This guide helps family members and others understand their role as an agent. It provides tips on making financial decisions for someone else as well as protecting assets from fraud and scams.
Related products:
Spanish version: https://bookstore.gpo.gov/products/ayuda-para-agentes-dajo-un-poder-legal
Agency website: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/
About the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau 1
Why read this guide? 5
Power of attorney questions and answers 6
Four basic duties of a fiduciary 8
Duty 1 | Act only in Martina’s best interest 8
Duty 2 | Manage Martina’s money and property carefully 9
Duty 3 | Keep Martina’s money and property separate 11
Duty 4 | Keep good records 12
More things you should know 13
What if there are other fiduciaries? 13
Government benefits require special fiduciaries 13
How can you avoid problems with family or friends? 14
What should you know about working with professionals? 14
Watch out for financial exploitation 15
Look for these common signs of financial exploitation 15
Be on guard for consumer scams 17
How can you protect Martina from scams? 17
Where to go for help 20
Local and state agencies 20
Federal agencies 21
For legal help 21
For accounting help 21
Caregivers and adult consumers
