively new, [legislative](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) invention.

The 2010 article [*Power of Attorney: Convenient Contract or Dangerous Document*](https://scholarship.law.marquette.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1024&context=elders) by Catherine Seal contains a useful, brief account of initiatives which substantially commenced in 1964 to achieve [national uniformity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/historydevbriefhistory#the-national-perspective-is-fluid) in the context of use of [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Powers of Attorney.*

In short, the history shows:-

- under the [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law), a *Power of Attorney* often [terminated](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) upon the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) losing [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs)
- over time since around 1964, governments (*i.e. state legislatures*) have introduced [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) permitting the [creation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) of [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Powers of Attorney* that do not succumb to such [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law) principles

> The [1994 California Law Revision Commission Report](http://www.clrc.ca.gov/pub/Printed-Reports/Pub181.pdf) which led to enactment of [Division 4.5 of the Probate Code](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayexpandedbranch.xhtml?tocCode=PROB&division=4.5.&title=&part=&chapter=&article=&nodetreepath=6), stated:
> 
> "*The statutes governing powers of attorney are in need of reorganization and revision. Since 1979, several bills have been enacted recognizing general durable powers of attorney and durable powers of attorney for health care, providing statutory forms, specifying a procedure for enforcement of the duties of attorneys-in-fact, and making a number of other changes in the law..*"
> 
> ."*.the piecemeal nature of the revisions over the past 12 years has resulted in a disorganized set of statutes.. unclear.. obscure and incomplete.. [providing] little practical guidance..*"
> 
> "*The proposed Power of Attorney Law restructures the Power of Attorney statutes and relocates them as a new Division 4.5 of the Probate Code, starting with Section 4000.."*
> 
> "*Durable Powers of Attorney are an increasingly important tool in ordering private affairs, resulting in special legislative attention in several other jurisdictions, as in California*.."
> 
> "*Relocating the Power of Attorney statutes in the Probate Code reinforces the estate planning nature of the durable Power of Attorney, and assists in distinguishing Power of Attorney for personal reasons from Powers of Attorney used in business transactions*.."

## Durable *Powers of Attorney* Are Sophisticated Legal Instruments

A [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* is intended to operate at a time when the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) lacks or may lack [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs).

[Durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Powers of Attorney* are expected to meet [difficult challenges](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durabletest#there-are-challenges-dealing-with-lack-of-capacity) and raise sophisticated [considerations](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durabletest#considerations-to-be-balanced).

[Durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Powers of Attorney* involve the balancing of delicate rights and interests as between the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney), [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) and any [third party](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-third-party), some of which may be hard to decipher.[^1]

### There Are Challenges Dealing With Lack of Capacity

Unique challenges associated with [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Powers of Attorney* include:-

- protection of the interests of a vulnerable [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person), who is without [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) to evaluate, express or take steps to protect their own interests
- a persisting question as to what is in the best interests of a vulnerable [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) without [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs)
- the risk that an unscrupulous person takes advantage of a vulnerable [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) without [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) is taken advantage of by the unscrupulous
- the fluid nature of [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs), often changing and involving partial [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs)
- the difficult nature of determining [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) at any given time
- the potential long term management of the needs of a vulnerable [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) without [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) to care for themselves

### Considerations To Be Balanced

A [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* strives to balance various considerations, including:-

- [freedom](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#freedom-of-choice-is-important) of any [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) to structure their affairs under a *Power of Attorney* however they see fit
- a common lack of expertise on the part of many [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal), often family members without legal or accounting qualifications
- the cost associated with [audit](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/insightrisks#imposing-review-requirements-may-reduce-risks) and other [risk management processes](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/insightrisks#there-are-risk-management-practices-involving-the-terms-of-the-power-of-attorney) in a *Power of Attorney*
- the cost and effectiveness of government supervision (*including related judicial costs*)
- the need for confidence as to the bona fides of a *Power of Attorney* on the part of [third parties](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-third-party) dealing with an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal)

### Troubling Nature of Potential Problems

Problems arising from the abuse of a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* tend to be profound.

It is a cruel twist that an unscrupulous [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) who dissipates assets of a vulnerable [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) without [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) effectively robs them of the means they might use to ‘right the [agent’s](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) wrong' and worse, robs them of the vulnerable [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) when they have no capacity to source further resources.

A vulnerable [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) might find themselves without means and without ability to source new means, without anyone in their life willing to pursue a claim available to them against the unscrupulous.

It falls to the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) to minimize risks by including [checks and balances](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/insightrisks#risk-management-practices-are-wide-and-varied) in their *Power of Attorney*.

### Compounding Nature Of The Problem

The very nature of a *Power of Attorney* may frustrate and compound problems when an unscrupulous [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) dissipates assets of a vulnerable [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) without [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs).

In particular, the duty of confidentiality owed by an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) can play havoc with the efforts of someone trying to resolve whether or not a *Power of Attorney* has been used improperly.

An [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) in a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) setting may assert that the [duty](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentoblig#an-agent-owes-various-duties-to-the-principal) of confidentiality they owe to the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) prevents them answering questions, releasing information or providing records to a [third party](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-third-party), such as a concerned family member.

Unless a *Power of Attorney* manages this issue well and is accessible to others, [risks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/insightrisks#there-are-risks-associated-with-using-a-power-of-attorney) tend to increase.

#### Significance of Family Relations

In the context of concerns about the conduct of an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) in a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) setting, family members deserve special consideration.

When the actions of an uncle or brother, niece or child are at stake, no one may be keen to allege impropriety, because it may fracture family relations.

Many family members who become aware of a possibly unscrupulous [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) are inherently more likely to say nothing if they feel that to say anything might result in family friction. Moreover, most people are reluctant about going to Court and may not go to Court for themselves, let alone for someone else.

In particular, a family member who has no actual evidence that clearly warrants them going to Court, may be less enthusiastic.

Relying on inexperienced family members, perhaps a brother, uncle or parent to go to Court for the purpose of conducting a set of proceedings for purposes of no immediate benefit to themselves, to raise a case involving a family member being alleged to have engaged in unscrupulous conduct in respect of which outcomes may be uncertain, is often more than might be expected from even the most loving family members.

If a family member find themselves denied access to records by an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal), they might be forgiven for not taking things further.

Even where suspicious or troubling conduct involved, it may yet remain difficult to form a conclusive view that any legal proceedings will be successful, resulting in inaction.

#### Addressing The Problem

As to preventing the abuse of a *Power of Attorney*:-

- only ‘daily audits’ would mean any unscrupulous conduct was identified without delay
- nonetheless, even an audit system that involves infrequent review is more likely to reduce the risk unscrupulous conduct than no audit system

[Government forms](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) deserve special mention in this context:-

- [checks and balances](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/insightrisks#risk-management-practices-are-wide-and-varied) do not form part of most [government forms](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il)
- [checks and balances](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/insightrisks#risk-management-practices-are-wide-and-varied) should be considered for inclusion in a [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il)

Users of a [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) might benefit from reading the information under the heading [Using A Government Form In Conjunction With A Custom *Power Of Attorney*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/ideas#using-a-government-form-in-conjunction-with-a-custom-power-of-attorney).

#### Suitable Terms

Terms in a *Power of Attorney* might deal with:-

- the [agent's](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) duty of confidentiality being secondary to obligations to answer questions, provide information and records etc.
- the [agent's](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) compulsion to provide information

Both aspects of the design of a *Power of Attorney* referred to above are important, the first to ensure the [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) cannot 'claim confidentiality' and the second to ensure the [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) assists.

Suitable arrangements with respect to access to a *Power of Attorney* typically involve:-

- a copy of the *Power of Attorney* not merely being accessible to the [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal):-
- the *Power of Attorney* being accessible to someone who will act to protect the [principal's](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) interests (*as to the expectation they will act, it may be appropriate to impose this obligation in writing*)
- ensuring other persons have a copy of the *Power of Attorney*, or at least ready access

For any [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) there is likely to be a balancing exercise involved when deciding how these sorts of arrangements are to work, in particular balancing the importance of access to documents and information and for example, the concern of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) to keep their affairs private and confidential.

#### Regular Audit Arrangements

Recognizing the risks associated with family members in a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) setting, it may make good sense to include regular, non-optional audit arrangements.

Anything less may itself be a source of friction between family members.

Regular, non-optional audit arrangements mean:-

- there is no awkward need for a family member to for example, engage some ‘optional’ audit procedure
- there is no risk that the engagement of that audit procedure itself produces friction, for example, debate about how frequently reviews should be undertaken and similar

### Regular Audit Arrangements Tend To Prevent Unnecessary Legal Proceedings

Equally consistent with this approach are the interests of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) in ensuring that their affairs do not unnecessarily end up before a Court, one effect of regular auditing being to reduce the likelihood that anyone 'gets the wrong idea' and rushes into Court unnecessarily, resulting in the [principal's](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) affairs being unnecessarily put before a Court, resulting in unpredictable outcomes.

### A Special Word About New York

In the context of [risk management](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/insightrisks#risk-management-practices-are-wide-and-varied), **New York** does things differently.

In **New York**, a [monitor](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/monitor#in-new-york-a-principal-may-appoint-a-monitor) appointed under [§5-1509](https://codes.findlaw.com/ny/general-obligations-law/gob-sect-5-1509.html) has a right to inspect “*a record of all receipts, disbursements, and transactions.”*

Whilst it might be suggested that the role of a [monitor](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/monitor#in-new-york-a-principal-may-appoint-a-monitor) be developed further (as discussed further under the heading [The Role Of A Monitor May Be Expanded](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/monitor#the-role-of-a-monitor-may-be-expanded), perhaps subject to expanding the role of a [monitor](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/monitor#in-new-york-a-principal-may-appoint-a-monitor)), there are good reasons to appoint a [monitor](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/monitor#in-new-york-a-principal-may-appoint-a-monitor) in **New York**, as a means to minimise problems.

**New York** is the only one of the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa) to include in their [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) an [officeholder](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introotherofficeholders#essential-officeholders-include-the-principal-and-agents) with audit functions.

## **The Global Experience Is Wide And Varied**

[Durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Powers of Attorney* are now operating in most American states and other western countries.

The world paints an interesting picture in its efforts to manage issues associated with [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Powers of Attorney*.

At one extreme, we have Louisiana and South Africa, where governments are yet to pass legislation authorizing the [creation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) of [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Powers of Attorney*.

At another extreme, we have the United Kingdom and the Northern Territory of Australia where the equivalent document to a *Durable Power of Attorney* in America must be [created](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) using a government form:-

- in the United Kingdom, under the [Mental Capacity Act, 2005 (UK)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/9/data.pdf):-

  - a *Lasting Power of Attorney* confers no authority unless it complies with Schedule 1: [§9(3)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/9/section/9)
  - Schedule 1 provides that an instrument is not made in accordance with Schedule 1 unless it is in the prescribed form: Schedule 1, [§1(a)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/9/schedule/1)

- in the Northern Territory of Australia, under the [Advance Personal Planning Act, 2013](http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdb/au/legis/nt/consol_act/appa2013235/), an *Advance Personal Plan* must be made in the approved form: [§9](http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/legis/nt/consol_act/appa2013235/s9.html)

Then we have **Illinois**, where [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) goes as far as to permit a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) to "*specify in the agency the event or time when the agency will begin and terminate, the mode of revocation or amendment and the rights, powers, duties, limitations, immunities and other terms applicable to the agent and to all persons dealing with the agent, and the provisions of the agency will control notwithstanding [the legislation]..." ,* the notion of a Power of Attorney being capable of defining rights, powers, duties, limitations and immunities applicable to a [third party](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-third-party) being novel in comparison for example, to the other five (5) of the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa).

In further contrast, there are states with very scant legislation, for example Arizona (see [Chapter 5 Article 5](https://www.azleg.gov/arsDetail/?title=14)) and the District of Columbia (see [Title 21, Chapter 21](https://law.justia.com/codes/district-of-columbia/2018/title-21/chapter-21/)).

These experiences demonstrate a very wide variety of approaches across the globe.

## The ULC Approach

In [Recommendations](https://www.uniformlaws.org/committees/community-home?CommunityKey=b1975254-8370-4a7c-947f-e5af0d6cb07c) made by the Uniform Laws Commission (ULC) in 2006, the ULC promotes an approach whereby all *Powers of Attorney* are recognized as [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity), unless the *Power of Attorney* expressly provides that it [terminates](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) upon the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) losing [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs).

In the [2006 ULC Recommendations](https://www.uniformlaws.org/committees/community-home?CommunityKey=b1975254-8370-4a7c-947f-e5af0d6cb07c):-

- [§102](https://www.uniformlaws.org/viewdocument/final-act-no-comments-52?CommunityKey=b1975254-8370-4a7c-947f-e5af0d6cb07c&tab=librarydocuments) contains definitions and says that in respect of the term “durable” with respect to a *Power of Attorney*, this term means "*not terminated by the principal’s incapacity*”
- [§105](https://www.uniformlaws.org/viewdocument/final-act-no-comments-52?CommunityKey=b1975254-8370-4a7c-947f-e5af0d6cb07c&tab=librarydocuments) states *“..a Power of Attorney created under this [act] is durable unless it expressly provides that it is terminated by the incapacity of the principal..”*

The ULC approach has been adopted somewhat wholeheartedly in **New York**.

