# What is a Protector?

> Insight about protectors under a Power of Attorney

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

This page explains

### Why Does The Term “Protector” Mean?

The term ‘[protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa)’ is used in this Wiki to refer to a [legal entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-legal-entity) that is authorized under [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) governing *Powers of Attorney* for [persons](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^1] to “designate” or “appoint” [successor agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/successoragents#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) under a *Power of Attorney*.

## What Is A Protector

- [**Protector in (CA, TX, IL & PA)**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa)
- [**Comparing** protectors in **California**, **Texas**, **Illinois** & **Pennsylvania**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#comparing-protectors-in-california-texas-illinois-and-pennsylvania)
- [Identification by **name, office or function**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#identification-by-name-office-or-function)
- [**Appointing a commercial entity** as protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#appointment-of-a-commercial-entity-as-a-protector)
- [**Shortcomings** associated with a protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#shortcomings-associated-with-a-protector)
- [Must protector be an appointed agent in **Pennsylvania**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#must-protector-be-an-appointed-agent-in-pennsylvania)
- [**Commercial entities identifying a protector**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#commercial-entities-identifying-a-protector)
- [Protector being **identified after *Power of Attorney* created** perhaps in a separate document](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-being-identified-after-power-of-attorney-created-and-perhaps-in-a-separate-document)
- [Protector needing to **accept appointment & obligations**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-needing-to-accept-appointment)
- [**Positive duty to act**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#positive-duty-to-act)
- [**Supervision** of protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#supervision-of-protector)

The term ‘[protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa)’ is used in this Wiki to refer to a [legal entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-legal-entity) that is authorized under [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) governing *Powers of Attorney* for [persons](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^1] to “designate” or “appoint” [successor agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/successoragents#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) under a *Power of Attorney*.

### The Legislation in California, Texas, Illinois & Pennsylvania

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| California | [§4203](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4203.html) provides that “*the principal may grant authority to **another person**, **designated** by name, by office, or by function… to **designate** at any time one or more successor attorneys-in-fact*” |
| Texas | In **Texas** (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*) [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) refers to *“grant[ing] authority to **designate** one or more successor agents to **an agent or other person** **designated** by name, office, or function":* [§751.023](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-023.html) |
| Illinois | The [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) may appoint a “*grant authority to **another person**, **designated** by name, by office, or by function, including an initial or successor agent, to **designate** one or more successor agents*" [§2-10.3](https://codes.findlaw.com/il/chapter-755-estates/il-st-sect-755-45-2-10-3.html) |
| Pennsylvania | [§5602](https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-20-pacsa-decedents-estates-and-fiduciaries/pa-csa-sect-20-5602.html) [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) governing *Powers of Attorney* for [persons](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^2] says a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) may provide for “*the **delegation** to an original or successor agent of the **power to appoint** his successor or successors*” |

### New York & Florida

In **New York** and **Florida**, [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) governing *Powers of Attorney* for persons[^3] makes no mention of a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa):-

- there may be debate as to whether a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) may be appointed
- the law regarding [powers of appointment](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-power-if-appointment) may assist in answering the question of whether a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) may be appointed (being [outside the scope of this Wiki](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#powers-of-attorney-outside-the-scope-of-this-wiki-page))

Perhaps in **Florida**, the restrictive approach seen in prohibition of the appointment of [sub-agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/subagents#original-or-successor-agent-may-appoint-sub-agent) (*unlike the other five (5) of the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa)*) reflects a generally conservative approach, which might extend to restriction of delegation of a [power of appointment](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-power-if-appointment) (see [§709.2114(b)](https://codes.findlaw.com/fl/title-xl-real-and-personal-property/fl-st-sect-709-2114.html)).

