{"id":287002,"date":"2025-03-31T12:59:16","date_gmt":"2025-03-31T17:59:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/estate\/financial-power-of-attorney\/should-i-appoint-coagents-in-my-power-of-attorney.html"},"modified":"2025-03-31T13:04:31","modified_gmt":"2025-03-31T18:04:31","slug":"should-i-appoint-coagents-in-my-power-of-attorney","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/financial-power-of-attorney\/should-i-appoint-coagents-in-my-power-of-attorney.html","title":{"rendered":"Should I Appoint Co-Agents in My Power of Attorney?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Should I Appoint Co-Agents in My Power of Attorney?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

It’s possible to name co-agents in a power of attorney who have equal authority and must act in the principal’s best interest. However, co-agents can face conflicts, especially in urgent healthcare or financial decisions, which may delay necessary actions.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

It’s possible to name co-agents in a power of attorney document who have equal authority and must act in the principal’s best interest. However, co-agents can face conflicts, especially in urgent healthcare or financial decisions, which may delay necessary actions.<\/p>\n

You’re in the process of reviewing your power of attorney and have to decide on naming your agent. There are two people that you trust and can handle this responsibility, but the question is, which one should you choose?<\/p>\n

Since you’re at an impasse, you decide it may be a good idea to choose co-agents for your power of attorney.<\/p>\n

This article examines whether it is possible to appoint co-agents under a power of attorney and the potential implications of that decision.<\/p>\n

What Is a Power of Attorney?<\/h2>\n

A\u00a0power of attorney (POA)<\/a>\u00a0is a legal document authorizing a designated person to act on behalf of another individual, usually called the principal. This designated person is your agent or attorney-in-fact.<\/p>\n

A power of attorney is a crucial tool to plan for future financial and healthcare decisions. It is paramount that whoever you name as an agent is someone you can trust and can carry out your wishes.<\/p>\n

What Is the Purpose of an Agent or Co-Agents?<\/h2>\n

An\u00a0agent or co-agent<\/a>\u00a0has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the principal. To be appointed as an agent or co-agent is a serious responsibility and role. As a part of their role, agents must work within the parameters outlined in the power of attorney.<\/p>\n

From a legal perspective, two co-agents have the same rights as one agent under a power of attorney. Co-agents can have a wide variety of powers under a medical and financial power of attorney.<\/p>\n

Some common decision-making powers may include:<\/p>\n