By contrast, **California**, **Texas** and **Florida** continue to follow the more traditional approach, requiring the inclusion of an [expression of durable preference](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#requirement-for-expression-of-durable-preference-california-texas-florida) in a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*.

**Illinois** and **Pennsylvania** have preferred an approach closer to the ULC approach, in particular obviating any need for inclusion of an [expression of durable preference](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#requirement-for-expression-of-durable-preference-california-texas-florida) in a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*.

The ULC approach:-

- tends to remove any need to specify that a *Power of Attorney* is [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity)
- shifts the focus when drafting a *Power of Attorney* away from inclusion of an [expression of durable intent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durabletest#expression-of-durable-intent)
- requires a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) to expressly provide that they want their *Power of Attorney* to succumb to any [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law) consequence if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs), if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) prefers that outcome
- tends to remove any issue as to [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) by:-

  - making unnecessary determination of whether 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). as part of any determining its validity
  - [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) is only relevant if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) takes positive steps to make it an an issue

### Capacity At Execution

The ULC approach does not remove [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) at the time of [creating](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) the *Power of Attorney* as a live issue.

A [prudent principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#being-a-prudent-principal-is-encouraged) might want to maintain [suitable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-arises-in-the-context-of-creation-a-power-of-attorney) medical evidence affirming their [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) at the time they [executed](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-properly-executed) the *Power of Attorney*.

## Freedom of Choice Is Important

Unrestricted power to delegate our affairs in any terms we see fit is an important human right.

For example:-

- before asking are [sub-agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) permitted we should ask why shouldn't they be permitted?
- before asking can a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) be appointed in a state where this is not expressly authorized by legislation we should ask, why not?

In the context of goverments defining what options are available when creating a *Power of Attorney*, any public interest in ‘avoiding complexity' must be balanced against the importance of ensuring that we are freed to structure our affairs however we see fit.

It is hard to imagine anyone else being as well placed as ourselves to know what is best, in terms of protecting our interests if we lose [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs), that is, in terms of deciding who should assist, what [conditions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/conditions#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) should control their appointment, whether they should perform some [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) by agreement with someone else, what [directions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/directionwhatis#a-direction-regulates-matters-under-a-power-of-attorney) and [limitations](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/limitwhatis#a-limitation-qualifies-another-provision-or-principle) should be apply and similar.

Rather than for example, prescribing that [sub-agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) cannot be appointed, governments might look to impose various 'by default, safety net terms', that is, rules that apply if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) does not express a preference, for example rules dealing with the right of agents to appoint [sub-agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) which only apply if the *Power of Attorney* is silent about this issue.

### A Special Word About Illinois

Within the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa), **Illinois** is the only state to use language of the following kind in its [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons), being language that really emphasizes freedom on the part of a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) to construct a *Power of Attorney* however they see fit.

> [§2-4](https://codes.findlaw.com/il/chapter-755-estates/il-st-sect-755-45-2-4.html) in **Illinois** states:-
> 
> *“..[t]he General Assembly recognizes that each individual has the right to appoint an agent to make property [and] financial.. decisions for the individual..*
> 
> *..[t]he principal may specify in the agency the event or time when the agency will begin and terminate, the mode of revocation or amendment and the rights, powers, duties, limitations, immunities and other terms applicable to the agent and to all persons dealing with the agent, and the provisions of the agency will control notwithstanding this Act.."* ([§2-4](https://codes.findlaw.com/il/chapter-755-estates/il-st-sect-755-45-2-4.html))
> 
> This follows on from [§2-1](https://codes.findlaw.com/il/chapter-755-estates/il-st-sect-755-45-2-1.html), which provides:-
> 
> “*The General Assembly recognizes that each individual has the right to appoint an agent to make property, financial, personal, and health care decisions for the individual but that this right cannot be fully effective unless the principal may empower the agent to act throughout the principal's lifetime, including during periods of disability, and have confidence that third parties will honor the agent's authority at all times*..”

None of the five other of the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa) have words like these words (above) in **Illinois** in their [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons).

## Creature of Statute

A document which only exists because it is prescribed by [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons), is often called a ‘creature of statute'.

A [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* is such a document.

The user of a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*:-

- may assume that parts of the [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law) pertaining to [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney* also apply to [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Powers of Attorney*
- cannot assume that [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law) pertaining to [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney* not repeated in the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) applies to a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Powers of Attorney*
- must interpret the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) which is new and changing

Beyond the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons), other matters are typically uncertain, because:-

- the law in relation to *Powers of Attorney* and [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) is developing
- dealing with [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) tends to involve issues not arising in other circumstances

## Do We Really Need Durable And Non-Durable *Powers of Attorney*?

With respect to the possibility of a future without the distinction between [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) and [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Powers of Attorney*:-

- if the approach taken in the [2006 ULC Recommendations](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#the-ulc-approach) were adopted nationally, all *Powers of Attorney* would be presumed to be [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) unless they state otherwise (see [§102](https://www.uniformlaws.org/viewdocument/final-act-no-comments-52?CommunityKey=b1975254-8370-4a7c-947f-e5af0d6cb07c&tab=librarydocuments)):-
- in practical terms this would mean for example, that a *Power of Attorney* not stated to be either [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) or [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney), would be [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity), unless the *Power of Attorney* expressly provided that it [terminated](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) upon the [incapacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#the-six-6-greater-states-have-defined-incapacity-in-legislation) of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney)
- perhaps the objective at stake would be better served if [§102](https://www.uniformlaws.org/viewdocument/final-act-no-comments-52?CommunityKey=b1975254-8370-4a7c-947f-e5af0d6cb07c&tab=librarydocuments) read *““Durable,” with respect to a Power of Attorney, means not terminated, suspended, deemed voidable or otherwise qualified in its operation by any common law principle, as a consequence of the principal’s incapacity”*, the significance of which is explained in [Part 2: Technical Aspects](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#scope-of-analysis) below
- if we were to recouch the language applicable to *Powers of Attorney* so as to recognize a *Power of Attorney* as simply what is today known as a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*, we would have removed the need to speak of [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) and [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Powers of Attorney*, other than perhaps in circumstances where a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) prefers that their *Power of Attorney* succumb to any consequence at [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law), if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs)
- from there, we would be remarkably close to removing the distinction altogether, particularly if it were concluded in favour of a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* being able to be cast that [terminated](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) preferred, or perhaps was suspended if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) prefers etc.
- under the heading [Can A Durable *Power Of Attorney* Terminate At The Moment The Principal Lacks Capacity?](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#can-a-durable-power-of-attorney-terminate-at-the-moment-the-principal-lacks-capacity) the question of whether a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* can be [created](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) that [terminates](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) upon the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) losing [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) is examined
- if the answer to that question is yes, it seems there is a real possibility that in the future, we could remove the distinction between [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) or [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) completely in the future, in favour of a better appreciation of [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* being a creature of intention, nothing else and accordingly, capable of being cast in any terms, as long as the intention is to cast the *Power of Attorney* as [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity), evidenced by compliance with any [mandatory requirements](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#mandatory-requirements-1) and in particular, intended to be governed by the [legislative](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) regime

In **New York** or **Florida**, the need for distinction is less than in other states, because [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) typically applies equally, irrelevant to whether a *Power of Attorney* is [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) or [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney).

For example, the [third party enforcement regimes](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/thirdparty/interests#a-third-party-enforcement-regime-operates-in-five-of-the-six-6-greater-states) in **New York** and **Florida** are accessible whether or not a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) or [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney* is used, whereas in **Texas** for example, the [third party enforcement regime](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/thirdparty/interests#a-third-party-enforcement-regime-operates-in-five-of-the-six-6-greater-states) is only accessible in respect of a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*

Typically, the distinction tends to affect:-

- the question of what relief is available, for example if something goes wrong
- the content of the [mandatory requirements](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#mandatory-requirements-1), which may vary depending upon whether a *Power of Attorney* is [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) or [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney)

### Uniform Mandatory Requirements

Anyone focused on removing the distinction between [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) and [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Powers of Attorney* would probably embrace uniform [mandatory requirements](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#mandatory-requirements-1), dealing with issues like required wording, font size, inclusion and content of relevant notices and similar.

Establishing uniform [mandatory requirements](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#mandatory-requirements-1) is likely to remain particularly difficult for as long as some states (i.e. **California**, **Texas** and **Florida**) require inclusion of an [expression of a durable preference](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#requirement-for-expression-of-durable-preference-california-texas-florida) in a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) and other states (i.e. **New York**, **Illinois** and **Pennsylvania**) impose no such requirement.

It may be that a future is possible where:-

- a universal approach is taken to [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) or [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Powers of Attorney* in terms of their physical construction and content
- a raft of measures apply that deal with issues associated with loss of [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs), unless the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) expresses an overriding preference, following on from the [ULC 2006 Recommendations](https://www.uniformlaws.org/committees/community-home?CommunityKey=b1975254-8370-4a7c-947f-e5af0d6cb07c)

## If A Definition of "Durable" Is Needed

If the term “[durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity)” is needed, it seems preferable to adopt an approach to its meaning that:-

- avoids reference to [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end)
- focuses upon the intention of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney)
- is cognizant of the possibility that at [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law), there may not be only one outcome where a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs)
- is cognizant of an intention on the part of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) that:-

  - the continuing operation of the *Power of Attorney* not be affected by any [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law) pertaining to [incapacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) and
  - the *Power of Attorney* operate precisely in accordance with its terms

This approach importantly tends to remove confusion associated with reference to the notion of [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end), accepting that:-

- approaches that define a *Powers of Attorney* in terms referring to [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end), such as “*a Power of Attorney that does not* [*terminate*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) *upon the* [*principal*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) *loses* [*capacity*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs)” or “*a Power of Attorney that* [*terminates*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) *upon the* [*principal*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) *loses* [*capacity*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs)” tend to unnecessarily complicate matters, for example where the *Power of Attorney* prescribes it [terminates](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) on a certain day
- by removing reference to [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) and focusing upon the intention of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) with respect to avoidance of any [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law) principle at all that might qualify the operation of the *Power of Attorney* as a consequence of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) losing [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs), focus is constrained to the real issue at stake, [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) being no more than incidental to the real issue, one of various possible outcomes at [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law) where the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) losing [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs)

## In Texas, Casting A *Power of Attorney* As Durable Has Special Advantages

It may be of particular advantage to a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) in **Texas** to cast a *Power of Attorney* as a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney.*

That is not to say that use of [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* in **California**, **New York**, **Florida**, **Illinois** and **Pennsylvania** is not advantageous. It is only that in **Texas**, more relief and remedies are available where a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* is used.

For example in **Texas**, casting a *Power of Attorney* as a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* entitles the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) and their [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to rely on [third party enforcement regime](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/thirdparty/interests#a-third-party-enforcement-regime-operates-in-five-of-the-six-6-greater-states).

**California**, **New York**, **Florida** and **Pennsylvania** also have a [third party enforcement regime](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/thirdparty/interests#a-third-party-enforcement-regime-operates-in-five-of-the-six-6-greater-states), however in these four (4) states the [third party enforcement regime](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/thirdparty/interests#a-third-party-enforcement-regime-operates-in-five-of-the-six-6-greater-states) is accessible whether or not a *Power of Attorney* is [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity).

As to why **Illinois** does not have a [third party enforcement regime](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/thirdparty/interests#a-third-party-enforcement-regime-operates-in-five-of-the-six-6-greater-states) one possible explanation is cited under the heading [A Special Word About Illinois](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/useadvantagesconsequences#a-special-word-about-illinois).

Perhaps the reason that **Texas** takes the approach it has because it recognizes any *Power of Attorney* may be cast as a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* and for reasons of the kind discussed under the heading [Do We Really Need Durable And Non-Durable *Powers of Attorney*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#do-we-really-need-durable-and-non-durable-powers-of-attorney), a view is preferred that in fact, any *Power of Attorney* may be cast as a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*.

## Complexities

### Transient Nature of Incapacity

One of the more difficult aspects associated with the notion of [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) in the context of use of *Powers of Attorney* is the reality that [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) can and often is, changing.

It is all too easy to wildly assuming in any discussion of [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) and [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Powers of Attorney* that at all times, we are easily certain whether or not a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) either has [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) or lacks [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs).

In reality, [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) is often partial and changing over time.

There are probably a good proportion of cases each year in every state where the [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) of a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) is borderline, for example a patient measuring close to 10 on the dementia scale, half way from a full score of 20 and yet demonstrating cognitive ability, albeit their [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) may be deteriorating.

