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AN ACT
RELATING TO POWERS OF ATTORNEY; ENACTING THE UNIFORM POWER OF
ATTORNEY ACT; REPEALING AND ENACTING SECTIONS OF THE NMSA
1978.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:
ARTICLE 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 101. SHORT TITLE.--This act may be cited as the
"Uniform Power of Attorney Act".
Section 102. DEFINITIONS.--As used in the Uniform Power
of Attorney Act:
A. "agent" means a person granted authority to act
for a principal under a power of attorney, whether denominated
an agent, attorney-in-fact or otherwise. The term includes an
original agent, co-agent, successor agent and a person to
which an agent's authority is delegated;
B. "durable", with respect to a power of attorney,
means not terminated by the principal's incapacity;
C. "electronic" means relating to technology
having electrical, digital, magnetic, wireless, optical,
electromagnetic or similar capabilities;
D. "good faith" means honesty in fact;
E. "incapacity" means inability of an individual
to manage the individual's estate or financial affairs, or
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both, because:
(1) of gross mismanagement, as evidenced by
recent behavior, of the individual's income and resources or
the individual's medical inability to manage the individual's
income and resources that has led, or is likely in the near
future to lead, to financial vulnerability; or
(2) the individual is:
(a) missing;
(b) detained, including incarcerated in
a penal system; or
(c) outside the United States and
unable to return;
F. "person" means an individual, corporation,
business trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited liability
company, association, joint venture, public corporation,
government or governmental subdivision, agency or
instrumentality or any other legal or commercial entity;
G. "power of attorney" means a writing or other
record that grants authority to an agent to act in the place
of the principal, whether or not the term "power of attorney"
is used;
H. "presently exercisable general power of
appointment", with respect to property or a property interest
subject to a power of appointment, means power exercisable at
the time in question to vest absolute ownership in the
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principal individually, the principal's estate, the
principal's creditors or the creditors of the principal's
estate. The term includes a power of appointment not
exercisable until the occurrence of a specified event, the
satisfaction of an ascertainable standard or the passage of a
specified period only after the occurrence of the specified
event, the satisfaction of the ascertainable standard or the
passage of the specified period. The term does not include a
power exercisable in a fiduciary capacity or only by will;
I. "principal" means an individual who grants
authority to an agent in a power of attorney;
J. "property" means anything that may be the
subject of ownership, whether real or personal, or legal or
equitable, or any interest or right therein;
K. "record" means information that is inscribed on
a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other
medium and is retrievable in perceivable form;
L. "sign" means with present intent to
authenticate or adopt a record:
(1) to execute or adopt a tangible symbol; or
(2) to attach to or logically associate with
the record an electronic sound, symbol or process;
M. "state" means a state of the United States, the
District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin
Islands or any territory or insular possession subject to the
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jurisdiction of the United States; and
N. "stocks and bonds" means stocks, bonds, mutual
funds and all other types of securities and financial
instruments, whether held directly, indirectly or in any other
manner. The term does not include commodity futures contracts
and call or put options on stocks or stock indexes.
Section 103. APPLICABILITY.--The Uniform Power of
Attorney Act applies to all powers of attorney except:
A. a power to the extent it is coupled with an
interest in the subject of the power, including a power given
to or for the benefit of a creditor in connection with a
credit transaction;
B. a power to make health care decisions;
C. a proxy or other delegation to exercise voting
rights or management rights with respect to an entity; and
D. a power created on a form prescribed by a
government or governmental subdivision, agency or
instrumentality for a governmental purpose.
Section 104. POWER OF ATTORNEY IS DURABLE.--A power of
attorney created under the Uniform Power of Attorney Act is
durable unless it expressly provides that it is terminated by
the incapacity of the principal.
Section 105. EXECUTION OF POWER OF ATTORNEY.--A power of
attorney must be signed by the principal or in the principal's
conscious presence by another individual directed by the
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principal to sign the principal's name on the power of
attorney. A signature on a power of attorney is presumed to
be genuine if the principal acknowledges the signature before
a notary public or other individual authorized by law to take
acknowledgments.
Section 106. VALIDITY OF POWER OF ATTORNEY.--
A. A power of attorney executed in this state on
or after July 1, 2007 is valid if its execution complies with
Section 105 of the Uniform Power of Attorney Act.
B. A power of attorney executed in this state
before July 1, 2007 is valid if its execution complied with
the law of this state as it existed at the time of execution.
C. A power of attorney executed other than in this
state is valid in this state if, when the power of attorney
was executed, the execution complied with:
(1) the law of the jurisdiction that
determines the meaning and effect of the power of attorney
pursuant to Section 107 of the Uniform Power of Attorney Act;
or
(2) the requirements for a military power of
attorney pursuant to 10 U.S.C. Section 1044b, as amended.
D. Except as otherwise provided by statute other
than the Uniform Power of Attorney Act, a photocopy or
electronically transmitted copy of an original power of
attorney has the same effect as the original.
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Section 107. MEANING AND EFFECT OF POWER OF ATTORNEY.--
The meaning and effect of a power of attorney is determined by
the law of the jurisdiction indicated in the power of attorney
and, in the absence of an indication of jurisdiction, by the
law of the jurisdiction in which the power of attorney was
executed.
Section 108. NOMINATION OF CONSERVATOR OR GUARDIAN--
RELATION OF AGENT TO COURT-APPOINTED FIDUCIARY.--
A. In a power of attorney, a principal may
nominate a conservator of the principal's estate or guardian
of the principal's person for consideration by the court if
protective proceedings for the principal's estate or person
are begun after the principal executes the power of attorney.
Except for good cause shown or disqualification, the court
shall make its appointment in accordance with the principal's
most recent nomination.
B. If, after a principal executes a power of
attorney, a court appoints a conservator of the principal's
estate or other fiduciary charged with the management of some
or all of the principal's property, the agent is accountable
to the fiduciary as well as to the principal. The power of
attorney is not terminated and the agent's authority continues
unless limited, suspended or terminated by the court after
notice to, and an opportunity to be heard by, the agent and
the principal.
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Section 109. WHEN POWER OF ATTORNEY EFFECTIVE.--
A. A power of attorney is effective when executed
unless the principal provides in the power of attorney that it
becomes effective at a future date or upon the occurrence of a
future event or contingency.
B. If a power of attorney becomes effective upon
the occurrence of a future event or contingency, the
principal, in the power of attorney, may authorize one or more
persons to determine in a writing or other record that the
event or contingency has occurred.
C. If a power of attorney becomes effective upon
the principal's incapacity and the principal has not
authorized a person to determine whether the principal is
incapacitated, or the person authorized is unable or unwilling
to make the determination, the power of attorney becomes
effective upon a determination in a writing or other record
by:
(1) a physician or licensed psychologist that
the principal is incapacitated within the meaning of Paragraph
(1) of Subsection E of Section 102 of the Uniform Power of
Attorney Act; or
(2) an attorney at law, a judge or an
appropriate governmental official that the principal is
incapacitated within the meaning of Paragraph (2) of
Subsection E of Section 102 of the Uniform Power of Attorney
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Act.
