Preparó cuidadosamente sus poderes notariales como parte de su plan patrimonial. Luego ocurre una emergencia familiar y, cuando la persona que designó como su apoderado intenta utilizar el documento, el banco, la casa de bolsa o la compañía de seguros se niega a aceptarlo.
Lamentablemente, esta situación es más común de lo que mucha gente cree.
La buena noticia es que un rechazo no significa necesariamente que el poder de representación sea inválido. Este artículo analiza los pasos prácticos a seguir cuando un tercero cuestiona o se niega a actuar sobre un poder de representación. Al igual que toda la información de este sitio web, esta publicación es de naturaleza educativa y no debe ser considerada como asesoramiento.
Como todo contenido en este sitio web, esta publicación es de carácter informativo y no debe ser considerada como asesoría legal. Consulta con un abogado para obtener asesoría específica a tu situación.
Palley Law Office es un despacho de abogados especializado en planificación patrimonial, ubicado en Chicago, Illinois., serves clients in the greater Chicago area, and provides prospective clients an initial consultation at no charge.
Por qué terceros a veces rechazan un poder notarial
Las instituciones financieras y otras organizaciones suelen actuar con cautela al tratar con poderes notariales.
Desde su perspectiva, se les pide que confíen en un documento que permite a una persona actuar en nombre de otra. Si aceptan por error un documento inválido, podrían exponerse a incurrir en responsabilidad legal.
Como resultado, las instituciones revisan minuciosamente los poderes notariales antes de autorizar transacciones.
Motivos comunes de rechazo
Un poder puede ser impugnado si:
- El documento parece incompleto o firmado incorrectamente.
- La institución tiene dudas sobre si el mandante tenía capacidad en el momento en que se firmó el documento.
- La institución cree que es posible que se haya revocado el poder.
- There are concerns about fraud, undue influence, or financial exploitation.
- The requested transaction exceeds the authority granted to the agent.
- The institution needs additional verification that the principal is still living and that the power remains in effect.
In some cases, the institution may simply need more information before proceeding.
“You Must Use Our Form”
One of the most frustrating responses an agent can receive is:
“We only accept our own power of attorney form.”
Under Illinois law, a financial institution generally cannot refuse a properly executed Illinois statutory power of attorney solely because it is not on the institution’s preferred form.
That does not mean every dispute is easy to resolve, but a bank’s preference for its own form is not automatically a valid reason to reject an otherwise valid statutory power of attorney.
What Additional Documents May Be Requested?
Illinois law allows third parties to request reasonable supporting information before accepting a power of attorney.
Common requests include:
- A certification signed by the agent confirming that the principal is still living and that the power of attorney remains in effect.
- A certified copy of the power of attorney.
- A letter from the principal’s attorney confirming the validity of the document.
Providing these materials often resolves the issue without further dispute.
What If the Refusal Seems Unreasonable?
Illinois law generally requires third parties to honor valid powers of attorney unless there is a legitimate reason not to do so.
In fact, a third party that arbitrarily or unreasonably refuses to honor a valid power of attorney may face legal consequences and potential liability for damages.
Every situation is different, however. Before assuming a refusal is improper, it is important to determine exactly why the institution is refusing to act.
Practical Steps to Take
If a power of attorney is rejected:
- Ask for the specific reason in writing.
- Request the name and title of the person making the decision.
- Determine whether additional documentation is being requested.
- Review the power of attorney to confirm that it grants authority for the transaction in question.
- Consult with an attorney if the refusal appears inconsistent with Illinois law.
Often the issue can be resolved with additional documentation or by escalating the matter to the institution’s legal department.
En resumen
A power of attorney is one of the most important estate planning documents a person can sign, but having the document is only part of the equation.
When a bank, brokerage firm, or other institution refuses to honor a power of attorney, the problem may be anything from a missing certification to a misunderstanding of Illinois law. Determining the reason for the refusal is usually the first step toward finding a solution.
If you are encountering difficulties using a power of attorney in Illinois, obtaining legal guidance early can often prevent delays and help ensure that the principal’s affairs are managed when assistance is needed most.
Palley Law te invita a consultar
Palley Law counsels clients throughout the Chicago area in powers of attorney, wills, trusts, and estate planning, and provides prospective clients an initial consultation at no charge.
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