Beyond the issue of changing [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs), it might be fair to ask why there is a preponderance to focus upon the broader question of whether a [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), as opposed to perhaps the more pertinent question of whether 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) to perform the specific [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) authorized to be performed under the *Power of Attorney*.

It seems fair to say:-

- whether 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) to perform the [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) authorized to be performed under the *Power of Attorney* seems more relevant than whether 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) in any other respect
- focus upon [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) to perform the [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) authorized to be performed under the *Power of Attorney* tends to make the task of any medical practitioner asked to comment as to [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) decidedly more palatable

It may be interesting to recognize that in **California**, the concept of [incapacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#the-six-6-greater-states-have-defined-incapacity-in-legislation) is defined in more detail and for example, [§811](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-811.html) includes (bold added):-

*“In determining whether a person suffers from a deficit in mental function so substantial that the person lacks the capacity to do a certain act, the court **may take into consideration the frequency, severity, and duration of periods of impairment**..”*

None of the other [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa) have a similar provision in their [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons).

The difficulties associated with this issue represent the strongest argument in favour of [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Powers of Attorney* that authorize an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to perform [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) whether or not 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), being a design that:-

- reduces the relevance of 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) from any dispute
- virtually affords an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) free reign to use the *Power of Attorney* at any time, subject to its terms

When crafting a *Power of Attorney*, it is worth considering that, for example:-

- a provision to the effect that an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) may only perform a [task](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) 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 even a provision that an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) may only perform a [task](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) 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)) results in a greater prospect that a dispute may be raised in the future as to the scope of an [agent's](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) authority at some prior point in time
- [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) (or [incapacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#the-six-6-greater-states-have-defined-incapacity-in-legislation)) can be difficult to prove, particularly given evidence tends to dissipate over time.

### Failure to Comply With Mandatory Requirements

[Mandatory requirements](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#mandatory-requirements-1) vary from state to state:-

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| **New York**, **Illinois &** **Pennsylvania** | A *Power of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^[3]](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#fn3) is [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#durable-powers-of-attorney) unless it provides otherwise. [Durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#durable-powers-of-attorney) and [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Powers of Attorney* are subject to the same requirements with respect to [execution](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#witnessing-acknowledgement-requirements-are-common), inclusion of [mandatory notices](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#required-notices) etc. (*i.e.the same for both* [*durable*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#durable-powers-of-attorney) *and* [*non-durable*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Powers of Attorney in each of these states, these requirements differing between the three (3) states*). |
| **California** | A [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^[4]](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#fn4) who is [creating](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#durable-powers-of-attorney) or [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney* largely must comply with the same [mandatory requirements](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#mandatory-requirements-1) with respect to [execution](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#witnessing-acknowledgement-requirements-are-common), although a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^[5]](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#fn5) [creating](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#durable-powers-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney* must also include a [mandatory notice](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#required-notices) ([§4128](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4128.html)) and [expression of durable preference](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#statutory-expressions-of-durable-preference-in-california-texas-florida), which are not requirements applicable to a [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney*. |
| **Texas** | There are no requirements imposed by [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) in respect of a [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Powers of Attorney.* A [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^[6]](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#fn6) [creating](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#durable-powers-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney* must comply with certain [mandatory requirements](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#mandatory-requirements-1), including the inclusion of an [expression of durable preference](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#statutory-expressions-of-durable-preference-in-california-texas-florida). |
| **Florida** | A [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^[7]](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#fn7) [creating](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a *Power of Attorney* must comply with the certain [mandatory requirements](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#mandatory-requirements-1), including the inclusion of an [expression of durable preference](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#statutory-expressions-of-durable-preference-in-california-texas-florida) in a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#durable-powers-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney*. |

Vexed issues can arise where a *Power of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^2] fails to comply with [mandatory requirements](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#mandatory-requirements-1).

Failure to execute a *Power of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^3] before suitable [witnesses](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#witnessing-acknowledgement-requirements) or include [required words](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#required-words-for-durable-powers-of-attorney) may put a *Power of Attorney* in an impossible position.

It may be untenable to give effect to its contents, because it does not satisfy [mandatory requirements](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#mandatory-requirements-1) that are referable to a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) or [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney*, whichever be applicable.

For example, where it is clear from the terms of a *Power of Attorney* provide for an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to perform certain [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) only 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), if the *Power of Attorney* does not satisfy the [mandatory requirements](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#mandatory-requirements-1) applicable to a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*, a Court may be in difficulty accepting that the *Power of Attorney* has any effect.

Outcomes in these kinds of cases may vary. Courts typically have wide discretion to grant relief.

The risk that a *Power of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^[26]](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#fn26) is deemed [void ab initio](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#comparison-with-declaration-a-power-of-attorney-is-void-ab-initio) for failing to comply with [mandatory requirements](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#mandatory-requirements-1) or given an effect by a Court that was not intended by the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) highlights the importance of ensuring that due consideration is given firstly to whether a *Power of Attorney* is [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) or [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) and secondly, whether the appropriate [mandatory requirements](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#mandatory-requirements-1) complied with.

## Fallacies & Shortcomings Repaired

### Fallacy: Focus Rests Upon The Authority of Agents

It is surprising how many people would erroneously account for a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Powers of Attorney* as ‘a *Power of Attorney* that appoints an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to act 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)’.

In fact, what determines whether a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* is [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) is irrelevant to when an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) is authorized to do anything.

What matters is **what the** [**principal**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) **intends if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs)**, in terms of whether the arrangements in the *Power of Attorney* are to continue to be effective.

### Fallacy: Durable Arrangements Work Similarly In All States

It may not always be acknowledged that things work differently in the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa):-

- in **New York**, **Illinois** and **Pennsylvania**, all *Powers of Attorney* are deemed to be as [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity)*,* so as to not require a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) to include an [expression of durable intent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durabletest#expression-of-durable-intent)
- in **California**, **Texas** and **Florida**, a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) wanting to [create](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* is require to include an [expression of durable intent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durabletest#expression-of-durable-intent) in their *Power of Attorney*

This fundamental divide between these two groups of states is a good example of their [differences](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/uniqueandsimilarlegislation#examples-of-unique-legislation), accepting there are many [differences](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/uniqueandsimilarlegislation#examples-of-unique-legislation).

### Fallacy: A Durable *Power of Attorney* Must Always Be Used To Authorize An Agent To Perform Tasks When The Principal Lacks Capacity

If a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) only authorizes [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to do things at a time or different times in the future when 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), this does not mean:-

- the *Power of Attorney* must be [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney)
- the Power of Attorney must be [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity)

Any determination of whether the *Power of Attorney* is [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) or [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) turns upon **what the** [**principal**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) **intends if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs)**, in terms of whether the arrangements in the *Power of Attorney* are to continue to be effective:-

- if the arrangements are to continue, the *Power of Attorney* must be [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity)
- if the arrangements are not to continue, the *Power of Attorney* must be [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney)

Of course, if an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) was only authorized to perform [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) when 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), the position would be different.

Determining in this manner whether a *Power of Attorney* is [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) or [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) does not involve any need for determination of [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs), the sole focus of inquiry being the **intention of the** [**principal**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney).

Any need to determine [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) could only be a secondary issue, such that the question of [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) might be:-

- avoided by authorizing [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to perform relevant [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) whether or not 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)
- ‘thrown into the spotlight’ so to speak, where for example a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* provides that in the event that 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), [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) may perform [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) they might otherwise not perform, must comply with certain [directions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/directionwhatis#a-direction-regulates-the-core-terms-of-a-power-of-attorney), or must satisfy certain [conditions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/conditions#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment)

The [Case Study](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durabletest#case-study-the-mentally-ill) titled [The Mentally Ill](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durabletest#case-study-the-mentally-ill) illustrates use of a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* only authorizing [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to perform [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) when 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).

### Shortcomings With Alternative Descriptions of “Durable”

Lesser descriptions of “[durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity)” than those cited above are not helpful. For example, consider the following alternatives.

#### Lesser Alternative 1: "..a durable *Power of Attorney* is a *Power of Attorney* authorizing agents to perform tasks if the principal lack capacity”

This description:-

- omit reference to the intention of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney)
- merely infer a preference on the part of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) that the *Power of Attorney* is intended to continue to operate beyond any point in time when the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs)
- is merely an account of one possible design of a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*
- tends to confuse the issues, by failing to recognize the central tenet as intention and focusing upon [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) that an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) may perform

#### Lesser Alternative 2: "..a durable *Power of Attorney* is a *Power of Attorney* authorizing agents to perform tasks after any future point in time that the principal lacks or may lack capacity”

This description:-

- fails to focus attention upon the single, first point in time when the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs)
- tends to confuse the issues, by failing to recognize the central tenet as intention and focusing upon [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) that an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) may perform
- appears to describe only a *Power of Attorney* that ‘authorizes [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to perform [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) after a certain date, after which the [principal’s](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) is of no consequence', being no more than one of literally millions of different possible designs of [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*, this description arguably failing to recognize for example, a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* of the kind seen in the [Case Study - Mental Illness](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/casestudies#case-study-mental-illness).

## Solving The Fundamental Problem

The fundamental problem associated with [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Powers of Attorney* is a resource problem.

You would readily believe someone who said to you, “*I am not particularly willing to go out on a limb and perform many hours of work including spending many hours with lawyers, taking risks in relation to costs unless it is for myself*” and “*you can never be sure that if you lost capacity and someone steals your money, someone else would do everything necessary to recover the monies*”.

A vulnerable [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) is seriously at risk of losing everything, with poor prospects of recovery, because unlike any other person, a vulnerable [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) may not be able to act for themselves, perhaps not even be aware anything is wrong.

It is often said this is a complex problem, however it is solvable.

An injection of resources to ensure a vulnerable [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) is not abused is required and in principle, this seems achievable. Whether or not we choose to adopt such an approach is an entirely different question.

Below under the heading [A New Kind Of Insurance Scheme](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#a-new-kind-of-insurance-scheme) is one idea that might work to solve the fundamental problem.

This idea simply demonstrates that in principle, there may yet be strong solutions and we should look for the best solution.

We must not become complacent and accept risks as some sort of ‘cost of using a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*’.

There must be a way to make [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* work better.

### A New Kind Of Insurance Scheme

Consider this approach:-

- a life insurer that receives premium to cover of the cost of regularly vetting the insured's affairs, if they lose [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) or are at risk of having lost [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs), where an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) has commenced to exercise authority under the *Power of Attorney*
- the life insurer receives a *Power of Attorney* from the insured, being a *Power of Attorney* authorizing the insurer to audit the [principal's](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney* affairs, if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) or is at risk of having lost [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs), where an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) has commenced to exercise authority under the *Power of Attorney*
- the *Power of Attorney* (or relevant ‘policy’) entitles the insurer to prosecute claims against unscrupulous [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) or [third parties](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-third-party), where there there are prospects for recovery and for example, recognizing they may resign if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) interferes with their rights to review the [principal's](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) affairs and where the insurer forms the view the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) may have lost [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs)
- the insurer is entitled to use the [principal's](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) funds to take recovery action (*perhaps nonetheless sharing in costs risks*) and also, is entitled to a share of any proceeds, particularly to cover any costs met by the insured (*if this also be part of the arrangement, for example where a* [*principal*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) *has been left without means*)

Consideration would need to be given to many issues, such as ensuring that the insurer honours the policy and the importance of obtaining supportive legal opinion as to prospects for success and recovery, before pursuing any claim.

It is not necessary to dive further into the minutiae of this sort of arrangement.

### **Revision of Government Forms**

Consider the impact upon the number of incidents involving abuse of *Powers of Attorney* if [government forms](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) included provision to the following effect:-

- *every one, two or perhaps three years (1-3 years), the agent(s) must present the books and records relating to the principal’s affairs to an accountant for review; and*
- *a certain trusted person or trusted persons, other than any agent appointed under the Power of Attorney, is authorized to inspect all records relating to the principal at any time upon reasonable notice and for example, also attend upon the accountant, review related books and records as they see fit and similar*

In fairness, **New York** ([§1509](https://codes.findlaw.com/ny/general-obligations-law/gob-sect-5-1509.html)) has included something akin to these arrangements in its [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) by at least defining the role of a [monitor](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introotherofficeholders#monitor-ny) and including space in the [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) to identify them.

None of the remaining five (5) of the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa) have preferred to address this issue in [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons).

Even in **New York** where a [monitor](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introotherofficeholders#monitor-ny) can be appointed, it is fair to say that there are a raft of other measures that might form part of [risk management](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/insightrisks#risk-management-practices-are-wide-and-varied) modelling in respect of a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Powers of Attorney.*

Equally, a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) might consider the advantages of the kind of arrangement discussed in this Wiki under the heading [Appointing Family Members As Managers](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/ideas#appointing-family-members-as-managers), involving family members having roles as [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) with authority limited to each appoint a [sub-agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent), being a professional.