D. A person authorized by the principal in the
power of attorney to determine that the principal is
incapacitated may act as the principal's personal
representative pursuant to the federal Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act, Sections 1171 through 1179
of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 1320d, as
amended, and applicable regulations to obtain access to the
principal's health care information and communicate with the
principal's health care provider.
Section 110. TERMINATION OF POWER OF ATTORNEY OR AGENT'S
AUTHORITY.--
A. A power of attorney terminates when:
(1) the principal dies;
(2) the principal becomes incapacitated, if
the power of attorney is not durable;
(3) the principal revokes the power of
attorney;
(4) the power of attorney provides that it
terminates;
(5) the purpose of the power of attorney is
accomplished; or
(6) the principal revokes the agent's
authority or the agent dies, becomes incapacitated or resigns
and the power of attorney does not provide for another agent
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to act under the power of attorney.
B. An agent's authority terminates when:
(1) the principal revokes the authority;
(2) the agent dies, becomes incapacitated or
resigns;
(3) an action is filed for the dissolution or
annulment of the agent's marriage to the principal or their
legal separation, unless the power of attorney otherwise
provides; or
(4) the power of attorney terminates.
C. Unless the power of attorney otherwise
provides, an agent's authority is exercisable until the
authority terminates under Subsection B of this section,
notwithstanding a lapse of time since the execution of the
power of attorney.
D. Termination of an agent's authority or of a
power of attorney is not effective as to the agent or another
person that, without actual knowledge of the termination, acts
in good faith under the power of attorney. An act so
performed, unless otherwise invalid or unenforceable, binds
the principal and the principal's successors in interest.
E. Incapacity of the principal of a power of
attorney that is not durable does not revoke or terminate the
power of attorney as to an agent or other person that, without
actual knowledge of the incapacity, acts in good faith under
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the power of attorney. An act so performed, unless otherwise
invalid or unenforceable, binds the principal and the
principal's successors in interest.
F. The execution of a power of attorney does not
revoke a power of attorney previously executed by the
principal unless the subsequent power of attorney provides
that the previous power of attorney is revoked or that all
other powers of attorney are revoked.
Section 111. CO-AGENTS AND SUCCESSOR AGENTS.--
A. A principal may designate two or more persons
to act as co-agents. Unless the power of attorney otherwise
provides, each co-agent may exercise its authority
independently.
B. A principal may designate one or more successor
agents to act if an agent resigns, dies, becomes
incapacitated, is not qualified to serve or declines to serve.
A principal may grant authority to designate one or more
successor agents to an agent or other person designated by
name, office or function. Unless the power of attorney
otherwise provides, a successor agent:
(1) has the same authority as that granted to
the original agent; and
(2) may not act until all predecessor agents
have resigned, died, become incapacitated, are no longer
qualified to serve or have declined to serve.
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C. Except as otherwise provided in the power of
attorney and Subsection D of this section, an agent that does
not participate in or conceal a breach of fiduciary duty
committed by another agent, including a predecessor agent, is
not liable for the actions of the other agent.
D. An agent that has actual knowledge of a breach
or imminent breach of fiduciary duty by another agent shall
notify the principal and, if the principal is incapacitated,
take any action reasonably appropriate in the circumstances to
safeguard the principal's best interest. An agent that fails
to notify the principal or take action as required by this
subsection is liable for the reasonably foreseeable damages
that could have been avoided if the agent had notified the
principal or taken such action.
Section 112. REIMBURSEMENT AND COMPENSATION OF AGENT.--
Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, an agent is
entitled to reimbursement of expenses reasonably incurred on
behalf of the principal and to compensation that is reasonable
under the circumstances.
Section 113. AGENT'S ACCEPTANCE.--Except as otherwise
provided in the power of attorney, a person accepts
appointment as an agent under a power of attorney by
exercising authority or performing duties as an agent or by
any other assertion or conduct indicating acceptance.
Section 114. AGENT'S DUTIES.--
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A. Notwithstanding provisions in the power of
attorney, an agent that has accepted appointment shall:
(1) act in accordance with the principal's
reasonable expectations to the extent actually known by the
agent and, otherwise, in the principal's best interest;
(2) act in good faith; and
(3) act only within the scope of authority
granted in the power of attorney.
B. Except as otherwise provided in the power of
attorney, an agent that has accepted appointment shall:
(1) act loyally for the principal's benefit;
(2) act so as not to create a conflict of
interest that impairs the agent's ability to act impartially
in the principal's best interest;
(3) act with the care, competence and
diligence ordinarily exercised by agents in similar
circumstances;
(4) keep a record of all receipts,
disbursements and transactions made on behalf of the
principal;
(5) cooperate with a person that has
authority to make health care decisions for the principal to
carry out the principal's reasonable expectations to the
extent actually known by the agent and otherwise act in the
principal's best interest; and
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(6) attempt to preserve the principal's
estate plan, to the extent actually known by the agent, if
preserving the plan is consistent with the principal's best
interest based on all relevant factors, including:
(a) the value and nature of the
principal's property;
(b) the principal's foreseeable
obligations and need for maintenance;
(c) minimization of taxes, including
income, estate, inheritance, generation-skipping transfer and
gift taxes; and
(d) eligibility for a benefit, a
program or assistance under a statute or regulation.
C. An agent that acts in good faith is not liable
to any beneficiary of the principal's estate plan for failure
to preserve the plan.
D. An agent that acts with care, competence and
diligence for the best interest of the principal is not liable
solely because the agent also benefits from the act or has an
individual or conflicting interest in relation to the property
or affairs of the principal.
E. If an agent is selected by the principal
because of special skills or expertise possessed by the agent
or in reliance on the agent's representation that the agent
has special skills or expertise, the special skills or
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expertise must be considered in determining whether the agent
has acted with care, competence and diligence under the
circumstances.
F. Absent a breach of duty to the principal, an
agent is not liable if the value of the principal's property
declines.
G. An agent that exercises authority to delegate
to another person the authority granted by the principal or
that engages another person on behalf of the principal is not
liable for an act, error of judgment or default of that person
if the agent exercises care, competence and diligence in
selecting and monitoring the person.
H. Except as otherwise provided in the power of
attorney, an agent is not required to disclose receipts,
disbursements or transactions conducted on behalf of the
principal unless ordered by a court or requested by the
principal, a guardian, a conservator, another fiduciary acting
for the principal, a governmental agency having authority to
protect the welfare of the principal or, upon the death of the
principal, by the personal representative or successor in
interest of the principal's estate. If so requested, and
unless a shorter period of time is required by a law other
than the Uniform Power of Attorney Act, within thirty days the
agent shall comply with the request or provide a writing or
other record substantiating why additional time is needed and
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shall comply with the request within an additional thirty
days.
Section 115. EXONERATION OF AGENT.--A provision in a
power of attorney relieving an agent of liability for breach
of duty is binding on the principal and the principal's
successors in interest except to the extent the provision:
A. relieves the agent of liability for breach of
duty committed dishonestly, with an improper motive or with
reckless indifference to the purposes of the power of attorney
or the best interest of the principal; or
B. was inserted as a result of an abuse of a
confidential or fiduciary relationship with the principal.
