Acting for someone when they can't

A power of attorney names an agent to handle your financial affairs, such as bill paying and investment management, if an illness, accident or simple fatigue leaves you unable or unwilling to cope. Giving someone power of attorney is important, but also tricky. You may have be someone's POA but if the person who granted power objects, financial institutions will not always accept you. In proceedings to be a conservator, a judge takes evidence from the disabled person's doctor and may be others, such as a social worker. If the judge concludes that the incapacity is real, only then can the agent act. You might hold a health care proxy for someone with advanced Alzheimer's disease who will not enter a facility. In order for you to be able to make medical decisions, you have to ask a judge to name you guardian. If you are a trustee and your assistance is refused, you will have to go to court also. All of this costs a lot of money, as you can imagine.