It seems the greatest perceived drawback with arrangements involving regular review is cost.

It may be that part of the future solution is the development of purpose built accounting packages, like Xero, specially designed to deal with an [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) accounts, allowing [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to use accounting practices, processes and services that significantly reduce the cost of external accounting review, because records are created in perfect order.

Surely the answer is to leave cost considerations to the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) and make audit arrangements ‘conveniently optional' by at least having a ‘box to tick’ on the [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il), accepting that only **New York** has included some measure in their [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) (see [monitors](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/monitor#in-new-york-a-principal-may-appoint-a-monitor)).

Further commentary is found under the heading [Improving Government Forms](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#improving-government-forms).

## Part 2: Technical Aspects

## What Is A Durable *Power of Attorney*?

In this Wiki, the following approach to [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#durable-powers-of-attorney) *Powers of Attorney* is preferred.

> ###### **At Common Law**
> 
> At [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law), the agency relationship and the [agent's](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) authority to act are [terminated](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) on the death, bankruptcy or [incapacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#the-six-6-greater-states-have-defined-incapacity-in-legislation) of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney).[^4]
> 
> Consequently, to [create](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a *Power of Attorney* that does not [terminate](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) on the incapacity of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney), [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) is required.
> 
> ###### **Where**
> 
> All of the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa) have passed [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) recognizing the right of a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) to [create](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*.
> 
> ###### **Requirements**
> 
> A [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* must not be for a purpose that is [excluded](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) from the ambit of the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons).
> 
> A [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* must comply with certain [mandatory requirements](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#mandatory-requirements-1).
> 
> ###### **Exclusions and Mandatory Requirements**
> 
> Relevant [exclusions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) and [mandatory requirements](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#mandatory-requirements-1) are imposed under the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) of each of the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa).
> 
> The [exclusions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) and [mandatory requirements](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#mandatory-requirements-1) in any of the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa) may be the same as or different to the [exclusions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) and [mandatory requirements](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#mandatory-requirements-1) in any of the other [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa).
> 
> ###### **Legislation**
> 
> In 1954, Virginia, was the first state to allow a *Power of Attorney* to continue beyond the [principal's](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) incapacity.[^5]
> 
> ###### **Estate Planning Purposes**
> 
> The [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* is most commonly used to handle the affairs of an incapacitated [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) without court supervision.
> 
> ###### **Business Purposes**
> 
> Any [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) undertaking a substantial transaction of any kind, in particular a transaction that might result in a claim for damages in the event the [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) does not fulfil their side of the contract (*i.e. a contract to buy a house, purchase a business etc. sell certain property etc.*) or who engages in these kind of transactions from time to time, would be well placed to [create](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*.
> 
> If you are entering such a transaction with a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person), you my prefer that the [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) you are doing business with [properly executes](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#witnessing-acknowledgement-requirements) a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* authorizing an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to complete the transaction on their behalf, if they lose [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs).
> 
> ###### **Examples of Designs**
> 
> A [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* might authorize an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to act after a certain future date, 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 upon as the happening of an event, such as a birth or adoption of a first child, marriage or someone's death and thereafter operate 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).
> 
> A [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* might authorize an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to act between two dates in the future:-
> 
> - 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) between those two dates, without authorizing the [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to act before the earliest of those two dates even 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)
> - whether or not 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) between those two dates and authorize the [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to act before the earliest of those two dates, 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) earlier in time
> 
> A [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* might for example, authorize an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to act before a certain date whether or not 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) and only after that date 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), or perhaps only if after that date 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) etc.
> 
> Even a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* that authorize an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable) to act 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) raises design considerations, such as considerations for the purpose of determining [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs), which might be a matter, for example:-
> 
> - determinable by an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable)
> - requiring a doctor to furnish a report confirming that 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)
> - be assigned for determination by multiple [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable) jointly, or by majority
> - [certified](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentcertsaffidavits#verifying-certificates-affidavits) by an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable)
> 
> There are lots of possible designs, although perhaps using the [simplest design](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#simplest-design) is best employed by anyone wanting to keep their affairs as simple as possible, for example ensuring that where a *Power of Attorney* operates between two future dates, during the period between the two dates, the [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable) may act whether or not 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).
> 
> More sophisticated designs of [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Powers of Attorney* for example, might authorize an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable) or different [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable) to perform different [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#delegation-of-routine-tasks-of-a-financial-legal-or-property-nature), or certain [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#delegation-of-routine-tasks-of-a-financial-legal-or-property-nature) differently, depending upon 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).
> 
> ###### **Simplest Design**
> 
> The simplest design is a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* that authorize an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable) to act whether or not 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), from the moment that the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) [properly executes](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#witnessing-acknowledgement-requirements) the *Power of Attorney*.
> 
> This simple design substantially removes the need to consider whether or not 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) (other than at the time that the *Power of Attorney* is [properly executed](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#witnessing-acknowledgement-requirements) by the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney), reducing the possible need to consider medical evidence in the context of a dispute about the *Power of Attorney* and for example, ensuring an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable) is always confident that they have authority, without regard to the [principal's](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs).
> 
> ###### Nuances In The Six (6) Greater States
> 
> Things work differently in the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa).
> 
> **Florida**
> 
> Florida has prohibited *Powers of Attorney* that “*become effective*” in the future (see [§2201(1)](https://codes.findlaw.com/fl/title-xl-real-and-personal-property/fl-st-sect-709-2201.html).
> 
> This is interesting because:-
> 
> - Florida does not have a [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) which might shed light on the implications of this limitation
> - Florida does not appear to prohibit the use of a *Power of Attorney* that is immediately binding upon the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) and authorizes an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable) or different [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable) to perform certain [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#delegation-of-routine-tasks-of-a-financial-legal-or-property-nature) until some future point in time
> - a *Power of Attorney* designed to authorise the performance of particular [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#delegation-of-routine-tasks-of-a-financial-legal-or-property-nature) at some future point in time in Florida might usefully include some innocuous [task](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#delegation-of-routine-tasks-of-a-financial-legal-or-property-nature) in such a *Power of Attorney* that may be performed forthwith upon the *Power of Attorney* being [properly executed](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#witnessing-acknowledgement-requirements) by the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney), making clear that for example, that all other [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#delegation-of-routine-tasks-of-a-financial-legal-or-property-nature) authorized to be performed by an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable) or different [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable) under the *Power of Attorney* may only be performed at a later, nominated point in time, to minimise the risk that a poor approach is taken by someone to [§2201(1)](https://codes.findlaw.com/fl/title-xl-real-and-personal-property/fl-st-sect-709-2201.html), which might otherwise compromise the operation of such a *Power of Attorney*.
> 
> **California** **Texas** **New York** **Illinois** **Pennsylvania**

## Determining When A *Power of Attorney* Is Intended to Be Effective

Accepting that the description above is in two parts, depending upon whether the *Power of Attorney* is intended to be effective immediately, it is purposeful to consider that unless a different intention is recorded in a *Power of Attorney*, a *Power of Attorney* is presumed to be intended by the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) to be effective upon being [properly executed](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-properly-executed) by the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney).

An expression of a different intention might involve words being included in a *Power of Attorney* along the lines of:-

"*This Power of Attorney will be binding upon me, the principal, on and after .[insert date or event]..."*

Another variation might be:

"*This Power of Attorney will commence to be effective upon..[insert date or event].."*

Unless words of this kind are found in a *Power of Attorney* (*or perhaps evidence of some contrary intention is found elsewhere*) it is likely to be assumed that a *Power of Attorney* is intended to be binding upon the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) (i.e. effective) immediately upon being [properly executed](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-properly-executed) by the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney).

## Remedial Nature of Legislation

The expression "at [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law)" is used to refer to the position at law, if any relevant [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) is ignored.

It is a useful expression, because [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) often operates to modify the [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law) and so, if we wish to make clear we are talking about the law "as it was" prior to introduction of any relevant [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons), the expression "at [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law)" makes this clear.

Where [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) is introduced that modifies the [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law), it seems reasonable to describe such [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) as remedial, accepting views may differ.

The notion of remedial legislation is discussed in articles like [*Remedial Legislation*](https://scholarship.law.marquette.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2717&context=mulr) by Rudolph H. Heimanson (1968); [*Statutory Interpretation: General Principles and Recent Trends*](https://sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/97-589.pdf) by Larry M. Eig (2014), [*Interpretation of Statutes in Derogation of the Common Law*](https://scholarship.law.vanderbilt.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2434&context=vlr) by Jefferson B. Fordham and Russell J. Leach (1950)

In those articles, there is reference to "*the equally familiar rule that statutes which are procedural or remedial, in the strict sense, should be liberally construed*.."[^6]

## The Common Law

As to what precisely represents the [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law) with respect to the consequences of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) in respect of a *Power of Attorney* losing [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs), it is fair to say:

- a complete statement would be difficult, the [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law) has wrestled with the consequences of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) losing [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) for some time
- possibilities may include [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end), [revocation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#a-power-of-attorney-terminates-upon-revocation-by-the-principal), suspension or becoming voidable

These conclusions flow from a review of articles like [*Does The Agency Die When The Principal Becomes Mentally Incapacitated?*](https://digitalcommons.law.seattleu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=&httpsredir=1&article=1163&context=sulr) by Alfred Mukatis (1983); [*Incompetent Principals, Competent Third Parties, and the Law of Agency*](https://www.repository.law.indiana.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2136&context=ilj) by, Alexander Meiklejohn (1986); and [*A Theory of Agency Law*](https://lawreview.law.pitt.edu/ojs/lawreview/article/download/164/164/) by Paula J Dalley (2011), in which the consequences of [incapacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#the-six-6-greater-states-have-defined-incapacity-in-legislation) are discussed in detail, including recognition of debate about matters like:-

- when [incapacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#the-six-6-greater-states-have-defined-incapacity-in-legislation) is to be determined (*i.e. as between when the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) or perhaps a Court determines this to have occurred*) as to which
- consequences of a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs), including suspension, [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end), the *Power of Attorney* becoming voidable etc.

## Non-Durable *Powers of Attorney* In California, New York & Florida

In **California**, **New York** and **Florida**, the following provisions appear to prescribe a consequence (i.e. [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end)) where a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) in respect of a *Power of Attorney* that is not [excluded](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) from the ambit of the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) and the *Power of Attorney* has not been cast as a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#durable-powers-of-attorney):-

- in **California** [§4155](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4155.html) states: “..*the authority of an agent under a nondurable *Power of Attorney* is terminated by the incapacity of the principal to contract*..” (see also [§4152](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4152.html))
- in **New York**, [§1511](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GOB/5-1511) states: “..*a *Power of Attorney* terminates when the principal becomes incapacitated, if the power of attorney is not durable*…”
- in **Florida**, [§709.2109](https://codes.findlaw.com/fl/title-xl-real-and-personal-property/fl-st-sect-709-2109.html) states “..*a *Power of Attorney* terminates when the principal becomes incapacitated, if the *Power of Attorney* is not durable*”

As to the different approaches in the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa):-

- the approach in **California** is to speak of [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) of the authority of an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) (*not [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) of the *Power of Attorney* per se*)
- in **New York** and **Florida**, [§1511](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GOB/5-1511) and [§709.2109](https://codes.findlaw.com/fl/title-xl-real-and-personal-property/fl-st-sect-709-2109.html) speak of [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) of the *Power of Attorney*
- in **Texas**, **Illinois** and **Pennsylvania**, [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) does not address the consequences of [incapacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#incapacity-refers-to-inability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) in similar terms

It seems on any view, these provisions are not intended to be an exclusive account of reasons for [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end), which might also include for example:[^7]

- pursuant to its terms
- upon [grounds prescribed under legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#a-power-of-attorney-may-terminate-for-reasons-specified-in-legislation)
- upon its [revocation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#a-power-of-attorney-terminates-upon-revocation-by-the-principal)
- pursuant to a Court order

Perhaps a more interesting question may be whether these provisions in **California**, **New York** and **Florida** are intended to:-

- exclusively prescribe the outcome in the event that the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs), so as to define the only possible outcome in circumstances where the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs)
- merely recognize one possibly outcome in the event that the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs), so as to leave open for example, the prospect that a *Power of Attorney* might also be concluded to be suspended, or deemed voidable, if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs)

Other interesting considerations might arise in **California**, where [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) speaks of [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) of the authority of an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal), rather than [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) of the *Power of Attorney*.

This is perhaps more interesting given that the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) of **California** does not speak of [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) of a *Power of Attorney* where no [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) is appointed.[^8]

## Can A Durable *Power Of Attorney* Terminate At The Moment The Principal Lacks Capacity?

It cannot be said that every *Power of Attorney* that [terminates](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) at the same time that the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) is not a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*.

A *Power of Attorney* may [terminate](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) for unrelated reasons that coincide in time.