Section 116. JUDICIAL RELIEF.--
A. The following persons may petition a court to
construe a power of attorney or review the agent's conduct and
grant appropriate relief:
(1) the principal or the agent;
(2) a guardian, conservator or other
fiduciary acting for the principal;
(3) a person authorized to make health care
decisions for the principal;
(4) the principal's spouse, parent or
descendant;
(5) an individual who would qualify as a
presumptive heir of the principal;
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(6) a person named as a beneficiary to
receive any property, benefit or contractual right on the
principal's death or as a beneficiary of a trust created by or
for the principal that has a financial interest in the
principal's estate;
(7) a governmental agency having regulatory
authority to protect the welfare of the principal;
(8) the principal's caregiver or another
person that demonstrates sufficient interest in the
principal's welfare; and
(9) a person asked to accept the power of
attorney.
B. Upon motion by the principal, the court shall
dismiss a petition filed under this section, unless the court
finds that the principal lacks capacity to revoke the agent's
authority or the power of attorney.
Section 117. AGENT'S LIABILITY.--An agent that violates
the Uniform Power of Attorney Act is liable to the principal
or the principal's successors in interest for the amount
required to:
A. restore the value of the principal's property
to what it would have been had the violation not occurred; and
B. reimburse the principal or the principal's
successors in interest for the attorney fees and costs paid on
the agent's behalf.
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Section 118. AGENT'S RESIGNATION--NOTICE.--Unless the
power of attorney provides a different method for an agent's
resignation, an agent may resign by giving notice to the
principal and, if the principal is incapacitated:
(1) to the conservator or guardian, if one
has been appointed for the principal, and a co-agent or
successor agent; or
(2) if there is no person described in
Paragraph (1) of this subsection, to:
(a) the principal's caregiver;
(b) another person reasonably believed
by the agent to have sufficient interest in the principal's
welfare; or
(c) a governmental agency having
authority to protect the welfare of the principal.
Section 119. ACCEPTANCE OF AND RELIANCE UPON
ACKNOWLEDGED POWER OF ATTORNEY.--
A. For purposes of this section and Section 120 of
the Uniform Power of Attorney Act, "acknowledged" means
purportedly verified before a notary public or other
individual authorized to take acknowledgments.
B. A person that in good faith accepts an
acknowledged power of attorney without actual knowledge that
the signature is not genuine may rely upon the presumption
under Section 105 of the Uniform Power of Attorney Act that
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the signature is genuine.
C. A person that in good faith accepts an
acknowledged power of attorney without actual knowledge that
the power of attorney is void, invalid or terminated that the
purported agent's authority is void, invalid or terminated or
that the agent is exceeding or improperly exercising the
agent's authority may rely upon the power of attorney as if
the power of attorney were genuine, valid and still in effect,
the agent's authority were genuine, valid and still in effect
and the agent had not exceeded and had properly exercised the
authority.
D. A person that is asked to accept an
acknowledged power of attorney may request, and rely upon,
without further investigation:
(1) an agent's certification under penalty of
perjury of any factual matter concerning the principal, agent
or power of attorney;
(2) an English translation of the power of
attorney if the power of attorney contains, in whole or in
part, language other than English; and
(3) an opinion of counsel as to any matter of
law concerning the power of attorney if the person making the
request provides in a writing or other record the reason for
the request.
E. An English translation or an opinion of counsel
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requested under this section must be provided at the
principal's expense unless the request is made more than seven
business days after the power of attorney is presented for
acceptance.
F. For purposes of this section and Section 120 of
the Uniform Power of Attorney Act, a person that conducts
activities through employees is without actual knowledge of a
fact relating to a power of attorney, a principal or an agent
if the employee conducting the transaction involving the power
of attorney is without actual knowledge of the fact.
Section 120. LIABILITY FOR REFUSAL TO ACCEPT
ACKNOWLEDGED POWER OF ATTORNEY.--
A. As used in this section, "statutory form power
of attorney" means a power of attorney substantially in the
form provided in Section 301 of the Uniform Power of Attorney
Act or that meets the requirements for a military power of
attorney pursuant to 10 U.S.C. Section 1046, as amended.
B. Except as otherwise provided in Subsection C of
this section:
(1) a person shall either accept an
acknowledged statutory form power of attorney or request a
certification, a translation or an opinion of counsel under
Subsection B of Section 119 of the Uniform Power of Attorney
Act no later than seven business days after presentation of
the power of attorney for acceptance;
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(2) if a person requests a certification, a
translation or an opinion of counsel under Subsection D of
Section 119 of the Uniform Power of Attorney Act, the person
shall accept the statutory form power of attorney no later
than five business days after receipt of the certification,
the translation or an opinion of counsel; and
(3) a person shall not require an additional
or different form of power of attorney for authority granted
in the statutory form power of attorney presented.
C. A person is not required to accept an
acknowledged statutory form power of attorney if:
(1) the person is not otherwise required to
engage in a transaction with the principal in the same
circumstances;
(2) engaging in a transaction with the agent
or the principal in the same circumstances would be
inconsistent with federal law;
(3) the person has actual knowledge of the
termination of the agent's authority or of the power of
attorney before exercise of the power;
(4) a request for a certification, a
translation or an opinion of counsel under Subsection D of
Section 119 of the Uniform Power of Attorney Act is refused;
(5) the person in good faith believes that
the power of attorney is not valid or that the agent does not
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have the authority to perform the act requested, whether or
not a certification, a translation or an opinion of counsel
under Subsection D of Section 119 of the Uniform Power of
Attorney Act has been requested or provided; or
(6) the person makes, or has actual knowledge
that another person has made, a report to the adult protective
services division of the aging and long-term services
department stating a good faith belief that the principal may
be subject to physical or financial abuse, neglect,
exploitation or abandonment by the agent or a person acting
for or with the agent.
D. A person that refuses in violation of this
section to accept an acknowledged statutory form power of
attorney is subject to:
(1) a court order mandating acceptance of the
power of attorney; and
(2) liability for reasonable attorney fees
and costs incurred in any action or proceeding that confirms
the validity of the power of attorney or mandates acceptance
of the power of attorney.
Section 121. PRINCIPLES OF LAW AND EQUITY.--Unless
displaced by a provision of the Uniform Power of Attorney Act,
the principles of law and equity supplement that act.
Section 122. LAWS APPLICABLE TO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
AND ENTITIES.--The Uniform Power of Attorney Act does not
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supersede any other law applicable to financial institutions
or other entities, and the other law controls if inconsistent
with that act.
Section 123. REMEDIES UNDER OTHER LAW.--The remedies
under the Uniform Power of Attorney Act are not exclusive and
do not abrogate any right or remedy under the law of this
state other than that act.
ARTICLE 2
AUTHORITY
Section 201. AUTHORITY THAT REQUIRES SPECIFIC GRANT--
GRANT OF GENERAL AUTHORITY.--
A. An agent under a power of attorney may do the
following on behalf of the principal or with the principal's
property only if the power of attorney expressly grants the
agent the authority and exercise of the authority is not
otherwise prohibited by another agreement or instrument to
which the authority or property is subject:
(1) create, amend, revoke or terminate an
inter vivos trust;
(2) make a gift;
(3) create or change rights of survivorship;
(4) create or change a beneficiary
designation;
(5) delegate authority granted under the
power of attorney;
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(6) waive the principal's right to be a
beneficiary of a joint and survivor annuity, including a
survivor benefit under a retirement plan;
(7) exercise fiduciary powers that the
principal has authority to delegate; or
(8) disclaim property, including a power of
appointment.