With respect to appointment of a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) in respect of a [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney* in **Texas**:-

- it remains a matter of [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law) whether a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) can be appointed
- if the view be taken that a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) is a [fiduciary](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-fiduciary), any corporation proposed for appointment as a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) would need to be authorized (see [§304.003(4)](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-304-003.html#:~:text=Persons%20Disqualified%20to%20Serve%20as%20Executor%20or%20Administrator) discussed in more detail below)

## Comparing Protectors in California, Texas, Illinois and Pennsylvania

### Choice of Protector

In **California**, **Texas** and **Illinois** in respect of a *Power of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^4]:-

- choice of [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) is not limited to only include an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) or [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/successoragents#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) (as is the case in **Pennyslvania**)
- a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) may be identified by name, office or function
- a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) may “designate” a [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/successoragents#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) (as opposed to “appoint” in **Pennsylvania**)
- the term “designate” seems to contemplate a candidate being identified as a candidate, that is, someone identified for appointment in the future
- this approach seems consistent with the extensive use of the word “designate” in the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) of **California**, **Texas** and **Illinois**

In **Pennsylvania** in respect of a *Power of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person),[^5] things work differently:-

- an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) or [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/successoragents#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) may be authorized to “appoint” their own replacement
- the term “appoint” may have a different meaning to the word “designate” used in **California**, **Texas** and **Illinois** in the same context:-

  - “appoint” might be read restrictively, so as to mean that a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) cannot merely name a candidate, only actually appoint a [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/successoragents#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible)
  - “appoint” might be read expansively, permitting a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) to do everything incidental to appointing a [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/successoragents#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) who need not be taking office at any particular time and for example, permit a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) to appoint a professional who intends to charge for their services as a [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/successoragents#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible)

## Identification By Name, Office or Function

In **California**, **Texas** and **Illinois**, 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* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^6] may identify a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) by name, office or function.

The terms “office” or “function” presumably account for a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) identifying as a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) persons like:-

- the oldest appointed [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) under the *Power of Attorney*
- an officer of a church (*i.e. the Bishop of the Catholic Church, Brooklyn etc*.)
- the [principal’s](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) day-to-day accountant

Where a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) prefers to identify a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) by office or function, certainty is the key.

For example, to identify as a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) “*the Bishop of the Catholic Church*” would not be effective, given there are multiple bishops in many states of America.

## Appointment of a Commercial Entity As A Protector

Perhaps in **California**, **Illinois** & **Pennsylvania** and perhaps even in **Texas**, a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) might be a [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity).

### California and Illinois

The relevant legislative provisions respectively speak of appointment of “*another person… including an initial or successor agent*” by the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) ([§4203](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4203.html) **CA**; [§2-10.3](https://codes.findlaw.com/il/chapter-755-estates/il-st-sect-755-45-2-10-3.html) **IL**).

- the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) in which these words appear applies to *Powers of Attorney* created by [persons](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)
- the term “another person” might infer that a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) may only be a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) (i.e. *not a [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity)*)
- against this conclusion and in favour of the entitlement of a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) to appoint a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) that is a [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity):-

  - in **California**, the term “person" is defined in [§56](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-56.html) to mean ”*individual, corporation, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, or other entity*"
  - in **Illinois**,[§2-3](https://codes.findlaw.com/il/chapter-755-estates/il-st-sect-755-45-2-3.html) defines the term “person” to include “*an individual, corporation, trust, partnership or other entity, as appropriate to the agency*”

It may be that a [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) that is an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-is-first-appointed) or [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/successoragents#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) could also be a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa), possibly subject to requirements of the kind seen in **Texas**, requiring a corporation to be authorized.

### Texas

In **Texas**, [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) only governing [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Powers of Attorney* refers to a *“grant [of] authority to designate one or more successor agents to an agent or other person designated by name, office, or function":* [§751.023](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-023.html).

The expression "*an agent or other person*” calls into question whether a [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) may be appointed as an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-is-first-appointed), discussed under the heading [A Commercial Entity May Be An Agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#a-commercial-entity-may-be-an-agent), accepting that if a [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) may be appointed as an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-is-first-appointed), it follows that a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) may be a [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity).

That is not the end of the inquiry, accepting that if a [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) cannot be appointed as an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-is-first-appointed), it is also possible that the term “person” in [§751.023](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-023.html) includes a [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity).

In the definitions chapter of the *Texas Probate Code*, the term “person” is defined as “*including a natural person and a corporation*” ([§22.027](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-22-027.html)).

There appears to potentially be real support for the entitlement of a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) to appoint a [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) as an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-is-first-appointed), seen for example in articles like [*A Guide to Fiduciary Selection, Estate Planning Developments for Texas Professionals*, Gerry Beyer, Texas Tech University School of Law, July 2014](https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2473504) which pre-dates the 2018 reforms in Texas but nonetheless, seems to support the notion of a [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) being appointed as an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-is-first-appointed), accepting the article states “*A corporation must be authorized to act as a fiduciary under Texas law… [§304.003(4)](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-304-003.html#:~:text=Persons%20Disqualified%20to%20Serve%20as%20Executor%20or%20Administrator).*.”