It might be said that:-

- the notion of [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) only recognizes an intention on the part of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) that the *Power of Attorney* be given effect despite the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) losing [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs)
- any preference on the part a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) that a *Power of Attorney* [terminate](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) upon the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) losing [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) is distinct from a preference that the *Power of Attorney* not 'suffer the consequences at [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law)' associated with the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) losing [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs)
- for example, what if a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) expressed a preference that in the event that they lost [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs), their *Power of Attorney* not be suspended?

Recognizing for example, that a *Power of Attorney* the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) prefers not be suspended if they lose [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) as a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* is a good starting point for perhaps answering this question.

If a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) can prescribe a preference as to possible suspension of their *Power of Attorney* if they lose [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs), why should they not be entitled to express a preference as to [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end)?

Why should there be a difficulty with:-

- a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) crafting a *Power of Attorney* that [terminates](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) upon the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) losing [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs)
- the focus of attention for the purpose of determining whether a *Power of Attorney* is [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) resting on the intention of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) with respect to the wishes expressed in the *Power of Attorney* being recognized as wishes the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) wants to prevail, if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs)
- it being otherwise of no relevant consequence what the *Power of Attorney* provides

The concepts of [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) and [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) might well be brought together in this way and there seems little reason not to legislate to accommodate this approach.

## Casting A *Power of Attorney* As A Durable *Power of Attorney*

There is a divide in approaches in terms of how a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^9] [creates](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*:-

- in **New York**, **Illinois** and **Pennsylvania**, a ‘default provision’ deems all *Powers of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^10] to be [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity)*,* unless the *Power of Attorney* states otherwise (substantially consistent with the [ULC approach](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#the-ulc-approach))
- in **California** and **Texas**, [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) requires a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^11] to contain an [expression of durable preference](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#california-texas-florida-inclusion-of-an-expression-of-durable-preference) (i.e words to the effect “..t*his Power of Attorney shall not be affected by subsequent incapacity of the principal..”)*
- in **Florida**, a ‘default provision’ operates and an [expression of durable intent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durabletest#expression-of-durable-intent) must be included in a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^12]

More is said about the 'requisite statutory expressions' in **California**, **Texas** and **Florida** under the heading [Requirement For Expression of Durable Preference - California, Texas & Florida](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#requirement-for-durable-preference-california-texas-florida) below.

## Durable *Powers of Attorney* Intended To Be Immediately Effective

The following extract represents the first part of the description of [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Powers of Attorney* above:

> ##### **A** [**durable**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) ***Power of Attorney***[^13] **that is immediately effective:-**
> 
> - **must comply with all relevant** [**mandatory requirements**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#mandatory-requirements-1)**; and**
> - **if it complies with the** [**mandatory requirements**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#mandatory-requirements-1) (*either specifying in the *Power of Attorney* that it is intended to continue to operate if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) in California, Texas or Florida) or perhaps omitting any expression of a contrary intention in New York, Illinois or Pennsylvania*):-
> 
>   - **is not [**terminated**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end), suspended, deemed voidable or otherwise qualified in its continuing operation solely upon its terms if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs)**; and
>   - **is effective at the time that the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) and at all times thereafter in accordance with its terms**
> 
> *The words “*in accordance with its terms*” are important to recognize for example, the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) says might the *Power of Attorney* [terminates](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) and some other requirement is satisfied (*i.e. a certain person is alive, residing in the same state or similar, perhaps that they remain married to a sibling etc*) and so, a *Power of Attorney* may in fact potentially [terminate](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs), if other requirements are satisfied.

## Durable *Powers of Attorney* Intended To Be Effective In The Future

Until a *Power of Attorney* has become [binding](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-legally-bind) upon the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney):-

- the *Power of Attorney* cannot be used
- any purported [acceptance of appointment](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentappt#how-an-agent-may-accept-appointment-varies-in-the-six-6-greater-states) by an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#what-is-an-agent) cannot be effective
- an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#what-is-an-agent) cannot be entitled to [remuneration or expenses](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agententitle#agent-may-be-entitled-to-remuneration-or-expenses)
- an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#what-is-an-agent) cannot be expected to assume any [duties](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentoblig#an-agent-owes-various-duties-to-the-principal) owed to the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney), comply with any [directions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/directionwhatis#a-direction-regulates-the-core-terms-of-a-power-of-attorney) recorded in the *Power of Attorney* etc.

### Prohibition In Florida

In **Florida**, [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) ([§709.2108(3)](https://codes.findlaw.com/fl/title-xl-real-and-personal-property/fl-st-sect-709-2108.html)) prohibits a *Power of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^14] that"*becomes effective*" at a future point in time.

### California, Texas, New York, Illinois & Pennsylvania

**California**, **Texas**, **New York**, **Illinois** & **Pennsylvania** expressly recognize *Powers of Attorney* may be intended to be effective in the future:-

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| **California** | [§4030](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4030.html) provides: ""..*springing Power of Attorney” means a Power of Attorney that by its terms becomes effective at a specified future time or on the occurrence of a specified future event or contingency, including, but not limited to, the subsequent incapacity of the principal..*" and *“..a springing Power of Attorney may be a durable Power of Attorney or a nondurable Power of Attorney.."* |
| **Texas** | **Texas** expressly recognizes the right to [create](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* that is [springing](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#springing-powers-of-attorney) ([§751.203](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-203.html)) albeit only in the context of the terms of certain certifications, without defining the term “[springing](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#springing-powers-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney*” or addressing the concept in direct terms in [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) |
| **New York** | [5-1501B](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GOB/5-1501B) provides "*If the Power of Attorney states that it takes effect upon the occurrence of a date or a contingency specified in the document, then the Power of Attorney takes effect only when the date or contingency identified in the document has occurred..*" |
| **Illinois** | [§2-3](https://codes.findlaw.com/il/chapter-755-estates/il-st-sect-755-45-2-3.html) provides “*the principal may specify in the agency the event or time when the agency will begin or terminate..*” |
| **Pennsylvania** | [§5606](https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-20-pacsa-decedents-estates-and-fiduciaries/pa-csa-sect-20-5606.html) provides: "*As to acts undertaken in good faith reliance thereon, an affidavit executed by the agent under a power of attorney stating that he did not have at the time of exercise of the power actual knowledge of the termination of the power by revocation, death or, if applicable, disability or incapacity or the filing of an action in divorce and that, if applicable, the specified future time or contingency has occurred, is conclusive proof of the nonrevocation or nontermination of the power at that time and conclusive proof that the specified time or contingency has occurred*.." |

### Does A Common Law Rule Exist In Respect of *Powers of Attorney* That Become Effective In The Future

The [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law) providing for [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end), suspension and other outcomes associated with the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) losing [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) applies to *Powers of Attorney* that are intended to become effective immediately upon the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) losing [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs).

However, do these [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law) principles also apply to a *Power of Attorney* that is intended to become effective at a future point in time?

Potentially, if such [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law) principles are applicable to *Powers of Attorney* that is intended to become effective at a future point in time, the applicable [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law) principles may vary, depending upon whether a *Power of Attorney*:-

- **has become effective** at the time **when the** [**principal**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) **loses** [**capacity**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs)
- **has not become effective** at the time **when the** [**principal**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) **loses** [**capacity**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs)

### *Powers of Attorney* Intended to Become Effective In the Future Which Have Become Effective When The Principal Loses Capacity

It seems easier to accept that the [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law) applicable to *Powers of Attorney* intended to become effective immediately also applies to *Powers of Attorney* that are intended to become effective at a future point in time in circumstances where the *Power of Attorney* has become effective at the time that the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs), given the position is somewhat tantamount to the position in respect of a *Power of Attorney* that intended to become effective immediately, in the sense that at the time the issue arises, the *Power of Attorney* is effective.

### *Powers of Attorney* Intended to Become Effective In the Future Which Have Not Become Effective At The Time When The Principal Loses Capacity

It may be harder to accept that [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law) applicable to *Powers of Attorney* that are intended to become effective immediately also applies to *Powers of Attorney* that are intended to become effective at a future point in time, where that future point in time has not passed when the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs).

In those circumstances, the document at stake is unusual.

On one view, such a *Power of Attorney* does not represent a set of terms that the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) intends to be [binding](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-legally-bind) upon the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) and as a set of terms that have not begun to operate, how can they be ended?

#### Difficult Issues

How does the [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law) accommodate the [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law) rule that provides for [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) upon the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs), in circumstances where the *Power of Attorney* has never started?

Consider, for example that:

- where a document is not yet binding, what remedy can sensibly be installed at [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law)?
- can a rule exist that that amounts to the making of a declaration it cannot be [binding](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-legally-bind) in the future?
- would this rule be appropriate if the *Power of Attorney* clearly recorded another preference?

Presumably, it may be questions of this kind that led to **Florida** prohibiting *Powers of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^15] that are said to "become effective" at a future point in time.

#### Existence of Relevant Common Law

As to whether there is [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law) dealing with what happens to a *Power of Attorney* that has not yet become effective where the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs):-

- **California**, **Texas**, **New York**, **Illinois** and **Pennsylvania** have expressly recognized that *Powers of Attorney* of this design are permissible
- this does not mean that such *Powers of Attorney* are necessarily permissible at [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law)

Clearly, all of the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa) except **Florida** recognize the right to [create](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a *Power of Attorney* that becomes effective at a future point in time, although it might be said:-

- this right only arises under [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons), such that:-

  - in **Texas** the right to [create](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a *Power of Attorney* that becomes effective at a future point in time is limited, so as to only arise in respect of [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Powers of Attorney* (*which by definition cannot be for a purpose [excluded](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) from the ambit of the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons)*)
  - in **California**, **New York**, **Illinois** and **Pennsylvania**, the right to [create](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a *Power of Attorney* that becomes effective at a future point in time only exists where a *Power of Attorney* not [excluded](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) from the ambit of the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons)

- this right exists at [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law), such that in **Texas**, **California**, **New York**, **Illinois** or **Pennsylvania**, any *Power of Attorney* may be said to become effective at a future point in time

Anyone contemplating the [creation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) of a *Power of Attorney* that becomes effective at a future point in time, which is either: (a) not [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) (and not for an [excluded](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) purpose) in **Texas**; or (b) for an [excluded](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) purpose in **California**, **New York**, **Illinois** or **Pennsylvania** would be well advised to consider the risk that their *Power of Attorney* be concluded to be ineffective, or otherwise subject to some outcome that the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) does not prefer, if the right to [create](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a *Power of Attorney* that becomes effective at a future point in time only arises under [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons).

### *Powers of Attorney* That Become Effective At A Future Point In Time - Conclusion

The following seems to be a fair account of the position in in **California**, **Texas**, **New York**, **Illinois** and **Pennsylvania** with respect of a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*[^16] that is intended to be effective in the future:

> ##### **A** [**durable**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) ***Power of Attorney***[^17] **that is intended to become effective in the future:-**
> 
> - **must comply with all relevant** [**mandatory requirements**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#mandatory-requirements-1)**; and**
> - **if it complies with the** [**mandatory requirements**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#mandatory-requirements-1) (*either specifying in the Power of Attorney that it is intended to continue to operate if the* [*principal*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) *loses* [*capacity*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) *in California, Texas or Florida) or perhaps omitting any expression of a contrary intention in New York, Illinois or Pennsylvania*), **is not [terminated](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end), suspended, deemed voidable or otherwise qualified in its continuing operation solely upon its terms if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs), whether or not the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) before or after the future point in time when the *Power of Attorney* is intended to become effective**
> 
> *The words “*solely upon its terms*” are important to recognize for example, the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) says might the *Power of Attorney* [terminates](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) and some other requirement is satisfied (*i.e. a certain person is alive, residing in the same state or similar, perhaps that they remain married to a sibling etc*) and so, a *Power of Attorney* may in fact potentially [terminate](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs), if other requirements are satisfied.

## Expression of Durable Preference (California, Texas & Florida)

As noted above under the heading [Casting A *Power of Attorney* As A Durable *Power of Attorney*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#casting-a-power-of-attorney-as-a-durable-power-of-attorney) there are two approaches to [creating](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*.

### New York, Illinois and Pennsylvania

In **New York**, **Illinois** and **Pennsylvania**, there is no requirement to evidence such a [preference](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durabletest#the-requisite-preference) on the part of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) in a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*,[^18] a *Power of Attorney* being assumed to be intended by the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) to be [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity), unless it provides otherwise.

There is no need to include an [expression of durable preference](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#inclusion-of-an-expression-of-durable-preference-california-texas-florida).

