Connecticut has a new Power of Attorney Statute.
The 2015 and 2016 sessions of the Connecticut legislature enacted the Connecticut Uniform Power of Attorney Act. This is the first major revision to Connecticut’s Power of Attorney law since 1965. Here are six facts about the new law that may be helpful.
Fact 1: The law became effective on October 1, 2016, but if you have a Power of Attorney Instrument that was signed before October 1, 2016 it remains valid.
Fact 2: The person you name to act for you now is called an “Agent.”
Fact 3: The Power of Attorney Instrument is effective when signed. If you don’t want it to be effective until the happening of a certain event, you need to say that, expressly.
Fact 4: The legislature provided two sample forms that can be used if you want to do that, but you are not limited to those two forms. Other versions of Power of Attorney Instrument with provisions that are tailored to your specific needs also are acceptable.
Fact 5: In most cases a financial institution is required to accept an acknowledged Power of Attorney Instrument, even if it is old and even if it is not on a form recognized by the financial institution.
Fact 6: If those who care about you think your agent is abusing the authority granted, the Probate Court can be asked to look into what is going on.
If you are interested in learning more about the Connecticut Uniform Power of Attorney Act and how it affects you and your family, please contact the office. We would be glad to meet with you for a no hassle, no charge initial consultation, no matter how long it lasts.