B. Notwithstanding a grant of authority to do an
act described in Subsection A of this section, unless the
power of attorney otherwise provides, an agent that is not an
ancestor, spouse or descendant of the principal shall not
exercise authority under a power of attorney to create in the
agent, or in an individual to whom the agent owes a legal
obligation of support, an interest in the principal's
property, whether by gift, right of survivorship, beneficiary
designation, disclaimer or otherwise.
C. Subject to Subsections A, B, D and E of this
section, if a power of attorney grants to an agent authority
to do all acts that a principal could do, the agent has the
general authority described in Sections 204 through 216 of the
Uniform Power of Attorney Act.
D. Unless the power of attorney otherwise
provides, a grant of authority to make a gift is subject to
the provisions of Section 217 of the Uniform Power of Attorney
Act.
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E. Subject to Subsections A, B and D of this
section, if the subjects over which authority is granted in a
power of attorney are similar or overlap, the broadest
authority controls.
F. Authority granted in a power of attorney is
exercisable with respect to property that the principal has
when the power of attorney is executed or acquires later,
whether or not the property is located in this state and
whether or not the authority is exercised or the power of
attorney is executed in this state.
G. An act performed by an agent pursuant to a
power of attorney has the same effect and inures to the
benefit of and binds the principal and the principal's
successors in interest as if the principal had performed the
act.
Section 202. INCORPORATION OF AUTHORITY.--
A. An agent has authority described in this
article if the power of attorney refers to general authority
with respect to the descriptive term for the subjects stated
in Sections 204 through 217 of the Uniform Power of Attorney
Act or cites the section in which the authority is described.
B. A reference in a power of attorney to general
authority with respect to the descriptive term for a subject
in Sections 204 through 217 of the Uniform Power of Attorney
Act or a citation to a section of Sections 204 through 217 of
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that act incorporates the entire section as if it were set out
in full in the power of attorney.
C. A principal may modify authority incorporated
by reference.
Section 203. CONSTRUCTION OF AUTHORITY GENERALLY.--
Except as otherwise provided in the power of attorney, by
executing a power of attorney that incorporates by reference a
subject described in Sections 204 through 217 of the Uniform
Power of Attorney Act or that grants to an agent authority to
do all acts that a principal could do pursuant to Subsection C
of Section 201 of that act, a principal authorizes the agent,
with respect to that subject, to:
A. demand, receive and obtain by litigation or
otherwise, money or another thing of value to which the
principal is, may become or claims to be entitled, and
conserve, invest, disburse or use anything so received or
obtained for the purposes intended;
B. contract in any manner with any person, on
terms agreeable to the agent, to accomplish a purpose of a
transaction and perform, rescind, cancel, terminate, reform,
restate, release or modify the contract or another contract
made by or on behalf of the principal;
C. execute, acknowledge, seal, deliver, file or
record any instrument or communication the agent considers
desirable to accomplish a purpose of a transaction, including
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creating at any time a schedule listing some or all of the
principal's property and attaching it to the power of
attorney;
D. initiate, participate in, submit to alternative
dispute resolution, settle, oppose or propose or accept a
compromise with respect to a claim existing in favor of or
against the principal or intervene in litigation relating to
the claim;
E. seek on the principal's behalf the assistance
of a court or other governmental agency to carry out an act
authorized in the power of attorney;
F. engage, compensate and discharge an attorney,
accountant, discretionary investment manager, expert witness
or other advisor;
G. prepare, execute and file a record, report or
other document to safeguard or promote the principal's
interest under a statute or regulation;
H. communicate with any representative or employee
of a government or governmental subdivision, agency or
instrumentality on behalf of the principal;
I. access communications intended for and
communicate on behalf of the principal, whether by mail,
electronic transmission, telephone or other means; and
J. do any lawful act with respect to the subject
and all property related to the subject.
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Section 204. REAL PROPERTY.--Unless the power of
attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney
granting general authority with respect to real property
authorizes the agent to:
A. demand, buy, lease, receive, accept as a gift
or as security for an extension of credit or otherwise acquire
or reject an interest in real property or a right incident to
real property;
B. sell, exchange, convey with or without
covenants, representations or warranties, quitclaim, release,
surrender, retain title for security, encumber, partition,
consent to partitioning, subject to an easement or covenant,
subdivide, apply for zoning or other governmental permits,
plat or consent to platting, develop, grant an option
concerning, lease, sublease, contribute to an entity in
exchange for an interest in that entity or otherwise grant or
dispose of an interest in real property or a right incident to
real property;
C. pledge or mortgage an interest in real property
or a right incident to real property as security to borrow
money or pay, renew or extend the time of payment of a debt of
the principal or a debt guaranteed by the principal;
D. release, assign, satisfy or enforce by
litigation or otherwise a mortgage, deed of trust, conditional
sale contract, encumbrance, lien or other claim to real
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property that exists or is asserted;
E. manage or conserve an interest in real property
or a right incident to real property owned or claimed to be
owned by the principal, including:
(1) insuring against liability or casualty or
other loss;
(2) obtaining or regaining possession of or
protecting the interest or right by litigation or otherwise;
(3) paying, assessing, compromising or
contesting taxes or assessments or applying for and receiving
refunds in connection with taxes or assessments; and
(4) purchasing supplies, hiring assistance or
labor and making repairs or alterations to the real property;
F. use, develop, alter, replace, remove, erect or
install structures or other improvements upon real property in
or incident to which the principal has, or claims to have, an
interest or right;
G. participate in a reorganization with respect to
real property or an entity that owns an interest in real
property or a right incident to real property and receive,
hold and act with respect to stocks and bonds or other
property received in a plan of reorganization, including:
(1) selling or otherwise disposing of them;
(2) exercising or selling an option, right of
conversion or similar right with respect to them; and
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(3) exercising any voting rights in person or
by proxy;
H. change the form of title of an interest in real
property or a right incident to real property; and
I. dedicate to public use, with or without
consideration, easements or other real property in which the
principal has, or claims to have, an interest.
Section 205. TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY.--Unless the
power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of
attorney granting general authority with respect to tangible
personal property authorizes the agent to:
A. demand, buy, receive, accept as a gift or as
security for an extension of credit or otherwise acquire or
reject ownership or possession of tangible personal property
or an interest in tangible personal property;
B. sell, exchange, convey with or without
covenants, representations or warranties, quitclaim, release,
surrender, create a security interest in, grant options
concerning, lease, sublease or otherwise dispose of tangible
personal property or an interest in tangible personal
property;
C. grant a security interest in tangible personal
property or an interest in tangible personal property as
security to borrow money or pay, renew or extend the time of
payment of a debt of the principal or a debt guaranteed by the
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principal;
D. release, assign, satisfy or enforce by
litigation or otherwise a security interest, lien or other
claim on behalf of the principal, with respect to tangible
personal property or an interest in tangible personal
property;
E. manage or conserve tangible personal property
or an interest in tangible personal property on behalf of the
principal, including:
(1) insuring against liability or casualty or
other loss;
(2) obtaining or regaining possession of or
protecting the property or interest, by litigation or
otherwise;
(3) paying, assessing, compromising or
contesting taxes or assessments or applying for and receiving
refunds in connection with taxes or assessments;
(4) moving the property from place to place;
(5) storing the property for hire or on a
gratuitous bailment; and
(6) using and making repairs, alterations or
improvements to the property; and
F. change the form of title of an interest in
tangible personal property.