### California, Texas and Florida

In **California**, **Texas** and **Florida**:-

- a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*[^19] must evidence a [preference](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durabletest#the-requisite-preference) on the part of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) that the *Power of Attorney* not [terminate](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) immediately upon the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) losing [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) as a matter of unqualified necessity at [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law) (*adopting the nuances of possible suspension or voidability, grouping them with the notion of* [*termination*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) *in this context, even if this 'grouping' must be inferred where only the notion of "termination" is cited)*
- it is said that certain words, or words to similar effect as those words are required to be included in a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*,[^20] being words referred to in this Wiki as an “[expression of durable preference](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#inclusion-of-an-expression-of-durable-preference-california-texas-florida)”

The [expressions of durable preference](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#inclusion-of-an-expression-of-durable-preference-california-texas-florida) in **California**, **Texas** and **Florida** are:

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| **State** | **Expression of Durable Preference** |
| **California** | *This Power of Attorney shall not be affected by subsequent incapacity of the principal* **OR** *This Power of Attorney shall become effective upon the incapacity of the principal* ([§4124](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4124.html)) |
| **Texas** | *This Power of Attorney is not affected by subsequent disability or incapacity of the principal* **OR** *This Power of Attorney becomes effective on the disability or incapacity of the principal* ([§751.0021](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-0021.html)) |
| **Florida** | *This durable Power of Attorney is not terminated by subsequent incapacity of the principal except as provided in Chapter 709, Florida Statutes* ([§709.2104](https://codes.findlaw.com/fl/title-xl-real-and-personal-property/fl-st-sect-709-2104.html)) |

In **California** and **Texas** there are two slightly different alternatives:-

- the first formula of words recognizes that a *Power of Attorney* will not [terminate](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs)
- the second formula of words recognizes that a *Power of Attorney* may be said to "*become effective*" (*i.e become* [*binding*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-legally-bind) *upon the* [*principal*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney)) at the time the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs), (*notwithstanding that there is no reason for example, it might not be said to "become effective" upon being* [*properly executed*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-properly-executed) *by the* [*principal*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) *and merely authorize* [*agents*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) *to only commence performing certain* [*tasks*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) *from some future point in time*)

**Florida** presumably does not recognize the second formula of words because of the prohibition in **Florida** upon [creating](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) *Powers of Attorney* that "*become effective*" at a future point in time ([§709.2108(3)](https://codes.findlaw.com/fl/title-xl-real-and-personal-property/fl-st-sect-709-2108.html)).

### Narrow Focus of Requisite Preference in California, Texas and Florida

It might be said that the required intention in **California**, **Texas** and **Florida** is confined.

That is, what is required is only a preference on the part of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) that their *Power of Attorney*[^21] not [terminate](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) (*or be suspended or become voidable*) at [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law) at the first moment that the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs).

The purpose of expressing the relevant intention appears to go no further than overcoming any [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law) rule which might result in the *Power of Attorney* [terminating](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) (*or being suspended or becoming voidable*) at the precise moment that the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs), if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) in the future, leaving the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) to otherwise define when the *Power of Attorney* will [terminate](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) as they see fit.

A [prudent principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#being-a-prudent-principal-is-encouraged) would evidence this intention seizing upon words along the lines of the [expression of durable preference](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#statutory-expressions-of-durable-preference-in-california-texas-florida) cited in the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) of the relevant state.

This would be correct if the rule at stake was simply that a *Power of Attorney* [terminates](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) upon the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) losing [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs), which cannot occur twice and so, upon the first occurrence of [incapacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#incapacity-refers-to-inability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) the opportunity to ever need to consider the position at any subsequent point in time is lost.

As to what might be said against this notion, the starting point is to recognize the position is not the same where for example, a *Power of Attorney* is found to be suspended upon the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) losing [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs).

If suspension be a consequence at [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law), it is possible that suspension may occur on more than one occasion and consequently, the requisite intention is not usefully confined to the first moment the the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs), but rather should be tied to “any time” at which 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), so to speak.

### Durable Preference Not Required In Perpetuity

An [expression of durable preference](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#inclusion-of-an-expression-of-durable-preference-california-texas-florida) is not required to be expressed in perpetual terms.

That is, there is no requirement that the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) intends the *Power of Attorney* to continue ad infinitum (*i.e. forever into the future*).

Where a *Power of Attorney* says it does not [terminate](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) at the moment that the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) losing [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs), it might yet say that:-

- it [terminates](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) in a million other situations some of which may involve the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) lacking [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) or otherwise
- it is intended to continue until [revoked](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#a-power-of-attorney-terminates-upon-revocation-by-the-principal) by the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney)

What matters is that it is clear that the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) intends that the *Power of Attorney* not [terminate](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) or suffer any other [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law) consequence, importantly at the first moment that 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) and subsequently, where any [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law) consequence may arise at any subsequent point in time, if this be possible.

### Purpose for *Power of Attorney* Is Irrelevant - Only Preference Matters

A [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*[^22] might provide that it authorizes [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to perform [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks):-

- when 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), or
- when a [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
- whether or not 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)

Perhaps a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*[^23] is being used:-

- in a single, [sophisticated](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durabletest#sophisticated-transactions) or [simple](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durabletest#simpler-transactions-audit-activities) transaction
- in an [estate plan](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-estate-planning) to appoint someone on a ‘forever basis’ if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs)
- by someone mentally ill to authorize [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to only performed [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) when 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) (as in the [Case Study - Mental Illness](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/casestudies#case-study-mental-illness))

It doesn't matter when or how the *Power of Attorney* authorizes [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) to be performed, or what [remuneration](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agententitle#agent-may-be-entitled-to-remuneration-or-expenses), [good faith defences](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agententitle#defences) or [conditions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/conditions#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) of appointment it includes.

All that matters is that [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) intends that the *Power of Attorney*[^24] will not [terminate](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) at any moment that the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs), entitling the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) to assume:

- any reader will give effect to the *Power of Attorney*, including whatever it might say with respect to [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end)
- a “[four corners rule](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-four-corners-rule)” will be applied granting the [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) authority to do precisely what is recorded in the *Power of Attorney*

## Determining the Principal's Preference

To determine the principal's intention, we need not look further than to confirm that the *Power of Attorney*:-

- is not [excluded](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) from the ambit of the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons)
- specifies in the *Power of Attorney* that it is intended to continue to operate if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) *(in **California**, **Texas** or **Florida**)* or omits any expression of a contrary intention *(in **New York**, **Illinois** or **Pennsylvania**)*
- complies with all [mandatory requirements](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#mandatory-requirements-1)

If these requirements are satisfied, it seems the [principal's](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) intention is to [create](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*

### Examples Illustrating Durable Preference

See the [Case Study - Mental Illness](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/casestudies#case-study-mental-illness) and [Case Study - Further Examples of Durable *Powers of Attorney*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/casestudies#case-study-further-examples-of-durable-powers-of-attorney) for examples of [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Powers of Attorney*.

## Key Concepts

In the context of [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) and [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Powers of Attorney*, the following issues are worthy of discussion.

### **Whether The** ***Power of Attorney*** **Terminates At The First Moment That The Principal Loses Capacity**

By focusing on this point in time, the reader of a *Power of Attorney* applies their mind to the pertinent consideration.

It is this point in time that is affected by the '[common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law) rule' sought to be abrogated by the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons), accepting that:

- in **California**, **Texas** & **Florida** there is a requirement for the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) to expressly state their preference
- in **New York**, **Illinois** and **Pennsylvania**, a preference on the part of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) is assumed, unless the *Power of Attorney* provides otherwise

### The Terms “*effective*" & “*binding on the principal*” Should Be Interchangeable

A consistent practice of using the term "*effect*" in all its shades (i.e including "*effective*", "*effectiveness*" etc.) when dealing with the concepts at stake is important.

Using other terminology, like "*continuing operation*", "*being on foot*", "*being operational*" and similar which might do the same work as expressions like "*continuing to be effective*" or "*being effective*" and similar, however:-

- the word “effect” is used prodigiously in the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) of the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa) when referring to the ‘operative state’ of a *Power of Attorney*
- this is shown by [**Appendix 1 - References to 'Effect'**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#appendix-1-references-to-effect), identifying the many references to “effect” in this context, in the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons)

### A Word About Florida

It is not possible to [create](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a *Power of Attorney*[^25] that *"becomes effective*" at a future time in **Florida**: [§709.2108(3)](https://codes.findlaw.com/fl/title-xl-real-and-personal-property/fl-st-sect-709-2108.html).

One incident of the legislation of **Florida** is that:-

- it may be harder to say a *Power of Attorney* is not intended to be effective immediately, after all, this is prohibited
- principles that support interpretations of legislation that assume we all intend to comply with [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) may lend themselves to the conclusion that any *Power of Attorney* in **Florida** that is ‘silent on the issue’ is intended to be immediately binding

### **Absence Of Regard To Capacity Of The Principal**

The description of a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* above does not focus upon 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), only the [principal's](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) intention.

This is discussed in more detail under the heading [Purpose for *Power of Attorney* Is Irrelevant - Only Preference Matters](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/new-pagetes5#expression-of-durable-preference-california-texas-florida) above.

### **Continued Operation According To Its Terms**

The words “*other than according to its terms*” are important in the description of a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* above because they acknowledge that:-

- whatever the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) intends with respect to [terminates](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) at the moment that the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs), the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) may have other intentions with respect to [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) that the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) records in the *Power of Attorney*
- so for example, a *Power of Attorney* might say it [terminates](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end):-

  - exactly 48 hours after the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses capacity, which would be a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Powers of Attorney* because it he is intended to survive the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs)*,* notwithstanding thatit [terminates](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) a short time later
  - when the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses capacity, if Mary Smith is still married to Roy Robert Snr
  - if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) loses capacity at a certain location, or by a certain means etc.

## Determining If A *Power of Attorney* Is Durable Or Non-Durable

In all of the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa) there is a distinction drawn between [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) and [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Powers of Attorney* for [persons](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person).

Putting aside for a moment exactly how the dividing line is drawn, it is clear that the distinction often has consequences.

- determining whether a *Power of Attorney* is [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) or [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) involves reading a *Power of Attorney* as a whole and ensuring that it complies with all [mandatory requirements](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#mandatory-requirements-1)
- deciding whether to cast a *Power of Attorney* as [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) or [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) has consequences, perhaps result in a *Power of Attorney* attracting the operation of certain [legislative](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) provisions

### Reading As A Whole

A single set of words in a *Power of Attorney* may not be definitive when determining if a *Power of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) is [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) or [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney).

For example, a *Power of Attorney* might contain provisions that read on their own justify the conclusion that the *Power of Attorney* is or is not [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity), when upon a reading of the *Power of Attorney* as a whole, the alternative conclusion is justified.

## A Special Consideration In Texas

Unlike any of the other five (5) of the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa), the legislation of **Texas** includes [§751.003](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-003.html) which provides:

"*This subtitle shall be applied and construed to effect the general purpose of this subtitle, which is to make uniform to the fullest extent possible the law with respect to the subject of this subtitle among states enacting these provisions*.."

If the approach to [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) and [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Powers of Attorney* set out in this Wiki is a cogently universal for the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa), [§751.003](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-003.html) in **Texas** may support this approach being adopted in **Texas**, even if it does not accord with the law of **Texas** as it was prior to 2018, when [§751.003](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-003.html) was enacted.

## SOME HANDY REFERENCES

## California

##### Requirement for Inclusion of Expression Of Durable Preference

Similar to **Texas** and **Florida**, in **California** an [expression of durable preference](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#california-texas-florida-inclusion-of-an-expression-of-durable-preference) is required to be included in a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*[^26].

[§4018](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4018.html) provides that a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*[^27] is a *Power of Attorney* that satisfies the requirements of durable in [§4124](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4124.html).

[§4124](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4124.html) requires inclusion of certain words:-

*"A durable power of attorney is a power of attorney by which a principal designates another person as attorney-in-fact in writing and the power of attorney contains any of the following statements:*

*(a) “This power of attorney shall not be affected by subsequent incapacity of the principal.”*

*(b) “This power of attorney shall become effective upon the incapacity of the principal.”*

*(c) Similar words showing the intent of the principal that the authority conferred shall be exercisable notwithstanding the principal's subsequent incapacity."*

##### Description of Durable (Proscriptive)

[§4124](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4124.html) states:

*"A durable power of attorney is a power of attorney by which a principal designates another person as attorney-in-fact in writing and the power of attorney contains any of the following statements:*

*(a) “This power of attorney shall not be affected by subsequent incapacity of the principal.”*

*(b) “This power of attorney shall become effective upon the incapacity of the principal.”*

*(c) Similar words showing the intent of the principal that the authority conferred shall be exercisable notwithstanding the principal's subsequent incapacity."*

##### Prescription That Non-Durable *Power Of Attorney* Terminates Upon Principal Losing Capacity

[Legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) refers variously to [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Powers of Attorney* and says in [§4155](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4155.html):-

*"..the authority of an [agent] under a nondurable Power of Attorney is terminated by the incapacity of the principal to contract.."*

##### Other Provisions

[§4022](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4022.html) provides:-

*"A power of attorney may be durable or nondurable.."*

[§4030](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4030.html) provides:-

*“..a springing Power of Attorney may be a durable Power of Attorney or a nondurable Power of Attorney.."*

"*..springing Power of Attorney” means a Power of Attorney that by its terms becomes effective at a specified future time or on the occurrence of a specified future event or contingency, including, but not limited to, the subsequent incapacity of the principal..*"

##### Observations

It might be said the description of [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) is more a method and approach to [creation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) than a description.

