What happens if my power of attorney dies before me?
Jackson Reed
Updated on February 06, 2026
If the principal, the person granting the POA, dies, the POA is void. If the agent, the person who was appointed, dies before the principal, if there is an alternate appointed, it will go to the alternate.
What happens if power of attorney holder dies?
Though, the POA Act does not state when a power of attorney is irrevocable, essentially, a Power of Attorney is revocable like any other contract. Thus, on a bare reading of the section it appears that the POA is terminated in the case the principal or the agent of the POA dies.
Does a power of attorney expire on death?
The lasting power of attorney ( LPA ) ends when the donor dies. Tell the Office of the Public Guardian ( OPG ) and send them: a copy of the death certificate.
Does next of kin override power of attorney?
No. The term next of kin is in common use but a next of kin has no legal powers, rights or responsibilities. In particular, they cannot give consent for providing or withholding any treatment or care.
Can you change a will if you have power of attorney?
You can’t. Power of Attorney authority does not extend to making or changing someone else’s Will. The only one who can change your dad’s Will is your dad. It is sometimes possible to change a Will or dispute it once someone has died.
Can power of attorney sell property?
When it comes to buying or selling a property Power of Attorney is not a valid instrument to transfer property titles. A sale deed must be carried out for transferring property titles, following which the buyer has to pay stamp duty and registration charges.
Who has more power power of attorney or executor?
The agent serving under your power of attorney only has power and authority to act during your lifetime. Conversely, the executor is a person who is appointed by the probate court to close out your estate when you pass away.
What happens to power of attorney if principal dies?
Principal appoints attorney-in-fact to act on principal’s behalf. If principal dies, the power of attorney is no longer in effect. If attorney-in-fact (agent) dies, then it is no longer in effect. If the power of attorney named an alternate agent, that would be effective.
What happens to a POA if the agent dies?
The principal is the person who appoints and agent under a POA. If the principal dies, the POA is no longer valid and the estate would be administered through the will or trust. If the agent dies, the principal can, if they have capacity, simple prepare a new power of attorney form designating a new agent.
When does a power of attorney ( POA ) expire?
No. Depends on what the POA says – but normally, no, the POA expires with the agent just as it expires with the principal. * This will flag comments for moderators to take action. If the person appointed as Power of Attorney (Agent) dies before the person he was acting for (Principal), and the document has not named someone else.
What happens if an attorney in fact dies?
If attorney-in-fact (agent) dies, then it is no longer in effect. If the power of attorney named an alternate agent, that would be effective. * This will flag comments for moderators to take action. If the principal, the person granting the POA, dies, the POA is void.