Section 206. STOCKS AND BONDS.--Unless the power of
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attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney
granting general authority with respect to stocks and bonds
authorizes the agent to:
A. buy, sell and exchange stocks and bonds;
B. establish, continue, modify or terminate an
account with respect to stocks and bonds;
C. pledge stocks and bonds as security to borrow,
pay, renew or extend the time of payment of a debt of the
principal;
D. receive certificates and other evidences of
ownership with respect to stocks and bonds; and
E. exercise voting rights with respect to stocks
and bonds in person or by proxy, enter into voting trusts, and
consent to limitations on the right to vote.
Section 207. COMMODITIES AND OPTIONS.--Unless the power
of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of
attorney granting general authority with respect to
commodities and options authorizes the agent to:
A. buy, sell, exchange, assign, settle and
exercise commodity futures contracts and call or put options
on stocks or stock indexes traded on a regulated option
exchange; and
B. establish, continue, modify and terminate
option accounts.
Section 208. BANKS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.--
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Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a
power of attorney granting general authority with respect to
banks and other financial institutions authorizes the agent
to:
A. continue, modify and terminate an account or
other banking arrangement made by or on behalf of the
principal;
B. establish, modify and terminate an account or
other banking arrangement with a bank, trust company, savings
and loan association, credit union, thrift company, brokerage
firm or other financial institution selected by the agent;
C. contract for services available from a
financial institution, including renting a safe deposit box or
space in a vault;
D. withdraw, by check, order, electronic funds
transfer or otherwise, money or property of the principal
deposited with or left in the custody of a financial
institution;
E. receive statements of account, vouchers,
notices and similar documents from a financial institution and
act with respect to them;
F. enter a safe deposit box or vault and withdraw
or add to the contents;
G. borrow money and pledge as security personal
property of the principal necessary to borrow money or to pay,
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renew or extend the time of payment of a debt of the principal
or of a debt guaranteed by the principal;
H. make, assign, draw, endorse, discount,
guarantee and negotiate promissory notes, checks, drafts and
other negotiable or nonnegotiable paper of the principal or
payable to the principal or the principal's order, transfer
money, receive the cash or other proceeds of those
transactions and accept a draft drawn by a person upon the
principal and pay it when due;
I. receive for the principal and act upon a sight
draft, warehouse receipt or other document of title, whether
tangible or electronic, or other negotiable or nonnegotiable
instrument;
J. apply for, receive and use letters of credit,
credit and debit cards, electronic transaction authorizations
and traveler's checks from a financial institution and give an
indemnity or other agreement in connection with letters of
credit; and
K. consent to an extension of the time of payment
with respect to commercial paper or a financial transaction
with a financial institution.
Section 209. OPERATION OF ENTITY OR BUSINESS.--Subject
to the terms of a document or an agreement governing an entity
or an entity ownership interest, and unless the power of
attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney
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granting general authority with respect to operation of an
entity or business authorizes the agent to:
A. operate, buy, sell, enlarge, reduce or
terminate an ownership interest;
B. perform a duty or discharge a liability and
exercise in person or by proxy a right, power, privilege or
option that the principal has, may have or claims to have;
C. enforce the terms of an ownership agreement;
D. initiate, participate in and submit to
alternative dispute resolution; settle; and oppose, propose or
accept a compromise with respect to litigation to which the
principal is a party because of an ownership interest;
E. exercise in person or by proxy, or enforce by
litigation or otherwise, a right, power, privilege or option
the principal has or claims to have as the holder of stocks
and bonds;
F. initiate, participate in, submit to alternative
dispute resolution, settle, oppose or propose or accept a
compromise with respect to litigation to which the principal
is a party concerning stocks and bonds;
G. with respect to an entity or business owned
solely by the principal:
(1) continue, modify, renegotiate, extend and
terminate a contract made by or on behalf of the principal
with respect to the entity or business before execution of the
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power of attorney;
(2) determine:
(a) the location of its operation;
(b) the nature and extent of its
business;
(c) the methods of manufacturing,
selling, merchandising, financing, accounting and advertising
employed in its operation;
(d) the amount and types of insurance
carried; and
(e) the mode of engaging, compensating
and dealing with its employees and accountants, attorneys or
other advisors;
(3) change the name or form of organization
under which the entity or business is operated and enter into
an ownership agreement with other persons to take over all or
part of the operation of the entity or business; and
(4) demand and receive money due or claimed
by the principal or on the principal's behalf in the operation
of the entity or business and control and disburse the money
in the operation of the entity or business;
H. put additional capital into an entity or
business in which the principal has an interest;
I. join in a plan of reorganization,
consolidation, conversion, domestication or merger of the
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entity or business;
J. sell or liquidate all or part of an entity or
business;
K. establish the value of an entity or business
under a buy-out agreement to which the principal is a party;
L. prepare, sign, file and deliver reports,
compilations of information, returns or other papers with
respect to an entity or business and make related payments;
and
M. pay, compromise or contest taxes, assessments,
fines or penalties and perform any other act to protect the
principal from illegal or unnecessary taxation, assessments,
fines or penalties, with respect to an entity or business,
including attempts to recover, in any manner permitted by law,
money paid before or after the execution of the power of
attorney.
Section 210. INSURANCE AND ANNUITIES.--Unless the power
of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of
attorney granting general authority with respect to insurance
and annuities authorizes the agent to:
A. continue, pay the premium or make a
contribution on, modify, exchange, rescind, release or
terminate a contract procured by or on behalf of the principal
that insures or provides an annuity to either the principal or
another person, whether or not the principal is a beneficiary
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under the contract;
B. procure new, different and additional contracts
of insurance and annuities for the principal and the
principal's spouse, children and other dependents and select
the amount, type of insurance or annuity and mode of payment;
C. pay the premium or make a contribution on,
modify, exchange, rescind, release or terminate a contract of
insurance or annuity procured by the agent;
D. apply for and receive a loan secured by a
contract of insurance or annuity;
E. surrender and receive the cash surrender value
on a contract of insurance or annuity;
F. exercise an election;
G. exercise investment powers available under a
contract of insurance or annuity;
H. change the manner of paying premiums on a
contract of insurance or annuity;
I. change or convert the type of insurance or
annuity with respect to which the principal has or claims to
have authority described in this section;
J. apply for and procure a benefit or assistance
under a statute or regulation to guarantee or pay premiums of
a contract of insurance on the life of the principal;
K. collect, sell, assign, hypothecate, borrow
against or pledge the interest of the principal in a contract
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of insurance or annuity;
L. select the form and timing of the payment of
proceeds from a contract of insurance or annuity; and
M. pay, from proceeds or otherwise, compromise or
contest and apply for refunds in connection with a tax or
assessment levied by a taxing authority with respect to a
contract of insurance or annuity or its proceeds or liability
accruing by reason of the tax or assessment.