## Texas

##### Requirement for Inclusion of Expression Of Durable Preference

Similar to **California** and **Florida**, in **Texas** an [expression of durable preference](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#california-texas-florida-inclusion-of-an-expression-of-durable-preference) is required to be included in a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*[^28].

[§751.002](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-002.html) states:

*"(4) “Durable power of attorney” means a writing or other record that complies with the requirements of* [*§751.0021(a)*](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-0021.html) *or is described by* [*§751.0021(b)*](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-0021.html)*."*

[§751.0021](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-0021.html) requires inclusion of certain words:-

*"An instrument is a durable power of attorney for purposes of this subtitle if the instrument..*

*(3) contains:*

*(A) the words:*

*(i) “This power of attorney is not affected by subsequent disability or incapacity of the principal”;  or*

*(ii) “This power of attorney becomes effective on the disability or incapacity of the principal”;  or*

*(B) words similar to those of Paragraph (A) that clearly indicate that the authority conferred on the agent shall be exercised notwithstanding the principal's subsequent disability or incapacity.."*

##### Description of Durable (Proscriptive)

[§751.002](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-002.html) states:

*"*(4) “Durable power of attorney” means a writing or other record that complies with the requirements of [§751.0021(a)](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-0021.html) or is described by [§751.0021(b)](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-0021.html).*"*

##### Legislation Does Not Prescribe That A Non-Durable *Power Of Attorney* Terminates Upon Principal Losing Capacity

The [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) in **Texas** only relates to [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#durable-powers-of-attorney) *Powers of Attorney*[^29] and makes no reference to [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Powers of Attorney*.

The [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) makes no reference in the context of [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) to [incapacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#incapacity-refers-to-inability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney).

In particular, [§751.131](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-131.html) and [§751.132](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-132.html) deal with [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) of a *Power of Attorney* and [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) as against an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#what-is-an-agent) respectively, noting:-

- [§751.131](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-131.html) is the equivalent of [§709.2109](https://codes.findlaw.com/fl/title-xl-real-and-personal-property/fl-st-sect-709-2109.html) in **Florida** ;and
- [§751.131](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-131.html) contains no words similar to the words "..*a Power of Attorney terminates when.. the principal becomes incapacitated, if the Power of Attorney is not* [*durable*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity).." found in [§709.2109](https://codes.findlaw.com/fl/title-xl-real-and-personal-property/fl-st-sect-709-2109.html))

##### Legislation Contains No Substantive Reference To Non-Durable *Powers of Attorney*

[Legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) makes no reference to [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Powers of Attorney,* being [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) that in **Texas**, only relates to [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#durable-powers-of-attorney) *Powers of Attorney.*

##### Observations

It might be said the description of [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) is more a method and approach to [creation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) than a description.

## New York

##### Absence of Requirement for Inclusion of Expression Of Durable Preference

Similar to **Illinois** and **Pennsylvania**, in **New York** a *Power of Attorney*[^30] is [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) unless it expressly provides that it is [terminated](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) upon the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) losing [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs).

[§5-1501A](https://codes.findlaw.com/ny/general-obligations-law/gob-sect-5-1501a.html) provides that *"a Power of Attorney is durable unless it expressly provides that it is terminated by the principal losing capacity”*.

##### Description of Durable (Default Provision)

[§5-1501A](https://codes.findlaw.com/ny/general-obligations-law/gob-sect-5-1501a.html) provides that *"a Power of Attorney is durable unless it expressly provides that it is terminated by the principal losing capacity”*.

[§1511](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GOB/5-1511) provides that “..a *Power of Attorney terminates when the principal becomes incapacitated, if the Power of Attorney is not durable…”*

##### Legislation Contains No Substantive Reference To Non-Durable *Powers of Attorney*

Other than in [§5-1504](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GOB/5-1504) dealing with [third party enforcement regime](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/thirdparty/interests#a-third-party-enforcement-regime-operates-in-five-of-the-six-6-greater-states), [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) contains no reference to [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Powers of Attorney.*

That said, [§1511](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GOB/5-1511) (cited below) refers to a *Power of Attorney* that is "*not durable”.*

##### Prescription That Non-Durable *Power Of Attorney* Terminates Upon Principal Losing Capacity

[§1511](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GOB/5-1511) provides that “..a *Power of Attorney terminates when the principal becomes incapacitated, if the power of attorney is not durable…”*

##### Combined Effect Of §5-1504 & §5-1511 - Unless Contains Provision That Terminates Upon Principal Losing Capacity Is Durable - If Not Durable Terminates on Loss of Capacity

- *"a Power of Attorney is durable unless it expressly provides that it is terminated by the principal losing capacity”* ([§5-1501A](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GOB/5-1501A))
- [§1511](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GOB/5-1511) provides that “..a *Power of Attorney terminates when the principal becomes incapacitated, if the Power of Attorney is not durable…”*

**New York** seems to be the closest to the approach taken in the [2006 ULC Recommendations](https://www.uniformlaws.org/committees/community-home?CommunityKey=b1975254-8370-4a7c-947f-e5af0d6cb07c), accepting that:

- **New York** prefers not to include the defined term “durable” in its definitions (cited in [§102](https://www.uniformlaws.org/viewdocument/final-act-no-comments-52?CommunityKey=b1975254-8370-4a7c-947f-e5af0d6cb07c&tab=librarydocuments) of the [2006 ULC Recommendations](https://www.uniformlaws.org/committees/community-home?CommunityKey=b1975254-8370-4a7c-947f-e5af0d6cb07c))
- **New York** has not imposed any requirement for inclusion of an [expression of durable intent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durabletest#expression-of-durable-intent)

##### Observations

It might be submitted that the approach in **New York** is not ideal, because it fails to adequately account for conditional termination, as discussed in the [Case Study - Conditional Termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/casestudies#case-study-conditional-termination).

For example, things become difficult where a *Power of Attorney* might say *“..in the event that the principal lacks capacity and Bill Smith is appointed as an agent, this Power of Attorney will not terminate upon the principal losing* [*capacity*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) *and if Bill Smith is not appointed as an agent, this Power of Attorney will terminate upon the principal losing capacity..".*

In this situation, it might be said somehow that the *Power of Attorney* satisfies the expression “*terminates when the principal becomes incapacitated”* and yet, there are other outcomes and accordingly, such a *Power of Attorney* would be [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity).

## Florida

##### Requirement for Inclusion of Expression Of Durable Preference

Similar to **California** and **Texas**, in **Florida** an [expression of durable preference](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#california-texas-florida-inclusion-of-an-expression-of-durable-preference) is required to be included in a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*[^31].

[§709.2104](https://codes.findlaw.com/fl/title-xl-real-and-personal-property/fl-st-sect-709-2104.html) states:-

*".. a power of attorney is durable if it contains the words:  “This durable power of attorney is not terminated by subsequent incapacity of the principal except as provided in Chapter 709, Florida Statutes,” or similar words that show the principal's intent that the authority conferred is exercisable notwithstanding the principal's subsequent incapacity."*

##### Description of Durable (Default Provision)

[§709.2102](https://codes.findlaw.com/fl/title-xl-real-and-personal-property/fl-st-sect-709-2102.html) states:-

*“Durable” means, with respect to a power of attorney, not* [*terminated*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) *by the* [*incapacity*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#incapacity-refers-to-inability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) *of the* [*principal*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney)*."*

##### Legislation Contains No Substantive Reference To Non-Durable *Powers of Attorney*

[Legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) makes no reference to [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Powers of Attorney.*

##### Prescription That Non-Durable *Power Of Attorney* Terminates Upon Principal Losing Capacity

[§709.2109](https://codes.findlaw.com/fl/title-xl-real-and-personal-property/fl-st-sect-709-2109.html) states that “..*a Power of Attorney terminates when the principal becomes incapacitated, if the Power of Attorney is not durable*”

##### Observations

**Florida** is the only state to adopt a default provision and also require inclusion of an [expression of durable intent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durabletest#expression-of-durable-intent).

## Illinois

##### Requirement for Inclusion of Expression Of Durable Preference

Similar to **New York** and **Pennsylvania**, in **Illinois** a *Power of Attorney*[^32] is [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) unless it expressly provides that it is [terminated](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) upon the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) losing [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs).

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

*“Unless the agency states an earlier termination date, the agency continues.. notwithstanding … the principal's disability or incapacity.”*

##### Description of Durable (Default Provision)

[Legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) makes virtually no reference to the term "[durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity)".

##### Legislation Contains No Substantive Reference To Non-Durable *Powers of Attorney*

[Legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) makes no reference to [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Powers of Attorney.*

##### Prescription That Non-Durable *Power Of Attorney* Terminates Upon Principal Losing Capacity

[Legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) does not include a prescription to the effect that a [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney* [terminates](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) becomes [incapacitated](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#the-six-6-greater-states-have-defined-incapacity-in-legislation).

##### Observations

On a literal interpretation of [§2-5](https://codes.findlaw.com/il/chapter-755-estates/il-st-sect-755-45-2-5.html):-

- it would be a pre-requisite to creating a [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney* that it contains an actual date, said to be a date upon which the *Power of Attorney* [terminates](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end)
- anything less would on its face, fall afoul of [§2-5](https://codes.findlaw.com/il/chapter-755-estates/il-st-sect-755-45-2-5.html) having failed to include such a date, resulting in the *Power of Attorney* continuing, notwithstanding any future disability or incapacity on the part of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) (pursuant [§2-5](https://codes.findlaw.com/il/chapter-755-estates/il-st-sect-755-45-2-5.html))

The answer to any conundrum this might otherwise have produced, for example where a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) wants to [create](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney* in terms not involving a date, is found in [§2-4](https://codes.findlaw.com/il/chapter-755-estates/il-st-sect-755-45-2-4.html) which states: “*..the principal may specify in the agency the event or time when the agency will begin and terminate, the mode of revocation or amendment and the rights, powers, duties, limitations, immunities and other terms applicable to the agent and to all persons dealing with the agent, and the provisions of the agency will control notwithstanding this Act.*.”, the implications of which seem to be that an expression of the kind referred to in the second bullet paragraph above dealing with a *Power of Attorney* [terminating](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) upon the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) losing [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) would be given effect.

## Pennyslvania

##### Requirement for Inclusion of Expression Of Durable Preference

Similar to **New York** and **Illinois**, in **Pennsylvania** a *Power of Attorney*[^33] is [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) unless it expressly provides that it is [terminated](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) upon the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) losing [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs).

[§5601.1](https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-20-pacsa-decedents-estates-and-fiduciaries/pa-csa-sect-20-5601-1.html) states: “..*unless specifically provided otherwise in the Power of Attorney, all Powers of Attorney shall be durable as provided in* [*§5604*](https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-20-pacsa-decedents-estates-and-fiduciaries/pa-csa-sect-20-5604.html)*..”*

[§5604](https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-20-pacsa-decedents-estates-and-fiduciaries/pa-csa-sect-20-5604.html) states:-

*(a) Definition.--A durable power of attorney is a power of attorney by which a principal designates another his agent in writing.  The authority conferred shall be exercisable notwithstanding the principal's subsequent disability or incapacity.  A principal may provide in the power of attorney that the power shall become effective at a specified future time or upon the occurrence of a specified contingency, including the disability or incapacity of the principal.*

*(b) Durable power of attorney not affected by disability or lapse of time. --All acts done by an agent pursuant to a durable power of attorney during any period of disability or incapacity of the principal have the same effect and inure to the benefit of and bind the principal and his successors in interest as if the principal were competent and not disabled.  Unless the power of attorney states a time of termination, it is valid notwithstanding the lapse of time since its execution.*

The mandatory notice in [§5601](https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-20-pacsa-decedents-estates-and-fiduciaries/pa-csa-sect-20-5601.html) states:-

“*Your agent may exercise the powers given here throughout your lifetime, even after you become incapacitated, unless you expressly limit the duration of these powers or you revoke these powers or a court acting on your behalf terminates your agent's authority.*

##### Description of Durable (Default Provision)

[§5604](https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-20-pacsa-decedents-estates-and-fiduciaries/pa-csa-sect-20-5604.html) states:-

*(a) Definition.--A durable power of attorney is a power of attorney by which a principal designates another his agent in writing.  The authority conferred shall be exercisable notwithstanding the principal's subsequent disability or incapacity.  A principal may provide in the power of attorney that the power shall become effective at a specified future time or upon the occurrence of a specified contingency, including the disability or incapacity of the principal.*

*(b) Durable power of attorney not affected by disability or lapse of time. --All acts done by an agent pursuant to a durable power of attorney during any period of disability or incapacity of the principal have the same effect and inure to the benefit of and bind the principal and his successors in interest as if the principal were competent and not disabled.  Unless the power of attorney states a time of termination, it is valid notwithstanding the lapse of time since its execution.*

##### Legislation Contains No Substantive Reference To Non-Durable *Powers of Attorney*

[Legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) makes no reference to [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Powers of Attorney.*

##### Prescription That Non-Durable *Power Of Attorney* Terminates Upon Principal Losing Capacity

[Legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) does not include a prescription to the effect that a [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney* [terminates](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) becomes [incapacitated](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#the-six-6-greater-states-have-defined-incapacity-in-legislation).

