What steps can i take to prevent improper use of my power of attorney?
A. There is no way to guarantee your power of attorney will not be misused. Here are some guidelines and precautions that will help prevent abuse: Never have a power of attorney unless you need one. • If you feel you might need a power of attorney, have one prepared but don’t sign it until you need it. • Make sure your expiration date is for a fairly short period of time. While this will vary from one person to another, periods of one, two or three years are not uncommon on powers of attorney. Check the policy of the legal assistance office to determine its policy on limiting duration of powers of attorney. • Always put an expiration date on your power of attorney; never make a power of attorney that lasts indefinitely. • Never use a general power of attorney when a special one will do. • If you want to cancel or terminate a power of attorney before it expires, you can prepare and execute a Revocation of Power of Attorney. Give a copy of the revocation to any person that might deal wit