Section 211. ESTATES, TRUSTS AND OTHER BENEFICIAL
INTERESTS.--
A. As used in this section, "estates, trusts and
other beneficial interests" means a trust, probate estate,
guardianship, conservatorship, escrow or custodianship or a
fund from which the principal is, may become, or claims to be
entitled to a share or payment.
B. Unless the power of attorney otherwise
provides, language in a power of attorney granting general
authority with respect to estates, trusts and other beneficial
interests authorizes the agent to:
(1) accept, receive, receipt for, sell,
assign, pledge or exchange a share in or payment from the
fund;
(2) demand or obtain money or another thing
of value to which the principal is, may become or claims to be
entitled by reason of the fund, by litigation or otherwise;
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(3) exercise for the benefit of the principal
a presently exercisable general power of appointment held by
the principal;
(4) initiate, participate in, submit to
alternative dispute resolution, settle, oppose or propose or
accept a compromise with respect to litigation to ascertain
the meaning, validity or effect of a deed, will, declaration
of trust or other instrument or transaction affecting the
interest of the principal;
(5) initiate, participate in, submit to
alternative dispute resolution, settle, oppose or propose or
accept a compromise with respect to litigation to remove,
substitute or surcharge a fiduciary;
(6) conserve, invest, disburse or use
anything received for an authorized purpose; and
(7) transfer an interest of the principal in
real property, stocks and bonds, accounts with financial
institutions or securities intermediaries, insurance,
annuities and other property to the trustee of a revocable
trust created by the principal as settlor.
Section 212. CLAIMS AND LITIGATION.--Unless the power of
attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney
granting general authority with respect to claims and
litigation authorizes the agent to:
A. assert and maintain before a court or
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administrative agency a claim, claim for relief, cause of
action, counterclaim, offset, recoupment or defense, including
an action to recover property or other thing of value, recover
damages sustained by the principal, eliminate or modify tax
liability or seek an injunction, specific performance or other
relief;
B. bring an action to determine adverse claims or
intervene or otherwise participate in litigation;
C. seek an attachment, garnishment, order of
arrest or other preliminary, provisional or intermediate
relief and use an available procedure to effect or satisfy a
judgment, order or decree;
D. make or accept a tender, offer of judgment or
admission of facts, submit a controversy on an agreed
statement of facts, consent to examination and bind the
principal in litigation;
E. submit to alternative dispute resolution,
settle and propose or accept a compromise;
F. waive the issuance and service of process upon
the principal, accept service of process, appear for the
principal, designate persons upon which process directed to
the principal may be served, execute and file or deliver
stipulations on the principal's behalf, verify pleadings, seek
appellate review, procure and give surety and indemnity bonds,
contract and pay for the preparation and printing of records
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and briefs and receive, execute and file or deliver a consent,
waiver, release, confession of judgment, satisfaction of
judgment, notice, agreement or other instrument in connection
with the prosecution, settlement or defense of a claim or
litigation;
G. act for the principal with respect to
bankruptcy or insolvency, whether voluntary or involuntary,
concerning the principal or some other person, or with respect
to a reorganization, receivership or application for the
appointment of a receiver or trustee that affects an interest
of the principal in property or other thing of value;
H. pay a judgment, award or order against the
principal or a settlement made in connection with a claim or
litigation; and
I. receive money or other thing of value paid in
settlement of or as proceeds of a claim or litigation.
Section 213. PERSONAL AND FAMILY MAINTENANCE.--
A. Unless the power of attorney otherwise
provides, language in a power of attorney granting general
authority with respect to personal and family maintenance
authorizes the agent to:
(1) perform the acts necessary to maintain
the customary standard of living of the principal, the
principal's spouse and the following individuals, whether
living when the power of attorney is executed or later born:
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(a) the principal's children;
(b) other individuals legally entitled
to be supported by the principal; and
(c) the individuals whom the principal
has customarily supported or indicated the intent to support;
(2) make periodic payments of child support
and other family maintenance required by a court or
governmental agency or an agreement to which the principal is
a party;
(3) provide living quarters for the
individuals described in Paragraph (1) of this subsection by:
(a) purchase, lease or other contract;
or
(b) paying the operating costs,
including interest, amortization payments, repairs,
improvements and taxes, for premises owned by the principal or
occupied by those individuals;
(4) provide normal domestic help, usual
vacations and travel expenses and funds for shelter, clothing,
food, appropriate education, including post-secondary and
vocational education, and other current living costs for the
individuals described in Paragraph (1) of this subsection;
(5) pay expenses for necessary health care
and custodial care on behalf of the individuals described in
Paragraph (1) of this subsection;
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(6) act as the principal's personal
representative pursuant to the federal Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act, Sections 1171 through 1179
of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 1320d, as
amended, and applicable regulations, in making decisions
related to the past, present or future payment for the
provision of health care consented to by the principal or
anyone authorized under the law of this state to consent to
health care on behalf of the principal;
(7) continue any provision made by the
principal for automobiles or other means of transportation,
including registering, licensing, insuring and replacing them,
for the individuals described in Paragraph (1) of this
subsection;
(8) maintain credit and debit accounts for
the convenience of the individuals described in Paragraph (1)
of this subsection and open new accounts; and
(9) continue payments incidental to the
membership or affiliation of the principal in a religious
institution, club, society, order or other organization or
continue contributions to those organizations.
B. Authority with respect to personal and family
maintenance is neither dependent upon, nor limited by,
authority that an agent may or may not have with respect to
gifts under the Uniform Power of Attorney Act.
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Section 214. BENEFITS FROM GOVERNMENTAL PROGRAMS OR
CIVIL OR MILITARY SERVICE.--
A. As used in this section, "benefits from
governmental programs or civil or military service" means any
benefit, program or assistance provided under a statute or
regulation, including social security, medicare and medicaid.
B. Unless the power of attorney otherwise
provides, language in a power of attorney granting general
authority with respect to benefits from governmental programs
or civil or military service authorizes the agent to:
(1) execute vouchers in the name of the
principal for allowances and reimbursements payable by the
United States or a foreign government or by a state or
subdivision of a state to the principal, including allowances
and reimbursements for transportation of the individuals
described in Paragraph (1) of Subsection A of Section 213 of
the Uniform Power of Attorney Act, and for shipment of their
household effects;
(2) take possession and order the removal and
shipment of property of the principal from a post, warehouse,
depot, dock or other place of storage or safekeeping, either
governmental or private, and execute and deliver a release,
voucher, receipt, bill of lading, shipping ticket, certificate
or other instrument for that purpose;
(3) enroll in, apply for, select, reject,
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change, amend or discontinue, on the principal's behalf, a
benefit or program;
(4) prepare, file and maintain a claim of the
principal for a benefit or assistance, financial or otherwise,
to which the principal may be entitled under a statute or
regulation;
(5) initiate, participate in, submit to
alternative dispute resolution, settle, oppose or propose or
accept a compromise with respect to litigation concerning any
benefit or assistance the principal may be entitled to receive
under a statute or regulation; and
(6) receive the financial proceeds of a claim
described in Paragraph (4) of this subsection and conserve,
invest, disburse or use for a lawful purpose anything so
received.
Section 215. RETIREMENT PLANS.--
A. As used in this section, "retirement plan"
means a plan or account created by an employer, the principal
or another individual to provide retirement benefits or
deferred compensation of which the principal is a participant,
beneficiary or owner, including a plan or account under the
following sections of the Internal Revenue Code:
(1) an individual retirement account under
Section 408 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended;
(2) a Roth individual retirement account
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under Section 408A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended;
(3) a deemed individual retirement account
under Section 408(q) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended;
(4) an annuity or mutual fund custodial
account under Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended;
(5) a pension, profit-sharing, stock bonus or
other retirement plan qualified under Section 401(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended;
(6) a plan under Section 457(b) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; and
(7) a nonqualified deferred compensation plan
under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.
B. Unless the power of attorney otherwise
provides, language in a power of attorney granting general
authority with respect to retirement plans authorizes the
agent to:
(1) select the form and timing of payments
under a retirement plan and withdraw benefits from a plan;
(2) make a rollover, including a direct
trustee-to-trustee rollover, of benefits from one retirement
plan to another;
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(3) establish a retirement plan in the
principal's name;
(4) make contributions to a retirement plan;
(5) exercise investment powers available
under a retirement plan; and
(6) borrow from, sell assets to or purchase
assets from a retirement plan.
Section 216. TAXES.--Unless the power of attorney
otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting
general authority with respect to taxes authorizes the agent
to:
A. prepare, sign and file federal, state, local
and foreign income, gift, payroll, property, Federal Insurance
Contributions Act and other tax returns, claims for refunds,
requests for extension of time, petitions regarding tax
matters and any other tax-related documents, including
receipts, offers, waivers, consents, including consents and
agreements under Section 2032A of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended, closing agreements and any power of attorney
required by the internal revenue service or other taxing
authority with respect to a tax year upon which the statute of
limitations has not run and the following twenty-five tax
years;
B. pay taxes due, collect refunds, post bonds,
receive confidential information and contest deficiencies
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determined by the internal revenue service or other taxing
authority;
C. exercise any election available to the
principal under federal, state, local or foreign tax law; and
D. act for the principal in all tax matters for
all periods before the internal revenue service or other
taxing authority.
Section 217. GIFTS.--
A. As used in this section, a gift "for the
benefit of" a person includes a gift to a trust, an account
under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act and a tuition
savings account or prepaid tuition plan as defined under
Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
B. Unless the power of attorney otherwise
provides, language in a power of attorney granting general
authority with respect to gifts authorizes the agent only to:
(1) make outright to or for the benefit of a
person a gift of any of the principal's property, including by
the exercise of a presently exercisable general power of
appointment held by the principal, in an amount per donee not
to exceed the annual dollar limits of the federal gift tax
exclusion under Section 2503(b) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended, without regard to whether the federal
gift tax exclusion applies to the gift, or if the principal's
spouse agrees to consent to a split gift pursuant to Section
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2513 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, in an
amount per donee not to exceed twice the annual federal gift
tax exclusion limit; and
(2) consent, pursuant to Section 2513 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, to the splitting of
a gift made by the principal's spouse in an amount per donee
not to exceed the aggregate annual gift tax exclusions for
both spouses.
C. An agent may make a gift of the principal's
property only as the agent determines is consistent with the
principal's objectives if actually known by the agent and, if
unknown, as the agent determines is consistent with the
principal's best interest based on all relevant factors,
including:
(1) the value and nature of the principal's
property;
(2) the principal's foreseeable obligations
and need for maintenance;
(3) minimization of taxes, including income,
estate, inheritance, generation-skipping transfer and gift
taxes;
(4) eligibility for a benefit, a program or
assistance under a statute or regulation; and
(5) the principal's personal history of
making or joining in making gifts.
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ARTICLE 3
STATUTORY FORMS
Section 301. STATUTORY FORM POWER OF ATTORNEY.--A
document substantially in the following form may be used to
create a statutory form power of attorney that has the meaning
and effect prescribed by the Uniform Power of Attorney Act:
"NEW MEXICO
STATUTORY FORM POWER OF ATTORNEY
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This power of attorney authorizes another person (your
agent) to make decisions concerning your property for you (the
principal). Your agent will be able to make decisions and act
with respect to your property (including your money) whether
or not you are able to act for yourself. The meaning of
authority over subjects listed on this form is explained in
the Uniform Power of Attorney Act.
This power of attorney does not authorize the agent to
make health care decisions for you.
You should select someone you trust to serve as your
agent. Unless you specify otherwise, generally the agent's
authority will continue until you die or revoke the power of
attorney or the agent resigns or is unable to act for you.
Your agent is entitled to reasonable compensation unless
you state otherwise in the Special Instructions.
This form provides for designation of one agent. If you
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wish to name more than one agent, you may name a co-agent in
the Special Instructions. Co-agents are not required to act
together unless you include that requirement in the Special
Instructions.
If your agent is unable or unwilling to act for you, your
power of attorney will end unless you have named a successor
agent. You may also name a second successor agent.
This power of attorney becomes effective immediately
unless you state otherwise in the Special Instructions.
If you have questions about the power of attorney or the
authority you are granting to your agent, you should seek
legal advice before signing this form.
DESIGNATION OF AGENT
I,_______________________________________________________,
(Your Name)
name the following person as my agent:
Name of Agent: _____________________________________________
Agent's Address: ____________________________________________
Agent's Telephone Number:____________________________________
DESIGNATION OF SUCCESSOR AGENT(S) (OPTIONAL)
If my agent is unable or unwilling to act for me, I name
as my successor agent:
Name of Successor Agent: _____________________________________
Successor Agent's Address: ___________________________________
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Successor Agent's Telephone Number: __________________________
If my successor agent is unable or unwilling to act for
me, I name as my second successor agent:
Name of Second Successor Agent: ______________________________
Second Successor Agent's Address: ____________________________
Second Successor Agent's Telephone Number: ___________________
GRANT OF GENERAL AUTHORITY
I grant my agent and any successor agent general
authority to act for me with respect to the following subjects
as defined in the Uniform Power of Attorney Act:
(INITIAL each subject you want to include in the agent's
general authority. If you wish to grant general authority
over all of the subjects, you may initial "All Preceding
Subjects" instead of initialing each subject.)
(___) Real Property
(___) Tangible Personal Property
(___) Stocks and Bonds
(___) Commodities and Options
(___) Banks and Other Financial Institutions
(___) Operation of Entity or Business
(___) Insurance and Annuities
(___) Estates, Trusts and Other Beneficial Interests
(___) Claims and Litigation
(___) Personal and Family Maintenance
(___) Benefits from Governmental Programs or Civil or
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Military Service
(___) Retirement Plans
(___) Taxes
(___) All Preceding Subjects
GRANT OF SPECIFIC AUTHORITY (OPTIONAL)
My agent MAY NOT do any of the following specific acts
for me UNLESS I have INITIALED the specific authority listed
below:
(CAUTION: Granting any of the following will give your agent
the authority to take actions that could significantly reduce
your property or change how your property is distributed at
your death. INITIAL ONLY the specific authority you WANT to
give your agent.)
(___) Create, amend, revoke or terminate an inter vivos trust
(___) Make a gift, subject to the limitations of Section 217
of the Uniform Power of Attorney Act and any special
instructions in this power of attorney
(___) Create or change rights of survivorship
(___) Create or change a beneficiary designation
(___) Authorize another person to exercise the authority
granted under this power of attorney
(___) Waive the principal's right to be a beneficiary of a
joint and survivor annuity, including a survivor
benefit under a retirement plan
(___) Exercise fiduciary powers that the principal has
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authority to delegate
(___) Disclaim or refuse an interest in property, including a
power of appointment
LIMITATION ON AGENT'S AUTHORITY
An agent that is not my ancestor, spouse or descendant
MAY NOT use my property to benefit the agent or a person to
whom the agent owes an obligation of support unless I have
included that authority in the Special Instructions.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS (OPTIONAL)
You may give special instructions on the following lines:
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
EFFECTIVE DATE
This power of attorney is effective immediately unless
I have stated otherwise in the Special Instructions.
NOMINATION OF CONSERVATOR OR GUARDIAN (OPTIONAL)
If it becomes necessary for a court to appoint a
conservator or guardian of my estate or guardian of my person,
I nominate the following person(s) for appointment:
Name of Nominee for conservator of my estate:
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______________________________________________________________
Nominee's Address: ___________________________________________
Nominee's Telephone Number: __________________________________
Name of Nominee for guardian of my person: ___________________
Nominee's Address: ___________________________________________
Nominee's Telephone Number: __________________________________
RELIANCE ON THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY
Any person, including my agent, may rely upon the
validity of this power of attorney or a copy of it unless that
person knows it has terminated or is invalid.
SIGNATURE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Your Signature: ______________________________
Date: ____________________
Your Name Printed: ___________________________
Your Address: ________________________________
Your Telephone Number: _______________________
State of _____________________________________
(County) of ____________________________________
This instrument was acknowledged before me on
__________________, ___________________ (Date)
by______________________________________ (Name of Principal).
(Seal, if any)
Signature of notarial officer:
_________________________________________
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My commission expires: ________________________
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR AGENT
Agent's Duties
When you accept the authority granted under this power
of attorney, a special legal relationship is created between
you and the principal. This relationship imposes upon you
legal duties that continue until you resign or the power of
attorney is terminated or revoked. You must:
1. do what you know the principal reasonably expects
you to do with the principal's property or, if you
do not know the principal's expectations, act in the
principal's best interest;
2. act in good faith;
3. do nothing beyond the authority granted in this
power of attorney; and
4. disclose your identity as an agent whenever you act
for the principal by writing or printing the name of
the principal and signing your own name as "agent"
in the following manner:
____________________________ by __________________ as Agent
(Principal's Name)
(Your Signature)
Unless the Special Instructions in this power of
attorney state otherwise, you must also:
1. act loyally for the principal's benefit;
2. avoid conflicts that would impair your ability to
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act in the principal's best interest;
3. act with care, competence and diligence;
4. keep a record of all receipts, disbursements and
transactions made on behalf of the principal;
5. cooperate with any person that has authority to make
health care decisions for the principal to do what
you know the principal reasonably expects or, if you
do not know the principal's expectations, to act in
the principal's best interest; and
6. attempt to preserve the principal's estate plan if
you know the plan and preserving the plan is
consistent with the principal's best interest.
Termination of Agent's Authority
You must stop acting on behalf of the principal if you
learn of any event that terminates this power of attorney or
your authority under this power of attorney. Events that
terminate a power of attorney or your authority to act under a
power of attorney include:
1. death of the principal;
2. the principal's revocation of the power of attorney
or your authority;
3. the occurrence of a termination event stated in the
power of attorney;
4. the purpose of the power of attorney is fully
accomplished; or
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5. if you are married to the principal, a legal action
is filed with a court to end your marriage, or for
your legal separation, unless the Special
Instructions in this power of attorney state that
such an action will not terminate your authority.
Liability of Agent
The meaning of the authority granted to you is defined
in the Uniform Power of Attorney Act. If you violate the
Uniform Power of Attorney Act or act outside the authority
granted, you may be liable for any damages caused by your
violation.
If there is anything about this document or your duties
that you do not understand, you should seek legal advice."
Section 302. AGENT'S CERTIFICATION.--The following
optional form may be used by an agent to certify facts
concerning a power of attorney:
"AGENT'S CERTIFICATION AS TO THE VALIDITY OF
POWER OF ATTORNEY AND AGENT'S AUTHORITY
State of _____________________________
(County) of ____________________________
I, __________________________________________ (Name of Agent),
certify under penalty of perjury that
______________________________ (Name of Principal) granted me
authority as an agent or successor agent in a power of
attorney dated ________________________.
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I further certify that to my knowledge:
(1) the Principal is alive and has not revoked the
Power of Attorney or my authority to act under the Power of
Attorney and the Power of Attorney and my authority to act
under the Power of Attorney have not terminated;
(2) if the Power of Attorney was drafted to become
effective upon the happening of an event or contingency, the
event or contingency has occurred;
(3) if I was named as a successor agent, the prior
agent is no longer able or willing to serve; and
(4) ___________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(Insert other relevant statements)
SIGNATURE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Agent's Signature: ________________________ _________ (Date)
Agent's Name Printed: ________________________________________
Agent's Address: ___________________________
____________________________________________
Agent's Telephone Number: __________________
This instrument was acknowledged before me on _________ (Date)
by______________________________________ (Name of Agent).
Signature of notarial officer:
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_________________________________________
(Seal, if any)
My commission expires: ________________________.".
ARTICLE 4
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Section 401. UNIFORMITY OF APPLICATION AND
CONSTRUCTION.--In applying and construing the Uniform Power of
Attorney Act, consideration must be given to the need to
promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject
matter among the states that enact it.
Section 402. RELATION TO ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES IN
GLOBAL AND NATIONAL COMMERCE ACT.--The Uniform Power of
Attorney Act modifies, limits and supersedes the federal
Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, 15
U.S.C. Section 7001 et seq., but does not modify, limit or
supersede Section 101(c) of that act, 15 U.S.C. Section
7001(c), or authorize electronic delivery of any of the
notices described in Section 103(b) of that act, 15 U.S.C.
Section 7003(b).
Section 403. EFFECT ON EXISTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY.--
Except as otherwise provided in the Uniform Power of Attorney
Act, on July 1, 2007:
A. the Uniform Power of Attorney Act applies to a
power of attorney created before, on or after July 1, 2007;
B. the Uniform Power of Attorney Act applies to a
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judicial proceeding concerning a power of attorney commenced
on or after July 1, 2007;
C. the Uniform Power of Attorney Act applies to a
judicial proceeding concerning a power of attorney commenced
before July 1, 2007 unless the court finds that application of
a provision of that act would substantially interfere with the
effective conduct of the judicial proceeding or prejudice the
rights of a party, in which case that provision does not apply
and the superseded law applies; and
D. an act done before July 1, 2007 is not affected
by the Uniform Power of Attorney Act.
Section 404. REPEAL.--Sections 45-5-501 through
45-5-617 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1995, Chapter 210, Sections 58
through 79) are repealed.
Section 405. EFFECTIVE DATE.--The effective date of the
provisions of this act is July 1, 2007.
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