### Pennsylvania

In **Pennsylvania**, an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-is-first-appointed) or [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/successoragents#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) may be authorized to “appoint” a [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/successoragents#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) for themselves.

Similar to the position in Texas, this calls into question whether whether a [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) may be appointed as an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-is-first-appointed), discussed under the heading [A Commercial Entity May Be An Agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#a-commercial-entity-may-be-an-agent).

In **Pennsylvania**:-

- [§5601(f)](https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-20-pacsa-decedents-estates-and-fiduciaries/pa-csa-sect-20-5601.html) defines an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) as “*a person designated by a principal in a power of attorney to act on behalf of that principal”*
- *“*Person” is defined in [§1991](https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-1-pacsa-general-provisions/pa-csa-sect-1-1991.html) to include “*…a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, business trust, other association, government entity (other than the Commonwealth), estate, trust, foundation or natural person”*

It seems to follow that an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-is-first-appointed) or [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/successoragents#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) may be a [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) and that a [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) that is an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-is-first-appointed) or [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/successoragents#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) could also be a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa), possibly subject to requirements of the kind seen in **Texas**, requiring a corporation to be authorized.

### New York and Florida

If it is possible to identify a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) in **New York** or **Florida**, where [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) makes no mention of a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa), it may be possible to appoint a [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) as a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa).

It may be that a [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) that is an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-is-first-appointed) or [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/successoragents#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) could also be a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa), possibly subject to requirements of the kind seen in **Texas**, requiring a corporation to be authorized.

## Shortcomings Associated With A Protector

### Clarity of Operation

The notion of a ‘[protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa)’ is poorly dealt managed in [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons), which does not address issues like:-

- is a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) a [fiduciary](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-fiduciary), so as to require authorization if the [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) is a [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity)? *(see [§304.003(4)](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-304-003.html#:~:text=Persons%20Disqualified%20to%20Serve%20as%20Executor%20or%20Administrator) in **Texas** discussed above and any similar provisions on the other five (5) of the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa))*
- does the term “designate” entitle a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) to depose an appointed [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/successoragents#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible), so as to in effect enable a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) to not only name a candidate for appointment as a [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/successoragents#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) under a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney,* but also for example, direct that the candidate replace an appointed [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/successoragents#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible)?
- does the term “designate” entitles a [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/successoragents#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) to ‘withdraw’ a designation, before the designated person is appointed?
- does the term “appoint” refer only to appointment in the event of a vacancy in office, or does it permit a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) to name a candidate for appointment in the event of a vacancy?
- can a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) impose [conditions](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/conditions#conditions-can-be-imposed-in-respect-of-an-agents-appointment) or define a [term of appointment](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termaboutterm#term-term-of-authority-and-term-of-appointment-of-an-agent) in respect of a “designated” or “appointed” candidate for appointment as a [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/successoragents#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible)?
- does a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) need to accept appointment?

Presumably, it is up the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) to deal with these kinds of issues in their *Power of Attorney*.

### Omission From Government Forms

Optional [government forms](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) do not include space to record a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa), noting:-

- in **California** and **Texas**, the optional [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) includes no specific provision for recording the identity of a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa)
- in **Illinois**, the [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) refers in the ‘additional powers’ section to recording of powers of appointment in favour of an agent (*which would not assist where the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) appoints a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) who is not an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal)*)
- **Pennsylvania** nd **Florida** do not have a [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il)
- in **New York** the [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) contains no provision for recording a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa), which is unsurprising given the notion of a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) in **New York** is not included in the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons)

## Must Protector Be An Appointed Agent in Pennsylvania

In **Pennsylvania**, [§5602(b)](https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-20-pacsa-decedents-estates-and-fiduciaries/pa-csa-sect-20-5602.html) says that a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) may provide for “*the **delegation** to an original or successor agent of the **power to appoint** his successor or successors*”

[§5602(b)](https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-20-pacsa-decedents-estates-and-fiduciaries/pa-csa-sect-20-5602.html) does not speak of someone ‘named as a potential agent’ or ‘named as a potential successor agent’.

Perhaps the effect of [§5602(b)](https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-20-pacsa-decedents-estates-and-fiduciaries/pa-csa-sect-20-5602.html) is to only permit an appointed [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) or a [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/successoragents#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) to name their own successor(s), as opposed to also authorizing a ‘mere candidate’ for potential appointment as an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) or a [successor agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/successoragents#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) to name their successor(s), if so authorized by the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney).

## Commercial Entities Identifying A Protector

The [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) does not govern *Powers of Attorney* [created](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) by a [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity).

For this reason, the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) is of no help in determining whether a [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) may name a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) in a *Power of Attorney*.

Naming of a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) in a *Power of Attorney* appears to amount to exercise of a [power of appointment](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-power-if-appointment) or delegation of a [power of appointment](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-power-if-appointment), being topics that are [outside the scope of this Wiki](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/durablenondurable#powers-of-attorney-outside-the-scope-of-this-wiki-page).

There does not appear to be any obvious basis to resist the conclusion that a [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) may exercise a [power of appointment](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-power-if-appointment) or delegate a [power of appointment](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-power-if-appointment), which may justify the conclusion that a [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) may name a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) in a *Power of Attorney*.

Each of the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa) may approach this issue differently.

## Protector Being Identified After *Power of Attorney* Created And Perhaps In A Separate Document

Whether the appointment of a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) may be recorded in a separate document created after a *Power of Attorney* is [created](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) is uncertain.

Where a separate document is contemplated for possible use, questions might include whether it constitutes an [amendment](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/Amendment#not-all-of-the-six-6-greater-states-have-legislated-with-respect-to-modifications-and-amendments) to the *Power of Attorney* and as such, must satisfy any requirements applicable to [amendment](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/Amendment#not-all-of-the-six-6-greater-states-have-legislated-with-respect-to-modifications-and-amendments).

## Protector Needing To “Accept Appointment”

It appears that a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) does not formally need to ‘accept appointment’, unless perhaps the *Power of Attorney* specifies otherwise.

## Positive Duty To Act

In **California**, **Illinois** & **Pennsylvania**, the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) does not relieve a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) of any [positive duty to act](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentoblig#an-agent-may-not-have-a-positive-duty-to-act), which is at odds with provision in the same [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) excluding a [positive duty to act](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentoblig#an-agent-may-not-have-a-positive-duty-to-act) on the part of an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) - see the heading [In Some Of the Six (6) Greater States A Positive Duty To Act Is Positively Excluded](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentoblig#in-some-of-the-six-6-greater-states-a-positive-duty-to-act-is-expressly-excluded).

In **Texas**, [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) does not expressly exclude the existence of a [positive duty to act](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentoblig#an-agent-may-not-have-a-positive-duty-to-act) and expressly recognizes the existence of a [fiduciary](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-fiduciary) duty ([§751.101](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-101.html)) which might amount to imposition of a [positive duty to act](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentoblig#an-agent-may-not-have-a-positive-duty-to-act) upon an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal).

It follows that at least in **Texas** where an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) is named as a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa), they may be subject to a [positive duty to act](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentoblig#an-agent-may-not-have-a-positive-duty-to-act), even if this be ‘by default’, as part of ther duties as an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) in circumstances where they are also named as a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa).

Whatever be the position:-

- there is nothing to prevent a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) from entering an agreement with a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) requiring them to act (*i.e. imposing a [positive duty to act](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentoblig#an-agent-may-not-have-a-positive-duty-to-act)*)
- a [prudent principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#being-a-prudent-principal-is-encouraged) might consider including relevant terms either in the *Power of Attorney* or a separate agreement

## Supervision Of Protector

A [prudent principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#being-a-prudent-principal-is-encouraged) might consider entering arrangements dealing with supervision of the performance of a [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa).

For example, a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) might execute a separate *Power of Attorney* authorizing a suitable body of [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to supervise the [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) and ensure that the [protector](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/protector#protector-ca-tx-il-pa) performs their functions.

[^1]: Being not *Powers of Attorney* 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.
[^2]: Ibid.
[^3]: Ibid.
[^4]: Being not a *Power of Attorney* 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.
[^5]: Ibid.
[^6]: Ibid.