##### Observations

It might be said the description of [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) is more a method and approach to [creation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) than a description.

## Appendix 1: References to “Effect”

The expression “***become effective***” or term "**effect**" and similar terminology features in important respects in the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) of the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa).

### California

The term “springing *Power of Attorney*” is defined as a *Power of Attorney* that by its terms “***becomes effective***”at a specified future time or on the occurrence of a specified future event or contingency, including, but not limited to, the subsequent incapacity of the principal.*.*([§4030](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4030.html))

The required [expression of durable intent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durabletest#expression-of-durable-intent) in [§4124](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4124.html) which states “*This *Power of Attorney* shall ***become effective*** upon the incapacity of the principal.*.”

The [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) in [§4128](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4128.html) states: “*when ***effective***, this durable *Power of Attorney* will give your agent the right to deal with property that you now have or might acquire in the future*..”

[§4129](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4128.html) states: *“..a springing *Power of Attorney* containing the designation described in subdivision (a) ***becomes effective*** when the person or persons designated in the *Power of Attorney* execute a written declaration under penalty of perjury that the specified event or contingency has occurred, and any person may act in reliance on the written declaration without liability to the principal or to any other person, regardless of whether the specified event or contingency has actually occurred*”

[§4307](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4030.html) states: *“a copy of a *Power of Attorney* certified under this section has the same force and **effect** as the original *Power of Attorney”**

[§4402](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4402.html) dealing with an third party acting in good faith without knowledge of revocation of a *Power of Attorney* states: “*is not ***effective***as to a third party until the third party learns of the revocation in place of the sentence Revocation of the *Power of Attorney* is not effective as to a third party until the third party has actual knowledge of the revocation, in which case the form shall be interpreted as if it contained the sentence Revocation of the power of attorney is not **effective** as to a third party until the third party has actual knowledge of the revocation*”

[§4404](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4404.html) states: “*a statutory form *Power of Attorney* legally sufficient under this part is durable to the extent that the power of attorney contains language, such as This *Power of Attorney* will continue to be ***effective*** even though I become incapacitated, showing the intent of the principal that the power granted may be exercised notwithstanding later incapacity.*.”

[§4405](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4405.html) states:

- "*(a) a statutory form *Power of Attorney* under this part that limits the power to take **effect** upon the occurrence of a specified event or contingency, including, but not limited to, the incapacity of the principal, may contain a provision designating one or more persons who, by a written declaration under penalty of perjury, have the power to determine conclusively that the specified event or contingency has occurred*
- *(b) A statutory form *Power of Attorney* that contains the provision described in subdivision (a) becomes **effective** when the person or persons designated in the *Power of Attorney* execute a written declaration under penalty of perjury that the specified event or contingency has occurred, and any person may act in reliance on the written declaration without liability to the principal or to any other person, regardless whether the specified event or contingency has actually occurred*
- *..Subdivisions (a) and (b) do not provide the exclusive method by which a statutory form *Power of Attorney* under this part may be limited to take **effect** upon the occurrence of a specified event or contingency"*

### Texas

The required [expression of durable intent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durabletest#expression-of-durable-intent) in [§751.0021](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-0021.html) states “..*this *Power of Attorney* becomes ***effective*** on the disability or incapacity of the principal*..”

[§751.0021](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-0021.html) confirms that a photocopy or electronically transmitted copy of an original durable *Power of Attorney* has the same “***effect”*** as the original instrument and may be relied on, without liability, by a person who is asked to accept the durable *Power of Attorney* to the same extent as the original.

[§751.203](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-0021.html) in the context of agent's certifications states: "*if under its terms the *Power of Attorney* becomes ***effective*** on the disability or incapacity of the principal, the person to whom the *Power of Attorney* is presented may request that the certification include a written statement from a physician attending the principal that states that the principal is presently disabled or incapacitated..*"

[§751.209](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-0021.html) dealing with good faith third party reliance includes the words: “*the *Power of Attorney* were genuine, valid, and still in ***effect****”.

### New York

The date on which an [agent's](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) signature is acknowledged is the “***effective date***” of the *Power of Attorney* as to that [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) provided, however, that if two or more [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) are designated to act together, the *Power of Attorney* takes “***effect***” when all the [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) so designated have signed such *Power of Attorney* with their signatures acknowledged ([§5-1501B](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GOB/5-1501B)).

If the *Power of Attorney* states that it “***takes effect***” upon the occurrence of a date or a contingency specified in the document, then the *Power of Attorney* “***takes effect***” only when the date or contingency identified in the document has occurred, and the signature of the agent acting on behalf of the principal has been acknowledged ([§5-1501B](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GOB/5-1501B)).

In the context of good faith reliance [§5-1504](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GOB/5-1504) provides: *“may rely upon the *Power of Attorney* as if the *Power of Attorney* were genuine, valid and still ***in effect***, the agent's authority were genuine, valid and still ***in effect****".

In the context of affirmations provided by an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to a [third party](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-third-party), “*..execute an acknowledged affidavit.. stating that the Power of Attorney is in full force and **effect***..” [§5-1504](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GOB/5-1504).

### Florida

A *Power of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^34] that “***becomes effective***” at a future point in time or upon the occurrence of a contingency is prohibited ([§709.2108(3)](https://codes.findlaw.com/fl/title-xl-real-and-personal-property/fl-st-sect-709-2108.html)).

### Illinois

In **Illinois**, the [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) in [§3-3](https://codes.findlaw.com/il/chapter-755-estates/il-st-sect-755-45-3-3.html) contains the notations:

- “*Absent amendment or revocation, the authority granted in this *Power of Attorney* will ***become effective*** at the time this power is signed and will continue until your death, unless a limitation on the beginning date or duration is made by initialing and completing one or both of paragraphs 6 and 7.. This *Power of Attorney* shall ***become effective*** on …............................................................... (*NOTE: Insert a future date or event during your lifetime, such as a court determination of your disability or a written determination by your physician that you are incapacitated, when you want this power to first take effect*)*
- *“Unless you specifically limit the period of time that this *Power of Attorney* will be ***in effect*** your agent may exercise the powers given to him or her throughout your lifetime, both before and after you become incapacitated..”*
- *“This *Power of Attorney* will not be ***effective*** unless it is signed by at least one witness and your signature is notarized, using the form below. The notary may not also sign as a witness”*

### Pennsylvania

[§5602](https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-20-pacsa-decedents-estates-and-fiduciaries/pa-csa-sect-20-5604.html) confirms that a photocopy or electronically transmitted copy of an originally executed *Power of Attorney* has the same “***effect***” as the original.

[§5604](https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-20-pacsa-decedents-estates-and-fiduciaries/pa-csa-sect-20-5604.html) affirms the entitlement of a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) to [create](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a *Power of Attorney* that shall “**become effective**” at a specified future time or upon the occurrence of a specified contingency, including the disability or incapacity of the principal".

In dealing involving good faith reliance by a third party, [§5604](https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-20-pacsa-decedents-estates-and-fiduciaries/pa-csa-sect-20-5604.html) affirms a third party may rely upon the *Power of Attorney* as if the *Power of Attorney* and agent's authority were genuine, valid and still in “***effect***”.

[§5613](https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-20-pacsa-decedents-estates-and-fiduciaries/pa-csa-sect-20-5613.html) recognizes that the meaning and “***effect***” of a *Power of Attorney* is determined by the law of the jurisdiction indicated in the *Power of Attorney*.

## **Outside The Scope Of This Wiki Page**

### ***Powers of Attorney*** **For** Commercial Entities

The analysis on this page is of no relevance to a *Power of Attorney* for a [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity):-

- a [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) has no purpose for the concept of [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) as it applies to [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Powers of Attorney:-*
- it is unhelpful to speak of [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) or [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Powers of Attorney* when speaking about *Powers of Attorney* for a [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity)

### ***Powers of Attorney*** **For Persons Excluded From Ambit of Legislation**

*Powers of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) that are [excluded](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#six-6-greater-states-applicationexclusion-of-legislation) from the ambit of the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) are excluded from the ambit of the information on this page.

Where a *Power of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) that is [excluded](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#six-6-greater-states-applicationexclusion-of-legislation) from the ambit of the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons):-

- particular care is required given in particular, they remain substantially governed solely by [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law) of which important parts have been modified by [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) in the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa)
- where the relevant modifications do not apply to a *Power of Attorney*, the information on this page may not apply

**Next page overview**

- **The [next page](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#about-government-forms) examines the role and usefulness of government forms.**

**Next page index**

- [In **California, Texas, New York & Illinois** a **government form** is **available** (unlike Florida and Pennsylvania)](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il)
- [**Design, content & style** of government forms](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#design-content-style-of-government-forms)
- [**Options** available **where** a *Power of Attorney* is **not a government form**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#options-available-using-a-power-of-attorney-that-is-not-a-government-form)
- [There are **no government forms for commercial entities**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#there-are-no-government-forms-for-commercial-entities)
- [**REFERENCES**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#some-handy-references)
- [California](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#california) - [Texas](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#texas) - [New York](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#new-york)
- [Illinois](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#illinois) - [Florida & Pennsylvania](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#florida-pennsylvania)

## 

[^1]: See for example, the article by Moses & Singer LLP dated March 8, 2021 and titled [*Big Changes to New York’s Power of Attorney Law Are Coming June 13, 2021*](https://www.mosessinger.com/articles/big-changes-to-new-yorks-power-of-attorney-law-are-coming-june-13-2021) under the heading “Unanswered Questions” towards the end of the article, identifying questions arising from the recent changes to the laws relating to *Powers of Attorney* in New York, which became effective on June 13, 2021.
[^2]: Being a *Power 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.
[^3]: Ibid.
[^4]: See the discussion at page 893 of [The Rationale of Agency](https://www.repository.law.indiana.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3256&context=facpub) by Warren Seavey (1920)
[^5]: See [The Durable Power of Attorney's Place In The Family of Fiduciary Relationships](https://digitalcommons.law.uw.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1177&context=faculty-articles) by Karen E Boxx (2001) at page 6.
[^6]: See for example, Fordham and Leach at page 452.
[^7]: See the [Table Summary - Legislative Grounds for Termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/tablelegislationtermination)
[^8]: As compared to say, Texas, New York and Florida where [§751.131](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-131.html), [§5-1511](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GOB/5-1511) and [§709.2109](https://codes.findlaw.com/fl/title-xl-real-and-personal-property/fl-st-sect-709-2109.html) respectively speak of [termination](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) of a *Power of Attorney* where no [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) is appointed, accepting that [§751.131](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-131.html) in Texas only operates in respect of a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* (*which cannot be a *Power of Attorney* [excluded](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) from the ambit of the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons)*) and [§5-1511](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GOB/5-1511) and [§709.2109](https://codes.findlaw.com/fl/title-xl-real-and-personal-property/fl-st-sect-709-2109.html) in New York and Florida respectively only apply to *Powers of Attorney* not [excluded](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) from the ambit of the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons)).
[^9]: Being not a *Power of Attorney* that is [excluded](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) 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.
[^10]: Being not *Powers of Attorney* that are [excluded](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) 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.
[^11]: Being not a *Power of Attorney* that is [excluded](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) 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.
[^12]: Ibid.
[^13]: Being a *Power of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) that is not [excluded](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) 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.
[^14]: Being a *Power of Attorney* that is not [excluded](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) 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.
[^15]: Being a *Power of Attorney* that is not [excluded](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) 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.
[^16]: Being a *Power of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) that is not [excluded](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) 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.
[^17]: Being a *Power of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) not for a purpose 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.
[^18]: Ibid.
[^19]: Ibid.
[^20]: Ibid.
[^21]: Ibid.
[^22]: Ibid.
[^23]: Ibid.
[^24]: Ibid.
[^25]: Ibid.
[^26]: Being not a *Power of Attorney* [excluded](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) from the ambit of the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons).
[^27]: Ibid.
[^28]: Ibid.
[^29]: Being *Powers of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) that are not [excluded](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) from the ambit of the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons).
[^30]: Being not a *Power of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) that is [excluded](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) from the ambit of the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons).
[^31]: Ibid.
[^32]: Ibid.
[^33]: Ibid.
[^34]: Being not a *Power of Attorney* that is [excluded](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) from the ambit of the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons)