Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

Michigan House Bill HB4644 Compare Versions

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1-Act No. 187 Public Acts of 2023 Approved by the Governor November 7, 2023 Filed with the Secretary of State November 7, 2023 EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2024 state of michigan 102nd Legislature Regular session of 2023 Introduced by Reps. Hope, McKinney, DeBoer, Hood, Morgan, Haadsma, Paiz, Byrnes, Miller, Rogers, Liberati, Dievendorf, Tyrone Carter, MacDonell, Edwards and Hill ENROLLED HOUSE BILL No. 4644 AN ACT to adopt the uniform power of attorney act; and to repeal acts and parts of acts. The People of the State of Michigan enact: ARTICLE 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS Sec. 101. This act may be cited as the uniform power of attorney act. Sec. 102. As used in this act: (a) Actual knowledge means knowledge in fact. (b) 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. Agent includes an original agent, a coagent, a successor agent, and a person to whom an agents authority is delegated. (c) Court includes that term as defined in section 1103 of the estates and protected individuals code, 1998 PA 386, MCL 700.1103. (d) Durable, with respect to a power of attorney, means not terminated by the principals incapacity. (e) Electronic means relating to technology having electrical, digital, magnetic, wireless, optical, electromagnetic, or similar capabilities. (f) Entity means a person other than an individual. (g) General power of appointment means general power as that term is defined in section 2 of the powers of appointment act of 1967, 1967 PA 224, MCL 556.112. (h) Good faith means honesty in fact. (i) Incapacity means inability of an individual to manage property or business affairs for either of the following reasons: (i) The individual has an impairment in the ability to receive and evaluate information or make or communicate decisions even with the use of technological assistance. (ii) The individual is any of the following: (A) Missing. (B) Detained, including incarcerated in a penal system. (C) Outside the United States and unable to return. (j) Person means an individual or corporation, including a fiduciary of an estate or trust, a business trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, public corporation, government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, or any other legal or commercial entity. (k) Unless the context requires otherwise, power means a power of attorney. (l) Power of attorney means a written record that grants authority to an agent to act in 1 or more matters on behalf of the principal, whether or not the term power of attorney is used. (m) Presented for acceptance, with respect to a power of attorney, means that both of the following events have occurred: (i) A person other than the principal or an agent under the power in question has been asked by the principal or an agent under the power to take a specified action or actions in reliance on the power. (ii) The power of attorney itself or a copy of it has been presented to and received by the person that is asked to take action in reliance on the power as described in subparagraph (i). (n) Presently exercisable, with respect to a power of appointment, means that the power of appointment is exercisable by the appointee at the relevant time. A power of appointment that is not exercisable until the occurrence of a specified event, the satisfaction of an ascertainable standard, or the passage of a specified period is presently exercisable only after the occurrence of the specified event, the satisfaction of the ascertainable standard, or the passage of the specified period. A power that is exercisable only by will is not presently exercisable. (o) Principal means an individual who grants authority to an agent in a power of attorney. (p) Property means anything that may be the subject of ownership, whether real or personal, or legal or equitable, or any interest or right in such a thing. (q) 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. (r) Sign means to do either of the following with the intent to authenticate or adopt a record: (i) Execute or adopt a tangible symbol. (ii) Attach to or logically associate with the record an electronic sound, symbol, or process. (s) 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 jurisdiction of the United States. (t) 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. Stocks and bonds does not include commodity futures contracts or call or put options on stocks or stock indexes. Sec. 102a. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person has knowledge of a fact involving a power of attorney if 1 or more of the following are true: (a) The person has actual knowledge of the fact. (b) The person has received a notice or notification of the fact. (c) From all the facts and circumstances known to the person at the time in question, the person has reason to know the fact. (2) An entity that conducts activities through 1 or more employees has notice or knowledge of a fact involving a power of attorney, a principal, or an agent only from the time the information is received by an employee conducting a transaction or from the time the information would have been brought to the employees attention if the entity had exercised reasonable diligence. (3) An entity that conducts activities through 1 or more employees has actual knowledge of a fact relating to a power of attorney, a principal, or an agent only if the employee conducting the transaction has actual knowledge of the fact. (4) As used in this section: (a) Reasonable diligence means the maintenance of and reasonable compliance with reasonable routines for communicating significant information to the employee conducting the transaction. Reasonable diligence does not require an employee of the entity to communicate information unless the communication is part of the individuals regular duties or the individual knows a matter concerning the transaction would be materially affected by the information. (b) Transaction means a transaction that is conducted for the entity and that involves the power of attorney. Sec. 103. This act applies to all powers of attorney except the following: (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 patient advocate designation under section 5506 of the estates and protected individuals code, 1998 PA 386, MCL 700.5506. (c) A delegation of a parents or guardians power regarding care, custody, or property of a minor child or ward under section 5103 of the estates and protected individuals code, 1998 PA 386, MCL 700.5103. (d) A proxy or other delegation to exercise voting rights or management rights with respect to an entity. (e) A power created on a form prescribed by a government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality for a governmental purpose. Sec. 104. A power of attorney created on or after the effective date of this act that is executed in accordance with section 105(2) or (3) is durable unless it expressly provides that it is terminated by the incapacity of the principal. A power of attorney created on or after the effective date of this act that is not executed in accordance with section 105(2) or (3) is not durable. Sec. 105. (1) To be effective, a power of attorney created on or after the effective date of this act must be signed by 1 of the following individuals: (a) The principal. (b) If signed in the principals conscious presence, another individual directed by the principal to sign the principals name. (2) To be durable, a power of attorney signed under subsection (1)(a) must meet 1 of the following requirements: (a) Be acknowledged by the principal before a notary public or other individual authorized to take acknowledgments. (b) Be signed in the presence of 2 witnesses, both of whom also sign the power, subject to both of the following: (i) A witness may not be an agent nominated in the power. (ii) One of the witnesses may be an individual who also acts, in the principals execution of the power, as a notary public or other individual authorized to take acknowledgments. (3) To be durable, a power of attorney signed under subsection (1)(b) must be signed in the presence of 2 witnesses as described in subsection (2)(b), regardless of whether the power is acknowledged. (4) 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. (5) A signature on a power of attorney that is witnessed as described in subsection (2)(b) but is not acknowledged by the principal before a notary public or other individual authorized by law to take acknowledgments is not entitled to the presumption of genuineness under subsection (4), and the power is not acknowledged within the meaning of sections 119 and 120. Sec. 106. (1) A power of attorney executed in this state is valid in this state if, when the power was executed, the execution complied with the requirements for the execution of a power of attorney under the law of this state as it existed at that time. (2) A power of attorney that is not executed in this state is valid in this state if, when the power was executed, the execution complied with either of the following: (a) The requirements for the execution of a power of attorney under the law of the jurisdiction that determines the meaning and effect of the power under section 107 or under the law of the jurisdiction in which the principal was domiciled at the time of execution. (b) The requirements for a military power of attorney under 10 USC 1044b. (3) Except as otherwise provided in the power of attorney or by statute other than this act, a photocopy or electronically transmitted copy of an original power of attorney has the same effect as the original. Sec. 107. The meaning and effect of a power of attorney is determined by the law of the jurisdiction indicated in the power and, in the absence of an indication of jurisdiction, by the law of the jurisdiction in which the power was executed. Sec. 108. (1) In a power of attorney, a principal may nominate a conservator or guardian of the principals estate or guardian of the principals person for a protective proceeding if a protective proceeding for the principals estate or person commences after the principal executes the power. If consistent with applicable law on priority and suitability, the court shall make its appointment in accordance with the principals most recent nomination in a power of attorney. (2) If, after a principal executes a power of attorney, a court appoints a conservator or guardian of the principals estate or other fiduciary charged with the management of some or all of the principals property, both of the following apply: (a) The agent is accountable to the fiduciary as well as to the principal. (b) The power of attorney is not terminated, and the agents authority continues unless limited, suspended, or terminated by the court. Sec. 109. (1) A power of attorney is effective when executed unless the principal provides in the power that it becomes effective at a specified future date or on the occurrence of a specified future event or contingency. (2) If a power of attorney is intended to become effective on the occurrence of a specified future event or contingency, the principal may, in the power, authorize 1 or more persons to determine in a record that the event or contingency has occurred. (3) If a power of attorney is intended to become effective on the principals 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 becomes effective on a determination in a record by either of the following: (a) A physician or licensed psychologist that the principal is incapacitated within the meaning of section 102(i)(i). (b) An attorney at law, a judge, or an appropriate governmental official that the principal is incapacitated within the meaning of section 102(i)(ii). (4) A person authorized by the principal in the power of attorney to determine that the principal is incapacitated may, to the extent necessary or convenient in making that determination, act as the principals personal representative under the health insurance portability and accountability act of 1996, Public Law 104‑191, sections 1171 to 1179 of the social security act, 42 USC 1320d to 1320d-8, and applicable regulations, to obtain access to the principals health care information and communicate with the principals health care provider. Sec. 110. (1) A power of attorney terminates if any of the following occur: (a) The principal dies. (b) For a power of attorney that is not durable, the principal becomes incapacitated. (c) The principal revokes the power of attorney. (d) An event occurs that, according to the terms of the power of attorney, terminates the power. (e) For a power of attorney that is intended only for a specified, limited purpose, the specified purpose of the power is accomplished. (f) The principal revokes the agents authority or the agent dies, becomes incapacitated, or resigns, and the power of attorney does not provide for another agent to act under the power. (2) An agents authority terminates if any of the following occur: (a) The principal revokes the authority. (b) The agent dies, becomes incapacitated, or resigns. (c) An action is filed for the dissolution or annulment of the agents marriage to the principal or for the legal separation of the agent and the principal, unless the power of attorney provides otherwise. (d) The power of attorney terminates. (3) Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, an agents authority is exercisable until the authority terminates under subsection (2), notwithstanding any lapse of time since the execution of the power. (4) Termination of an agents 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 or in reliance upon the power. An act so performed, unless otherwise invalid or unenforceable, binds the principal and the principals successors in interest. (5) Incapacity of the principal of a power of attorney that is not durable does not revoke or terminate the power as to an agent or other person that, without actual knowledge of the incapacity, acts in good faith under or in reliance on the power. An act so performed, unless otherwise invalid or unenforceable, binds the principal and the principals successors in interest. (6) The execution of a power of attorney does not revoke a power of attorney previously executed by the principal unless the subsequent power provides that the previous power is revoked or that all other powers of attorney are revoked. Sec. 111. (1) A principal may designate 2 or more persons to act as coagents. Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, each coagent may exercise the authority granted in the power independently. (2) A principal may designate 1 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 1 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 has the same authority as that granted to the original agent and shall not act until all of the successor agents predecessors under the terms of the power of attorney have resigned, died, become incapacitated, are no longer qualified to serve, or have declined to serve. (3) Except to the extent the power provides that coagents and successor agents are liable for one anothers misconduct, an agent under a given power of attorney who does not participate in or conceal a breach of fiduciary duty committed by another agent who is or was serving under that power, including a predecessor agent under the power, is liable for the actions of the other agent only as provided in subsection (4). (4) An agent serving under a given power of attorney that has knowledge of a breach or imminent breach of fiduciary duty by another agent who is or was serving under that power, including a predecessor agent under the power, shall notify the principal and, if the principal is incapacitated, take any action reasonably appropriate in the circumstances to safeguard the principals 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. Sec. 112. Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, an agent is entitled to both of the following: (a) Reimbursement of expenses reasonably incurred on behalf of the principal. (b) Reasonable compensation for services rendered on behalf of the principal. Sec. 113. (1) Except as otherwise provided in the power of attorney, a person accepts appointment as an agent under a power of attorney by exercising authority as an agent or by any other assertion or conduct indicating acceptance. (2) Before exercising authority under a durable power of attorney, an agent shall execute an acknowledgment of the agents duties that contains all the substantive statements contained in the optional template Agents Acknowledgment provided in section 302 in substantially the form of that optional template. (3) An agents failure to comply with subsection (2) does not affect the agents authority to act for the principal as provided in the durable power of attorney or this act, does not alter the agents duties under the power and this act, and does not mitigate the agents potential liability for breach of those duties. Sec. 114. (1) Notwithstanding provisions to the contrary in the power of attorney, an agent that has accepted appointment shall do all of the following: (a) Act in accordance with reasonable expectations of the principal that are actually known to the agent and, to the extent the expectations are not actually known, act in the principals best interest. (b) Act in good faith. (c) Act only within the scope of authority granted by the principal. (d) Keep reasonable records of receipts, disbursements, and transactions made by the agent on behalf of the principal. (2) Except as otherwise provided in the power of attorney, an agent who has accepted appointment shall do all of the following: (a) Act loyally for the principals benefit. (b) Act so as not to create a conflict of interest that impairs the agents ability to act impartially in the principals best interest. (c) Act with the care, competence, and diligence that a prudent person would in dealing with the property of another. (d) Cooperate with a person that has authority to make health care decisions for the principal to carry out reasonable expectations of the principal concerning health care that are actually known to the agent and, to the extent the expectations are not actually known, to act in the principals best interest. (e) Attempt to preserve the principals estate plan to the extent that plan is actually known to the agent and preserving the plan is consistent with the principals best interest based on relevant factors including all of the following: (i) The value and nature of the principals property. (ii) The principals foreseeable obligations and need for maintenance. (iii) The desirability of minimizing taxes, including income, estate, inheritance, generation-skipping transfer, and gift taxes. (iv) Eligibility for a benefit, a program, or assistance under a statute or regulation. (3) An agent who acts in good faith is not liable to any beneficiary of the principals estate plan for failure to preserve the plan. (4) An agent who acts for the best interest of the principal with the care, competence, and diligence that a prudent person would in dealing with the property of another 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. (5) If an agent is selected by the principal because of special skills or expertise possessed by the agent or in reliance on the agents representation that the agent has special skills or expertise, the special skills or expertise must be considered in determining whether the agent has acted with care, competence, and diligence. (6) A decline in the value of the principals property is not in itself sufficient to establish a breach of fiduciary duty. (7) An agent serving under a power of attorney that does not have knowledge of a breach or imminent breach of fiduciary duty by another agent who is or was serving under that power does not have a duty to investigate the conduct of any coagent or predecessor agent to rule out the possibility of any breach. (8) An agent who exercises authority to delegate to another person the authority granted by the principal or who engages another person on behalf of the principal is not liable for an act, error of judgment, or default of the person if the agent exercises care, competence, and diligence in selecting and monitoring the person. (9) 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, or adult protective services, or, on the death of the principal, by the personal representative or successor in interest of the principals estate. If a person that is authorized by the power of attorney or by this subsection to request a disclosure described in this subsection makes a request, the agent shall comply with the request within 30 days or provide a record substantiating why additional time is needed. If additional time is needed, the agent shall comply with the request within an additional 30 days. Sec. 115. (1) A provision in a power of attorney relieving an agent of liability for breach of duty is binding on the principal and the principals successors in interest except to the extent either of the following applies: (a) The provision relieves the agent of liability for breach of duty committed in bad faith or, except as provided in subsection (2), with reckless indifference to the purposes of the power of attorney or the best interest of the principal. (b) The provision was inserted as a result of an abuse of a confidential or fiduciary relationship with the principal. (2) A provision in a power of attorney relieving an agent of liability under section 111(4) is binding on the principal and the principals successors in interest except to the extent that it relieves the agent of liability for breach of duty committed in bad faith or was inserted as a result of an abuse of a confidential or fiduciary relationship with the principal. Sec. 116. (1) Without precluding other bases on which such matters may properly be brought before the court, any of the following persons may petition a court to construe a power of attorney or review the agents conduct and grant appropriate relief: (a) The principal or the agent. (b) A guardian, conservator, or other fiduciary acting for the principal. (c) A person that, at the time of the petition, is exercising authority to make health care decisions for the principal. (d) An individual who, at the time of the petition, would be an heir of the principal if the principal were to die intestate at that time. (e) A person named as a beneficiary to receive any property, benefit, or contractual right on the principals death or as a beneficiary of a trust created by or for the principal the trustee of which has a financial interest in the principals estate. (f) The personal representative of the principals estate. (g) Adult protective services. (h) A caregiver or another person that demonstrates sufficient interest in the principals welfare. (i) A person asked to accept the power of attorney. (2) Upon motion by the principal, the court shall dismiss a petition filed under subsection (1) unless the court finds 1 of the following: (a) That the principal lacks capacity to revoke the agents authority or the power of attorney. (b) That the motion is the effect of undue influence, fraud, or duress. (3) Without precluding other bases on which such matters may properly be brought before the court, any of the following persons may petition a court to review conduct regulated by this act on the part of a person to whom a power of attorney is presented for acceptance and to grant appropriate relief: (a) The principal or the agent. (b) A guardian, conservator, or other court-appointed fiduciary acting for the principal. Sec. 117. (1) An agent who violates this act is liable to the principal or the principals successors in interest for the amount required to restore the value of the principals property to what it would have been had the violation not occurred, including reimbursement of attorney fees and costs paid on the agents behalf in the defense of conduct constituting or contributing to the violation. (2) If an agent embezzles or wrongfully converts the principals property, or refuses, without colorable claim of right, to transfer possession of the principals property to the principal or the principals successors in interest on demand, the agent is liable in an action brought by the principal or the principals successors in interest for treble the value of any property embezzled, converted, or wrongfully withheld from the principal or the principals successors in interest. Sec. 118. Unless the power of attorney provides a different method for an agents resignation, an agent may resign by notifying the principal if the principal is not incapacitated or, if the principal is incapacitated, by notifying the following persons, as applicable: (a) If a conservator or guardian has been appointed for the principal, the conservator or guardian. (b) If a coagent or successor agent has been designated, the coagent or successor agent. (c) If there is not a person described in subdivision (a) or (b), 1 of the following: (i) A caregiver of the principal who is reasonably believed by the agent to have a significant interest in the principals welfare or another person that is reasonably believed by the agent to have the significant interest. (ii) Adult protective services. Sec. 119. (1) 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(4) that the signature is genuine. (2) A person that in good faith accepts a power of attorney that is either an acknowledged power or a vintage durable power without actual knowledge that the power is void, invalid, or terminated, that the purported agents authority is void, invalid, or terminated, or that the agent is exceeding the agents authority may rely on the power as if the power were genuine, valid, and still in effect, the agents authority were genuine, valid, and still in effect, and the agent had not exceeded and had properly exercised the authority. This subsection applies regardless of whether the purported agent under a durable power has executed an acknowledgment that complies with section 113(2) or any similar requirement under prior law. (3) If a power of attorney that is durable is presented for acceptance without an agents acknowledgment that complies with section 113(2) and is signed by the agent who is to act on the principals behalf in the transaction in question, a person that is asked to accept the power may require that the agent provide the acknowledgment before accepting the power. (4) A person that is asked to accept an acknowledged power of attorney may request and may rely, without further investigation, upon any of the following: (a) A certification under penalty of perjury, including, as may be appropriate for the intended purpose, an affidavit in recordable form, by an agent or an attorney at law who represents either the agent or the principal of any factual matter concerning the principal, agent, or power of attorney. (b) An English translation of the power of attorney if the power contains, in whole or in part, language other than English and the translations accuracy is the subject of either a certification or an opinion of counsel. (c) An opinion of counsel as to any matter of law concerning the power of attorney if the person requesting the opinion explains the reason for the request in a record. (5) Except as provided in subsection (6), an English translation or an opinion of counsel requested under this section must be provided at the principals expense unless the request is made more than 7 business days after the power of attorney is presented for acceptance. (6) If a person that is asked to accept an acknowledged power of attorney requests an opinion of counsel under subsection (4), and a court finds that the reason for the request as stated in the required record is frivolous, the person making the request is subject to liability for attorney fees and costs incurred in providing the requested opinion. In deciding whether the stated reason for the request is frivolous, the court shall consider, in addition to other relevant factors, whether, in light of the language of the power, the provisions of this act, and the surrounding circumstances, there is arguable merit to the legal concern that the request addresses. (7) As used in this section: (a) Acknowledged means purportedly verified before a notary public or other individual authorized to take acknowledgments. (b) Vintage durable power means a power of attorney to which all of the following apply: (i) The power is valid within the meaning of section 106. (ii) The power is durable under the law that validates the power within the meaning of section 106. (iii) The power was executed after September 29, 2012 and before the effective date of this act. Sec. 120. (1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (3), a person shall either accept an acknowledged power of attorney or request an agents acknowledgment under section 119(3) or a certification, translation, or opinion of counsel under section 119(4) not later than 7 business days after the power is presented for acceptance, and a person shall not require either of the following: (a) An additional or different form of power of attorney for authority granted in the acknowledged power presented. (b) An additional or different form of agents acknowledgment if an acknowledgment that complies with section 113(2) and is signed by the agent who is to act on the principals behalf in the transaction in question is presented with the acknowledged power presented or in response to a request under section 119(3). (2) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (3), if a person requests an agents acknowledgment under section 119(3) or a certification, translation, or opinion of counsel under section 119(4), the person shall accept the power of attorney not later than 5 business days after receipt of the requested agents acknowledgment, certification, translation, or opinion of counsel or, if more than 1 item has been timely requested in response to the same presentation, 5 business days after the requesting person has received all of the items timely requested. (3) A person is not required to accept a power of attorney if any of the following apply: (a) The person is not required to engage in a transaction with the principal in the same circumstances. (b) Engaging in a transaction with the agent or the principal in the same circumstances would be inconsistent with federal law or with guidance issued by a federal regulatory agency to whose jurisdiction the person is subject. (c) The person has actual knowledge of the termination of the agents authority or of the power of attorney before exercise of the power. (d) The persons timely request for an agents acknowledgment under section 119(3) or a certification, translation, or opinion of counsel under section 119(4) is refused. (e) The person in good faith believes that the power is not valid or that the agent does not have the authority to perform the act requested, whether or not an agents acknowledgment under section 119(3) or a certification, translation, or opinion of counsel under section 119(4) has been requested or provided. (f) The person in good faith makes, or has actual knowledge that another person has made, a report to adult protective services as defined in section 3 of the financial exploitation prevention act, 2020 PA 344, MCL 487.2083, stating a 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. (g) The person is a financial institution as defined in section 3 of the financial exploitation prevention act, 2020 PA 344, MCL 487.2083, and the person is, at the time in question, delaying or placing a freeze on transactions or assets relative to the principal under the financial exploitation prevention act, 2020 PA 344, MCL 487.2081 to 487.2091. (4) A person that refuses in violation of this section to accept an acknowledged power of attorney is subject to a court order mandating acceptance of the power and liability for reasonable attorney fees and costs incurred in any action or proceeding that confirms the validity of the power or mandates acceptance of the power. (5) A person that refuses in violation of this section to accept an acknowledged power of attorney after having requested and received a certification, a translation, or an opinion of counsel under section 119(4) is subject to, in addition to the liability described in subsection (4), liability for reasonable attorney fees and costs incurred in providing the requested certification, translation, or opinion of counsel. (6) As used in this section, acknowledged means that term as defined in section 119. Sec. 121. Unless displaced by a provision of this act, principles of common law and equity supplement this act. Sec. 122. This act does not supersede any other law applicable to financial institutions or other regulated entities, and that other law controls to the extent it is inconsistent with this act. Sec. 123. The remedies under this act are not exclusive and do not abrogate any right or remedy under the law of this state other than this act. ARTICLE 2 AUTHORITY Sec. 201. (1) An agent under a power of attorney may do the following on behalf of the principal or with the principals property only if the power expressly grants the agent the authority and exercise of the authority is not prohibited by another agreement or instrument to which the authority or property is subject or the authority is granted by judicial order: (a) Create, amend, revoke, or terminate an inter vivos trust. (b) Make a gift. (c) Create or change rights of survivorship. (d) Create or change a beneficiary designation. (e) Delegate authority granted under the power of attorney. (f) Waive the principals right to be a beneficiary of a joint and survivor annuity, including a survivor benefit under a retirement plan. (g) Exercise fiduciary powers that the principal has authority to delegate. (h) Exercise authority over the content of electronic communications, as defined in 18 USC 2510(12), sent or received by the principal. (i) Exercise authority over any bank, securities, or other financial account in a foreign country within the meaning of 31 CFR 1010.350. (2) Notwithstanding a grant of authority to do an act described in subsection (1), unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, an agent who 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 principals property, whether by gift, right of survivorship, beneficiary designation, disclaimer, or otherwise. The terms of a power of attorney may expand or narrow the class of agents permitted by this subsection to create in the agent, or in an individual to whom the agent owes a legal obligation of support, an interest in the principals property. (3) Subject to subsections (1), (2), (4), and (5), 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 to 216. (4) Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, a grant of authority to make a gift is subject to section 217. (5) Subject to subsections (1), (2), and (4), if the subjects over which authority is granted by a power of attorney are similar or overlap, the broadest authority controls. (6) Authority granted in a power of attorney is exercisable with respect to property that the principal has when the power 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 is executed in this state. (7) An act performed by an agent under a power of attorney has the same effect and inures to the benefit of and binds the principal and the principals successors in interest as if the principal had performed the act. Sec. 202. (1) An agent has authority described in this article if the power of attorney does either of the following: (a) Cites the section in which the authority is described. (b) Refers to a heading or catchline added to sections 204 to 217 under section 108 of the legislative council act, 1986 PA 268, MCL 4.1108. (2) A power of attorney that incorporates by reference any section of sections 204 to 217 under subsection (1) incorporates the entire section as if that section were set out in full in the power. (3) A principal may modify authority incorporated by reference. Sec. 203. Except as otherwise provided in the power of attorney, by executing a power that incorporates by reference a subject described in sections 204 to 217 under section 202 or that grants to an agent authority to do all acts that a principal could do under section 201(3), a principal authorizes the agent, with respect to that subject, to do all of the following: (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 creating at any time a schedule listing some or all of the principals 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 principals 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 principals 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. (j) Do any lawful act with respect to the subject and all property related to the subject. Sec. 204. A power of attorney that authorizes the agent to convey or otherwise exercise power over real property does not need to contain the real propertys legal description. Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to real property authorizes the agent to do all of the following: (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 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 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 all of the following: (i) Insuring against liability or casualty or other loss. (ii) Obtaining or regaining possession of or protecting the interest or right by litigation or otherwise. (iii) Paying, assessing, compromising, or contesting taxes or assessments or applying for and receiving refunds in connection with them. (iv) Purchasing supplies, hiring labor, and making repairs or alterations to the real property. (f) Use, develop, alter, replace, remove, erect, or install structures or other improvements on 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 or 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 all of the following: (i) Selling or otherwise disposing of them. (ii) Exercising or selling an option, right of conversion, or similar right with respect to them. (iii) Exercising any voting rights in person or by proxy. (h) Change the form of title of an interest in or right incident to real property. (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. Sec. 205. Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to tangible personal property authorizes the agent to do all of the following: (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 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 all of the following: (i) Insuring against liability or casualty or other loss. (ii) Obtaining or regaining possession of or protecting the property or interest, by litigation or otherwise. (iii) Paying, assessing, compromising, or contesting taxes or assessments or applying for and receiving refunds in connection with taxes or assessments. (iv) Moving the property from place to place. (v) Storing the property for hire or on a gratuitous bailment. (vi) Using and making repairs, alterations, or improvements to the property. (f) Change the form of title of an interest in tangible personal property. Sec. 206. Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to stocks and bonds authorizes the agent to do all of the following: (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 or a debt guaranteed by the principal. (d) Receive certificates and other evidence of ownership with respect to stocks and bonds. (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. Sec. 207. Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to commodities and options authorizes the agent to do the following: (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. (b) Establish, continue, modify, and terminate option accounts. Sec. 208. Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to banks and other financial institutions authorizes the agent to do all of the following: (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 pay, renew, or extend the time of payment of a debt of the principal or 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 principals 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 on 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 travelers checks from a financial institution and give an indemnity or other agreement in connection with letters of credit. (k) Consent to an extension of the time of payment with respect to commercial paper or a financial transaction with a financial institution. Sec. 209. Subject to the terms of a document or an agreement governing an entity or an entity ownership interest, and unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to operation of an entity or business authorizes the agent to do all of the following: (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, submit to alternative dispute resolution, settle, oppose, or 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, do all of the following: (i) 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 power of attorney. (ii) Determine all of the following: (A) The location of the entitys or businesss operation. (B) The nature and extent of the business. (C) The methods of manufacturing, selling, merchandising, financing, accounting, and advertising employed in the entitys or businesss operation. (D) The amount and types of insurance carried. (E) The mode of engaging, compensating, and dealing with the entitys or businesss employees and accountants, attorneys, or other advisors. (iii) Change the name or form of organization under which the entity or business is operated or enter into an ownership agreement with other persons to take over all or part of the operation of the entity or business. (iv) Demand and receive money due or claimed by the principal or on the principals 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 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 records with respect to an entity or business and make related payments. (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. Sec. 210. Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to insurance and annuities authorizes the agent to do all of the following: (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 under the contract. (b) Procure new, different, and additional contracts of insurance and annuities for the principal and the principals 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 of insurance or annuity. (l) Select the form and timing of the payment of proceeds from a contract of insurance or annuity. (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. Sec. 211. (1) Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to estates, trusts, and other beneficial interests authorizes the agent to do all of the following: (a) Accept, receive, receipt for, sell, assign, pledge, or exchange a share in or payment from an estate, trust, or other beneficial interest. (b) Demand or obtain money or another thing of value to which the principal is, may become, or claims to be, entitled by reason of an estate, trust, or other beneficial interest, by litigation or otherwise. (c) Exercise for the benefit of the principal a presently exercisable general power of appointment held by the principal. (d) 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. (e) 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. (f) Conserve, invest, disburse, or use anything received for an authorized purpose. (g) 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. (2) As used in this section, estate, trust, or other beneficial interest 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. Sec. 212. Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to claims and litigation authorizes the agent to do all of the following: (a) Assert and maintain before a court or 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 on the principal, accept service of process, appear for the principal, designate persons on whom process directed to the principal may be served, execute and file or deliver stipulations on the principals behalf, verify pleadings, seek appellate review, procure and give surety and indemnity bonds, contract and pay for the preparation and printing of records and briefs, 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. (i) Receive money or other thing of value paid in settlement of or as proceeds of a claim or litigation. Sec. 213. (1) Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to personal and family maintenance authorizes the agent to do all of the following: (a) Perform the acts necessary to maintain the customary standard of living of the principal, the principals spouse, and the following individuals, whether they are living when the power of attorney is executed or are born later: (i) The principals children. (ii) Individuals legally entitled to be supported by the principal. (iii) Individuals whom the principal has customarily supported or indicated the intent to support. (b) 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. (c) Provide living quarters for the individuals described in subdivision (a) by any the following: (i) Purchase, lease, or other contract. (ii) Paying the operating costs, including interest, amortization payments, repairs, improvements, and taxes, for premises owned by the principal or occupied by those individuals. (d) Provide normal domestic help, usual vacations and travel expenses, and funds for shelter, clothing, food, appropriate education, including postsecondary and vocational education, and other current living costs for the individuals described in subdivision (a). (e) Pay expenses for necessary health care and custodial care on behalf of the individuals described in subdivision (a). (f) Act as the principals personal representative under the health insurance portability and accountability act of 1996, Public Law 104-191, sections 1171 to 1179 of the social security act, 42 USC 1320d to 1320d-8, 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. (g) 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 subdivision (a). (h) Maintain credit and debit accounts for the convenience of the individuals described in subdivision (a) and open new accounts for that purpose. (i) Continue payments incidental to the membership or affiliation of the principal in a religious institution, club, society, order, or other organization or to continue an established pattern of contributions to those organizations. (2) Authority with respect to personal and family maintenance is not dependent on, or limited by, authority that an agent may or may not have with respect to gifts under this act. Sec. 214. (1) Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to benefits from governmental programs or civil or military service authorizes the agent to do all of the following: (a) 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 section 213(1)(a), and for shipment of their household effects. (b) 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. (c) Enroll in, apply for, select, reject, change, amend, or discontinue, on the principals behalf, a benefit or program. (d) 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. (e) 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. (f) Receive the financial proceeds of a claim described in subdivision (d) and conserve, invest, disburse, or use for a lawful purpose anything so received. (2) As used in this section, benefits from governmental programs or civil or military service means any benefit, program, or other assistance provided under a statute or regulation including Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Sec. 215. (1) Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to retirement plans authorizes the agent to do all of the following: (a) Select the form and timing of payments under a retirement plan and withdraw benefits from a plan. (b) Make a rollover or a trustee-to-trustee transfer of benefits from 1 retirement plan to another. (c) Establish a retirement plan in the principals name. (d) Make contributions to a retirement plan. (e) Exercise investment powers available under a retirement plan. (f) Borrow from, sell assets to, or purchase assets from a retirement plan as permitted by the plan. (2) 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 any of the following: (a) An individual retirement account under section 408 of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 408. (b) A Roth individual retirement account under section 408A of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 408A. (c) A deemed individual retirement account under section 408(q) of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 408. (d) An annuity or mutual fund custodial account under section 403(b) of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 403. (e) A pension, profit-sharing, stock bonus, or other retirement plan qualified under section 401(a) of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 401. (f) A plan under section 457(b) of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 457. (g) A nonqualified deferred compensation plan under section 409A of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 409A. Sec. 216. Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to taxes authorizes the agent to do all of the following: (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, 26 USC 2032A, 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 25 tax years. (b) Pay taxes due, collect refunds, post bonds, receive confidential information, and contest deficiencies 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, including consent, under section 2513 of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 2513, to the splitting of 1 or more gifts made by the principals spouse. (d) Act for the principal in all tax matters for all periods before the Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authority. Sec. 217. (1) Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to gifts authorizes the agent to make outright gifts of the principals property, including by the exercise of a presently exercisable general power of appointment held by the principal, to, or for the benefit of, a person or persons as the agent determines is consistent with the principals objectives if actually known by the agent and, to the extent the principals objectives are unknown, as the agent determines is consistent with the principals best interest based on all relevant factors, including the following: (a) The value and nature of the principals property. (b) The principals foreseeable obligations and need for maintenance, including anticipated private-pay nursing or assisted-living care costs incurred in a facility or at home. (c) The desirability of minimizing taxes, including income, estate, inheritance, generation-skipping transfer, and gift taxes. (d) Eligibility for a benefit, a program, or assistance under a statute or regulation, including eligibility for assistance with nursing or assisted-living care in a facility or at home. (e) The principals personal history of making gifts. (2) As used in this section, a gift for the benefit of a person includes, without limitation, a gift in trust, an account under the Michigan uniform transfers to minors act, 1998 PA 433, MCL 554.521 to 554.552, a tuition savings account or prepaid tuition plan as described under section 529 of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 529, and an ABLE account as defined under section 529A of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 529A. ARTICLE 3 STATUTORY FORMS Sec. 301. 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 this act: MICHIGAN 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). It is, therefore, an important legal document, and you are taking a serious step if you decide to make use of this form without seeking legal advice; for if the person you designate as your agent accepts authority granted under this power of attorney, the agent will be able to make decisions and act with respect to your property (including your money). The extent of your agents authority over subjects listed on this form is explained in the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.201 to 556.505. This power of attorney does not authorize the agent to make health care decisions for you and it does not authorize the agent to exercise powers you have as a parent or guardian regarding care, custody, or property of a minor child or ward. You should select someone you trust to serve as your agent and you should ask yourself as you review each section of this form, whether you have chosen the right person(s) to act in that capacity. If your signature on this form is notarized or witnessed as provided below, then unless you specify otherwise, the agents authority will generally 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 an agent and successor agent(s) who serve one at a time, as opposed to coagents who serve simultaneously. If you wish to name coagents, you may do so in the Special Instructions. Coagents 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. And unless you state otherwise in the Special Instructions, this power of attorney does not revoke any other power of attorney you may have created. If you have questions about the power of attorney or the authority it grants to your agent, you should seek legal advice before signing this form. DESIGNATION OF AGENT I _______________________________________________________________________________________ name (Name of Principal) the following person as my agent: Name of Agent: ________________________________________________________________________________ Agents Address: _______________________________________________________________________________ Agents 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 Agents Address: ______________________________________________________________________ Successor Agents 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 Agents Address: _______________________________________________________________ Second Successor Agents 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, MCL 556.201 to 556.505: (INITIAL each subject you want to include in the agents general authority. If you wish to grant general authority over all of the subjects, you may simply initial All Preceding Subjects.) (___) 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 Military Service (___) Retirement Plans (___) Taxes (___) All Preceding Subjects (regardless of whether any of the preceding subjects are initialed) 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. Furthermore, depending on the amount in one or more of the accounts mentioned in the last item listed below (which refers to 31 CFR 1010.350), granting that particular power may subject your agent to burdensome federal reporting obligations that are subject to stiff penalties. INITIAL ONLY the specific authority you WANT to give your agent. If you have questions about the wisdom of granting any specific authority to your agent, you should seek legal advice before signing this form. If you are inclined to grant specific authority but doubt the wisdom of granting that authority to a particular person you have designated as your agent or successor agent, you should ask yourself whether you have designated the right person(s). (___) Create, amend, revoke, or terminate an inter vivos trust (___) Make a gift as limited by section 217 of the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.317, and any special instructions in this power of attorney (___) Create or change rights of survivorship by, for example, creating a joint account (___) Create or change a beneficiary designation (___) Authorize another person to exercise the authority granted under this power of attorney (___) Waive the principals 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 authority to delegate (___) Access the content of electronic communications (___) Exercise authority over any bank, securities, or other financial account in a foreign country within the meaning of 31 CFR 1010.350 LIMITATION ON AGENT'S AUTHORITY Even if I have authorized my agent to make a gift (by initialing the relevant line above), an agent who 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. CAUTION! Special instructions are liable to cause ambiguities that may impair the effectiveness of this power of attorney. You are taking a solemn step if you decide to make any use of this form without seeking legal advice; you should be especially wary of providing special instructions without the benefit of legal counsel. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ EFFECTIVE DATE This power of attorney is effective immediately unless I have stated otherwise in the Special Instructions. EFFECT ON PREVIOUS POWERS OF ATTORNEY Unless I have said otherwise in the Special Instructions, the execution of this power of attorney does not revoke any prior power of attorney. 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 or Guardian of My Estate: ____________________________________ Nominees Address: __________________________________________________________________________ Nominees Telephone Number: ________________________________________________________________ Name of Nominee for Guardian of My Person: __________________________________________________ Nominees Address: __________________________________________________________________________ Nominees 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 that the power has terminated or is invalid. SIGNATURE OF PRINCIPAL, SIGNATURES OF WITNESSES, AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT CAUTION! Unless you provide otherwise in the Special Instructions, this form will create a durable power of attorney if you sign it either before a notary public (or other individual authorized to take acknowledgments) or in the presence of two witnesses neither of whom is designated as your agent or successor agent, both of whom sign below (and one of whom may be the notary public or other individual authorized by law to take acknowledgments who also signs below in his or her official capacity). The powers being durable means that unless the power is revoked or the agents authority is otherwise terminated beforehand, your agents authority will continue during any period in which you are alive but incapacitated. If you have questions about the wisdom of making this power durable, you should seek legal advice before signing this form. CAUTION! You have an important motivation to acknowledge your signature before a notary public (or other individual authorized to take acknowledgments) regardless of the question of durability (described above): doing so will make it harder, under section 120 of the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.220, for someone to whom the power is presented to decline to accept the power and your agents authority to act on your behalf. _________________________________ _____________________ Your Signature Date _________________________________ Your Name Printed _________________________________ Your Address _________________________________ Your Telephone Number _________________________________ _____________________ Witness No. 1s Signature Date _________________________________ Witness No. 1s Name Printed _________________________________ Witness No. 1s Address _________________________________ _____________________ Witness No. 2s Signature Date _________________________________ Witness No. 2s Name Printed _________________________________ Witness No. 2s Address State of ______________________________ [County] of ___________________________ This document was acknowledged before me on ___________________________________________ (Date) by _____________________________________________________________________________________. (Name of Principal) ___________________________________________ (Seal, if any) Signature of Notary _____________________________________________________________________ My commission expires: _________________________________________________________________ This document prepared by: __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR AGENT Agents Duties When you accept 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 or your authority under it is terminated by a termination event described in the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.201 to 556.505. You must: (1) Do what you know the principal reasonably expects you to do with the principals property or, if you do not know the principals expectations, act in the principals best interest; (2) Act in good faith; (3) Do nothing beyond the authority granted in this power of attorney; (4) Keep a record of receipts, disbursements, and transactions made on behalf of the principal; (5) Disclose your identity as an agent whenever you act for the principal by, for example, writing or printing the name of the principal and signing your own name as agent in the following manner: (Principals Name) by (Your Signature) as Agent; (6) And if the power is durable in the sense described below, you must, before acting as agent under the power, sign an acknowledgment of your duties as agent that contains all the declarations contained in the optional template Agents Acknowledgment provided in section 302 of the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.402, in substantially the form of that optional template. Unless the Special Instructions in this power of attorney state otherwise, you must also: (1) Act loyally for the principals benefit; (2) Avoid conflicts that would impair your ability to act in the principals best interest; (3) Act with care, competence, and diligence; (4) Cooperate with any person that has authority to make health care decisions for the principal to do what you know the principal reasonably expects concerning health care or, if you do not know the principals expectations, to act in the principals best interest; and (5) Attempt, to the extent of the powers you have been granted as agent, to preserve the principals estate plan if you know the plan and preserving the plan is consistent with the principals best interest. Termination of Agents 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 it. Events that terminate a power of attorney or your authority to act under such a power include: (1) Death of the principal; (2) The principals revocation of the power of attorney or your authority; (3) The occurrence of a termination event stated in the power; (4) If the power is intended only for a specified, limited purpose, the specified purpose of the power is fully accomplished; or (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. Statutory Duty to Acknowledge Agents Duties under Durable Power Unless the Special Instructions in this power of attorney state otherwise, this form will create a durable power of attorney (meaning that unless the power is revoked or your authority is otherwise terminated beforehand, your authority as agent will continue during any period in which the principal is alive but incapacitated) if the principal signs it either before a notary public (or other individual authorized to take acknowledgments) or in the presence of two witnesses neither of whom is designated as the principals agent or successor agent and both of whom also sign the form. If this power of attorney is durable, then before you act as agent under the power, you must execute an acknowledgment of your duties as agent that contains all the declarations contained in the optional template Agents Acknowledgment provided in section 302 of the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.402, in substantially the form of that optional template. Liability of Agent The meaning of the authority granted to you is defined in the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.201 to 556.505. If you violate that act or the terms of this power, you may be liable for any damages caused by your violation. If there is anything about this document or your duties under it that you do not understand, you should seek legal advice. Sec. 302. The following optional template may be used by a nominated agent under a durable power of attorney to provide the acknowledgment required by section 113(2): AGENT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT I, _______________________, have been appointed agent for _______________________ (Your Name), the principal _______________________ (Name of Principal), under a durable power of attorney dated ________________. By signing this document, I acknowledge that if and when I act as agent under the power, all of the following apply: MY DUTIES AS AGENT I must: 1. Do what I know the principal reasonably expects me to do with the principals property or, if I do not know the principals expectations, act in the principals best interest. 2. Act in good faith. 3. Do nothing beyond the authority granted in the durable power of attorney. 4. Keep reasonable records of receipts, disbursements, and transactions I make on behalf of the principal. 5. Disclose my identity as an agent whenever I act for the principal by writing or printing the principals name and signing my own name as agent. 6. And depending on the terms of the power of attorney, I may have additional duties described in section 114 of the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.201 to 556.505, including the presumptive duties to act loyally for the principals benefit, avoid conflicts of interest that would make it hard for me to act in the principals best interest, and act with care, competence, and diligence. POWERS REQUIRING SPECIFIC AUTHORITY Unless specifically provided in the durable power of attorney or by judicial order, I cannot do any of the following: 1. Create, amend, revoke, or terminate an inter vivos trust. 2. Make a gift of the principals property to someone else, let alone to myself. 3. Create or change rights of survivorship by, for example, creating a joint account. 4. Create or change a beneficiary designation. 5. Delegate authority granted under the durable power of attorney. 6. Exercise fiduciary powers that the principal has authority to delegate. 7. Waive the principals right to be a beneficiary of a joint and survivor annuity, including a survivor benefit under a retirement plan. 8. Exercise authority over the content of electronic communications, as defined in 18 USC 2510, sent or received by the principal. 9. Exercise authority over any bank, securities, or other financial account in a foreign country within the meaning of 31 CFR 1010.350. TERMINATION OF MY AUTHORITY I must stop acting on behalf of the principal if I learn of any event that terminates the durable power of attorney or my authority under the power, including the death of the principal or the principals revocation of either the power or my authority to act under it. MY POTENTIAL LIABILITY AS AGENT If I violate the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.201 to 556.505, or act outside the authority granted in the durable power, I may be liable to the principal or the principals successors for damages caused by my violation and to civil or criminal penalties. An exoneration clause in the power (if any) does not relieve me of liability for acts or omissions committed in bad faith or, in some cases, for acts or omissions committed with reckless indifference to the purposes of the power of attorney or the interests of the principal. Signature: _______________________________ Date: ___________________________ If there is anything about this document or your duties that you do not understand, you should seek legal advice. Sec. 303. The following optional template may be used by an agent or an attorney at law who represents either the agent or the principal to certify facts concerning a power of attorney: CERTIFICATION AS TO THE VALIDITY OF POWER OF ATTORNEY AND AGENTS AUTHORITY State of _______________________________________ [County] of ____________________________________ I, _____________________________________________ (Name of Certifier), certify under penalty of perjury that _________________________(Name of Principal) granted ___________________________________ (Name of Agent) authority as an agent or successor agent in a power of attorney dated ________________________. I further certify that to my knowledge: (1) The Principal is alive and has not revoked the Power of Attorney or the Agents authority to act under the Power and the Power and the Agents authority to act under the Power have not otherwise terminated; (2) If the Power of Attorney was drafted to become effective upon the happening of a specified event or contingency, the specified event or contingency has occurred; (3) If the Agent was named as a successor agent, the prior agent is unable or unwilling to serve; and (4)______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Insert other relevant statements. You may attach separate sheets if additional space is needed.) SIGNATURE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT ________________________________ _____________________ Certifiers Signature Date ________________________________ Certifiers Name Printed ________________________________ Certifiers Capacity (as Agent, attorney at law for Agent, or attorney at law for Principal) ________________________________ Certifiers Address ________________________________ Certifiers Telephone Number This document was acknowledged before me on ____________________, (Date) by _____________________________________________________________________________________. (Name of Certifier) ___________________________________________ (Seal, if any) Signature of Notary My commission expires: _______________ This document prepared by: __________________________________________________________________ ARTICLE 4 MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS Sec. 401. In applying and construing this act, consideration should be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to the acts subject matter among the states that enact the uniform act on which this act is based. Sec. 402. This act modifies, limits, and supersedes the federal electronic signatures in global and national commerce act, 15 USC 7001 to 7006, but does not modify, limit, or supersede section 101(c) of that act, 15 USC 7001, or authorize electronic delivery of any of the notices described in section 103(b) of that act, 15 USC 7003. Sec. 403. Except as otherwise provided in this act, on the effective date of this act all of the following apply: (a) Except as provided in subdivision (c), this act applies to a power of attorney created before, on, or after the effective date of this act. (b) This act applies to a judicial proceeding concerning a power of attorney commenced on or after the effective date of this act. (c) This act applies to a judicial proceeding concerning a power of attorney commenced before the effective date of this act unless the court finds that application of a provision of this 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. (d) An act done before the effective date of this act is not affected by this act. Sec. 404. Sections 5501 to 5505 of the estates and protected individuals code, 1998 PA 386, MCL 700.5501 to 700.5505, are repealed. Sec. 405. This act takes effect July 1, 2024. Enacting section 1. This act does not take effect unless all of the following bills of the 102nd Legislature are enacted into law: (a) House Bill No. 4645. (b) House Bill No. 4646. Clerk of the House of Representatives Secretary of the Senate Approved___________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ Governor
1+state of michigan 102nd Legislature Regular session of 2023 Introduced by Reps. Hope, McKinney, DeBoer, Hood, Morgan, Haadsma, Paiz, Byrnes, Miller, Rogers, Liberati, Dievendorf, Tyrone Carter, MacDonell, Edwards and Hill ENROLLED HOUSE BILL No. 4644 AN ACT to adopt the uniform power of attorney act; and to repeal acts and parts of acts. The People of the State of Michigan enact: ARTICLE 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS Sec. 101. This act may be cited as the uniform power of attorney act. Sec. 102. As used in this act: (a) Actual knowledge means knowledge in fact. (b) 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. Agent includes an original agent, a coagent, a successor agent, and a person to whom an agents authority is delegated. (c) Court includes that term as defined in section 1103 of the estates and protected individuals code, 1998 PA 386, MCL 700.1103. (d) Durable, with respect to a power of attorney, means not terminated by the principals incapacity. (e) Electronic means relating to technology having electrical, digital, magnetic, wireless, optical, electromagnetic, or similar capabilities. (f) Entity means a person other than an individual. (g) General power of appointment means general power as that term is defined in section 2 of the powers of appointment act of 1967, 1967 PA 224, MCL 556.112. (h) Good faith means honesty in fact. (i) Incapacity means inability of an individual to manage property or business affairs for either of the following reasons: (i) The individual has an impairment in the ability to receive and evaluate information or make or communicate decisions even with the use of technological assistance. (ii) The individual is any of the following: (A) Missing. (B) Detained, including incarcerated in a penal system. (C) Outside the United States and unable to return. (j) Person means an individual or corporation, including a fiduciary of an estate or trust, a business trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, public corporation, government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, or any other legal or commercial entity. (k) Unless the context requires otherwise, power means a power of attorney. (l) Power of attorney means a written record that grants authority to an agent to act in 1 or more matters on behalf of the principal, whether or not the term power of attorney is used. (m) Presented for acceptance, with respect to a power of attorney, means that both of the following events have occurred: (i) A person other than the principal or an agent under the power in question has been asked by the principal or an agent under the power to take a specified action or actions in reliance on the power. (ii) The power of attorney itself or a copy of it has been presented to and received by the person that is asked to take action in reliance on the power as described in subparagraph (i). (n) Presently exercisable, with respect to a power of appointment, means that the power of appointment is exercisable by the appointee at the relevant time. A power of appointment that is not exercisable until the occurrence of a specified event, the satisfaction of an ascertainable standard, or the passage of a specified period is presently exercisable only after the occurrence of the specified event, the satisfaction of the ascertainable standard, or the passage of the specified period. A power that is exercisable only by will is not presently exercisable. (o) Principal means an individual who grants authority to an agent in a power of attorney. (p) Property means anything that may be the subject of ownership, whether real or personal, or legal or equitable, or any interest or right in such a thing. (q) 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. (r) Sign means to do either of the following with the intent to authenticate or adopt a record: (i) Execute or adopt a tangible symbol. (ii) Attach to or logically associate with the record an electronic sound, symbol, or process. (s) 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 jurisdiction of the United States. (t) 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. Stocks and bonds does not include commodity futures contracts or call or put options on stocks or stock indexes. Sec. 102a. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person has knowledge of a fact involving a power of attorney if 1 or more of the following are true: (a) The person has actual knowledge of the fact. (b) The person has received a notice or notification of the fact. (c) From all the facts and circumstances known to the person at the time in question, the person has reason to know the fact. (2) An entity that conducts activities through 1 or more employees has notice or knowledge of a fact involving a power of attorney, a principal, or an agent only from the time the information is received by an employee conducting a transaction or from the time the information would have been brought to the employees attention if the entity had exercised reasonable diligence. (3) An entity that conducts activities through 1 or more employees has actual knowledge of a fact relating to a power of attorney, a principal, or an agent only if the employee conducting the transaction has actual knowledge of the fact. (4) As used in this section: (a) Reasonable diligence means the maintenance of and reasonable compliance with reasonable routines for communicating significant information to the employee conducting the transaction. Reasonable diligence does not require an employee of the entity to communicate information unless the communication is part of the individuals regular duties or the individual knows a matter concerning the transaction would be materially affected by the information. (b) Transaction means a transaction that is conducted for the entity and that involves the power of attorney. Sec. 103. This act applies to all powers of attorney except the following: (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 patient advocate designation under section 5506 of the estates and protected individuals code, 1998 PA 386, MCL 700.5506. (c) A delegation of a parents or guardians power regarding care, custody, or property of a minor child or ward under section 5103 of the estates and protected individuals code, 1998 PA 386, MCL 700.5103. (d) A proxy or other delegation to exercise voting rights or management rights with respect to an entity. (e) A power created on a form prescribed by a government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality for a governmental purpose. Sec. 104. A power of attorney created on or after the effective date of this act that is executed in accordance with section 105(2) or (3) is durable unless it expressly provides that it is terminated by the incapacity of the principal. A power of attorney created on or after the effective date of this act that is not executed in accordance with section 105(2) or (3) is not durable. Sec. 105. (1) To be effective, a power of attorney created on or after the effective date of this act must be signed by 1 of the following individuals: (a) The principal. (b) If signed in the principals conscious presence, another individual directed by the principal to sign the principals name. (2) To be durable, a power of attorney signed under subsection (1)(a) must meet 1 of the following requirements: (a) Be acknowledged by the principal before a notary public or other individual authorized to take acknowledgments. (b) Be signed in the presence of 2 witnesses, both of whom also sign the power, subject to both of the following: (i) A witness may not be an agent nominated in the power. (ii) One of the witnesses may be an individual who also acts, in the principals execution of the power, as a notary public or other individual authorized to take acknowledgments. (3) To be durable, a power of attorney signed under subsection (1)(b) must be signed in the presence of 2 witnesses as described in subsection (2)(b), regardless of whether the power is acknowledged. (4) 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. (5) A signature on a power of attorney that is witnessed as described in subsection (2)(b) but is not acknowledged by the principal before a notary public or other individual authorized by law to take acknowledgments is not entitled to the presumption of genuineness under subsection (4), and the power is not acknowledged within the meaning of sections 119 and 120. Sec. 106. (1) A power of attorney executed in this state is valid in this state if, when the power was executed, the execution complied with the requirements for the execution of a power of attorney under the law of this state as it existed at that time. (2) A power of attorney that is not executed in this state is valid in this state if, when the power was executed, the execution complied with either of the following: (a) The requirements for the execution of a power of attorney under the law of the jurisdiction that determines the meaning and effect of the power under section 107 or under the law of the jurisdiction in which the principal was domiciled at the time of execution. (b) The requirements for a military power of attorney under 10 USC 1044b. (3) Except as otherwise provided in the power of attorney or by statute other than this act, a photocopy or electronically transmitted copy of an original power of attorney has the same effect as the original. Sec. 107. The meaning and effect of a power of attorney is determined by the law of the jurisdiction indicated in the power and, in the absence of an indication of jurisdiction, by the law of the jurisdiction in which the power was executed. Sec. 108. (1) In a power of attorney, a principal may nominate a conservator or guardian of the principals estate or guardian of the principals person for a protective proceeding if a protective proceeding for the principals estate or person commences after the principal executes the power. If consistent with applicable law on priority and suitability, the court shall make its appointment in accordance with the principals most recent nomination in a power of attorney. (2) If, after a principal executes a power of attorney, a court appoints a conservator or guardian of the principals estate or other fiduciary charged with the management of some or all of the principals property, both of the following apply: (a) The agent is accountable to the fiduciary as well as to the principal. (b) The power of attorney is not terminated, and the agents authority continues unless limited, suspended, or terminated by the court. Sec. 109. (1) A power of attorney is effective when executed unless the principal provides in the power that it becomes effective at a specified future date or on the occurrence of a specified future event or contingency. (2) If a power of attorney is intended to become effective on the occurrence of a specified future event or contingency, the principal may, in the power, authorize 1 or more persons to determine in a record that the event or contingency has occurred. (3) If a power of attorney is intended to become effective on the principals 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 becomes effective on a determination in a record by either of the following: (a) A physician or licensed psychologist that the principal is incapacitated within the meaning of section 102(i)(i). (b) An attorney at law, a judge, or an appropriate governmental official that the principal is incapacitated within the meaning of section 102(i)(ii). (4) A person authorized by the principal in the power of attorney to determine that the principal is incapacitated may, to the extent necessary or convenient in making that determination, act as the principals personal representative under the health insurance portability and accountability act of 1996, Public Law 104‑191, sections 1171 to 1179 of the social security act, 42 USC 1320d to 1320d-8, and applicable regulations, to obtain access to the principals health care information and communicate with the principals health care provider. Sec. 110. (1) A power of attorney terminates if any of the following occur: (a) The principal dies. (b) For a power of attorney that is not durable, the principal becomes incapacitated. (c) The principal revokes the power of attorney. (d) An event occurs that, according to the terms of the power of attorney, terminates the power. (e) For a power of attorney that is intended only for a specified, limited purpose, the specified purpose of the power is accomplished. (f) The principal revokes the agents authority or the agent dies, becomes incapacitated, or resigns, and the power of attorney does not provide for another agent to act under the power. (2) An agents authority terminates if any of the following occur: (a) The principal revokes the authority. (b) The agent dies, becomes incapacitated, or resigns. (c) An action is filed for the dissolution or annulment of the agents marriage to the principal or for the legal separation of the agent and the principal, unless the power of attorney provides otherwise. (d) The power of attorney terminates. (3) Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, an agents authority is exercisable until the authority terminates under subsection (2), notwithstanding any lapse of time since the execution of the power. (4) Termination of an agents 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 or in reliance upon the power. An act so performed, unless otherwise invalid or unenforceable, binds the principal and the principals successors in interest. (5) Incapacity of the principal of a power of attorney that is not durable does not revoke or terminate the power as to an agent or other person that, without actual knowledge of the incapacity, acts in good faith under or in reliance on the power. An act so performed, unless otherwise invalid or unenforceable, binds the principal and the principals successors in interest. (6) The execution of a power of attorney does not revoke a power of attorney previously executed by the principal unless the subsequent power provides that the previous power is revoked or that all other powers of attorney are revoked. Sec. 111. (1) A principal may designate 2 or more persons to act as coagents. Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, each coagent may exercise the authority granted in the power independently. (2) A principal may designate 1 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 1 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 has the same authority as that granted to the original agent and shall not act until all of the successor agents predecessors under the terms of the power of attorney have resigned, died, become incapacitated, are no longer qualified to serve, or have declined to serve. (3) Except to the extent the power provides that coagents and successor agents are liable for one anothers misconduct, an agent under a given power of attorney who does not participate in or conceal a breach of fiduciary duty committed by another agent who is or was serving under that power, including a predecessor agent under the power, is liable for the actions of the other agent only as provided in subsection (4). (4) An agent serving under a given power of attorney that has knowledge of a breach or imminent breach of fiduciary duty by another agent who is or was serving under that power, including a predecessor agent under the power, shall notify the principal and, if the principal is incapacitated, take any action reasonably appropriate in the circumstances to safeguard the principals 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. Sec. 112. Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, an agent is entitled to both of the following: (a) Reimbursement of expenses reasonably incurred on behalf of the principal. (b) Reasonable compensation for services rendered on behalf of the principal. Sec. 113. (1) Except as otherwise provided in the power of attorney, a person accepts appointment as an agent under a power of attorney by exercising authority as an agent or by any other assertion or conduct indicating acceptance. (2) Before exercising authority under a durable power of attorney, an agent shall execute an acknowledgment of the agents duties that contains all the substantive statements contained in the optional template Agents Acknowledgment provided in section 302 in substantially the form of that optional template. (3) An agents failure to comply with subsection (2) does not affect the agents authority to act for the principal as provided in the durable power of attorney or this act, does not alter the agents duties under the power and this act, and does not mitigate the agents potential liability for breach of those duties. Sec. 114. (1) Notwithstanding provisions to the contrary in the power of attorney, an agent that has accepted appointment shall do all of the following: (a) Act in accordance with reasonable expectations of the principal that are actually known to the agent and, to the extent the expectations are not actually known, act in the principals best interest. (b) Act in good faith. (c) Act only within the scope of authority granted by the principal. (d) Keep reasonable records of receipts, disbursements, and transactions made by the agent on behalf of the principal. (2) Except as otherwise provided in the power of attorney, an agent who has accepted appointment shall do all of the following: (a) Act loyally for the principals benefit. (b) Act so as not to create a conflict of interest that impairs the agents ability to act impartially in the principals best interest. (c) Act with the care, competence, and diligence that a prudent person would in dealing with the property of another. (d) Cooperate with a person that has authority to make health care decisions for the principal to carry out reasonable expectations of the principal concerning health care that are actually known to the agent and, to the extent the expectations are not actually known, to act in the principals best interest. (e) Attempt to preserve the principals estate plan to the extent that plan is actually known to the agent and preserving the plan is consistent with the principals best interest based on relevant factors including all of the following: (i) The value and nature of the principals property. (ii) The principals foreseeable obligations and need for maintenance. (iii) The desirability of minimizing taxes, including income, estate, inheritance, generation-skipping transfer, and gift taxes. (iv) Eligibility for a benefit, a program, or assistance under a statute or regulation. (3) An agent who acts in good faith is not liable to any beneficiary of the principals estate plan for failure to preserve the plan. (4) An agent who acts for the best interest of the principal with the care, competence, and diligence that a prudent person would in dealing with the property of another 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. (5) If an agent is selected by the principal because of special skills or expertise possessed by the agent or in reliance on the agents representation that the agent has special skills or expertise, the special skills or expertise must be considered in determining whether the agent has acted with care, competence, and diligence. (6) A decline in the value of the principals property is not in itself sufficient to establish a breach of fiduciary duty. (7) An agent serving under a power of attorney that does not have knowledge of a breach or imminent breach of fiduciary duty by another agent who is or was serving under that power does not have a duty to investigate the conduct of any coagent or predecessor agent to rule out the possibility of any breach. (8) An agent who exercises authority to delegate to another person the authority granted by the principal or who engages another person on behalf of the principal is not liable for an act, error of judgment, or default of the person if the agent exercises care, competence, and diligence in selecting and monitoring the person. (9) 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, or adult protective services, or, on the death of the principal, by the personal representative or successor in interest of the principals estate. If a person that is authorized by the power of attorney or by this subsection to request a disclosure described in this subsection makes a request, the agent shall comply with the request within 30 days or provide a record substantiating why additional time is needed. If additional time is needed, the agent shall comply with the request within an additional 30 days. Sec. 115. (1) A provision in a power of attorney relieving an agent of liability for breach of duty is binding on the principal and the principals successors in interest except to the extent either of the following applies: (a) The provision relieves the agent of liability for breach of duty committed in bad faith or, except as provided in subsection (2), with reckless indifference to the purposes of the power of attorney or the best interest of the principal. (b) The provision was inserted as a result of an abuse of a confidential or fiduciary relationship with the principal. (2) A provision in a power of attorney relieving an agent of liability under section 111(4) is binding on the principal and the principals successors in interest except to the extent that it relieves the agent of liability for breach of duty committed in bad faith or was inserted as a result of an abuse of a confidential or fiduciary relationship with the principal. Sec. 116. (1) Without precluding other bases on which such matters may properly be brought before the court, any of the following persons may petition a court to construe a power of attorney or review the agents conduct and grant appropriate relief: (a) The principal or the agent. (b) A guardian, conservator, or other fiduciary acting for the principal. (c) A person that, at the time of the petition, is exercising authority to make health care decisions for the principal. (d) An individual who, at the time of the petition, would be an heir of the principal if the principal were to die intestate at that time. (e) A person named as a beneficiary to receive any property, benefit, or contractual right on the principals death or as a beneficiary of a trust created by or for the principal the trustee of which has a financial interest in the principals estate. (f) The personal representative of the principals estate. (g) Adult protective services. (h) A caregiver or another person that demonstrates sufficient interest in the principals welfare. (i) A person asked to accept the power of attorney. (2) Upon motion by the principal, the court shall dismiss a petition filed under subsection (1) unless the court finds 1 of the following: (a) That the principal lacks capacity to revoke the agents authority or the power of attorney. (b) That the motion is the effect of undue influence, fraud, or duress. (3) Without precluding other bases on which such matters may properly be brought before the court, any of the following persons may petition a court to review conduct regulated by this act on the part of a person to whom a power of attorney is presented for acceptance and to grant appropriate relief: (a) The principal or the agent. (b) A guardian, conservator, or other court-appointed fiduciary acting for the principal. Sec. 117. (1) An agent who violates this act is liable to the principal or the principals successors in interest for the amount required to restore the value of the principals property to what it would have been had the violation not occurred, including reimbursement of attorney fees and costs paid on the agents behalf in the defense of conduct constituting or contributing to the violation. (2) If an agent embezzles or wrongfully converts the principals property, or refuses, without colorable claim of right, to transfer possession of the principals property to the principal or the principals successors in interest on demand, the agent is liable in an action brought by the principal or the principals successors in interest for treble the value of any property embezzled, converted, or wrongfully withheld from the principal or the principals successors in interest. Sec. 118. Unless the power of attorney provides a different method for an agents resignation, an agent may resign by notifying the principal if the principal is not incapacitated or, if the principal is incapacitated, by notifying the following persons, as applicable: (a) If a conservator or guardian has been appointed for the principal, the conservator or guardian. (b) If a coagent or successor agent has been designated, the coagent or successor agent. (c) If there is not a person described in subdivision (a) or (b), 1 of the following: (i) A caregiver of the principal who is reasonably believed by the agent to have a significant interest in the principals welfare or another person that is reasonably believed by the agent to have the significant interest. (ii) Adult protective services. Sec. 119. (1) 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(4) that the signature is genuine. (2) A person that in good faith accepts a power of attorney that is either an acknowledged power or a vintage durable power without actual knowledge that the power is void, invalid, or terminated, that the purported agents authority is void, invalid, or terminated, or that the agent is exceeding the agents authority may rely on the power as if the power were genuine, valid, and still in effect, the agents authority were genuine, valid, and still in effect, and the agent had not exceeded and had properly exercised the authority. This subsection applies regardless of whether the purported agent under a durable power has executed an acknowledgment that complies with section 113(2) or any similar requirement under prior law. (3) If a power of attorney that is durable is presented for acceptance without an agents acknowledgment that complies with section 113(2) and is signed by the agent who is to act on the principals behalf in the transaction in question, a person that is asked to accept the power may require that the agent provide the acknowledgment before accepting the power. (4) A person that is asked to accept an acknowledged power of attorney may request and may rely, without further investigation, upon any of the following: (a) A certification under penalty of perjury, including, as may be appropriate for the intended purpose, an affidavit in recordable form, by an agent or an attorney at law who represents either the agent or the principal of any factual matter concerning the principal, agent, or power of attorney. (b) An English translation of the power of attorney if the power contains, in whole or in part, language other than English and the translations accuracy is the subject of either a certification or an opinion of counsel. (c) An opinion of counsel as to any matter of law concerning the power of attorney if the person requesting the opinion explains the reason for the request in a record. (5) Except as provided in subsection (6), an English translation or an opinion of counsel requested under this section must be provided at the principals expense unless the request is made more than 7 business days after the power of attorney is presented for acceptance. (6) If a person that is asked to accept an acknowledged power of attorney requests an opinion of counsel under subsection (4), and a court finds that the reason for the request as stated in the required record is frivolous, the person making the request is subject to liability for attorney fees and costs incurred in providing the requested opinion. In deciding whether the stated reason for the request is frivolous, the court shall consider, in addition to other relevant factors, whether, in light of the language of the power, the provisions of this act, and the surrounding circumstances, there is arguable merit to the legal concern that the request addresses. (7) As used in this section: (a) Acknowledged means purportedly verified before a notary public or other individual authorized to take acknowledgments. (b) Vintage durable power means a power of attorney to which all of the following apply: (i) The power is valid within the meaning of section 106. (ii) The power is durable under the law that validates the power within the meaning of section 106. (iii) The power was executed after September 29, 2012 and before the effective date of this act. Sec. 120. (1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (3), a person shall either accept an acknowledged power of attorney or request an agents acknowledgment under section 119(3) or a certification, translation, or opinion of counsel under section 119(4) not later than 7 business days after the power is presented for acceptance, and a person shall not require either of the following: (a) An additional or different form of power of attorney for authority granted in the acknowledged power presented. (b) An additional or different form of agents acknowledgment if an acknowledgment that complies with section 113(2) and is signed by the agent who is to act on the principals behalf in the transaction in question is presented with the acknowledged power presented or in response to a request under section 119(3). (2) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (3), if a person requests an agents acknowledgment under section 119(3) or a certification, translation, or opinion of counsel under section 119(4), the person shall accept the power of attorney not later than 5 business days after receipt of the requested agents acknowledgment, certification, translation, or opinion of counsel or, if more than 1 item has been timely requested in response to the same presentation, 5 business days after the requesting person has received all of the items timely requested. (3) A person is not required to accept a power of attorney if any of the following apply: (a) The person is not required to engage in a transaction with the principal in the same circumstances. (b) Engaging in a transaction with the agent or the principal in the same circumstances would be inconsistent with federal law or with guidance issued by a federal regulatory agency to whose jurisdiction the person is subject. (c) The person has actual knowledge of the termination of the agents authority or of the power of attorney before exercise of the power. (d) The persons timely request for an agents acknowledgment under section 119(3) or a certification, translation, or opinion of counsel under section 119(4) is refused. (e) The person in good faith believes that the power is not valid or that the agent does not have the authority to perform the act requested, whether or not an agents acknowledgment under section 119(3) or a certification, translation, or opinion of counsel under section 119(4) has been requested or provided. (f) The person in good faith makes, or has actual knowledge that another person has made, a report to adult protective services as defined in section 3 of the financial exploitation prevention act, 2020 PA 344, MCL 487.2083, stating a 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. (g) The person is a financial institution as defined in section 3 of the financial exploitation prevention act, 2020 PA 344, MCL 487.2083, and the person is, at the time in question, delaying or placing a freeze on transactions or assets relative to the principal under the financial exploitation prevention act, 2020 PA 344, MCL 487.2081 to 487.2091. (4) A person that refuses in violation of this section to accept an acknowledged power of attorney is subject to a court order mandating acceptance of the power and liability for reasonable attorney fees and costs incurred in any action or proceeding that confirms the validity of the power or mandates acceptance of the power. (5) A person that refuses in violation of this section to accept an acknowledged power of attorney after having requested and received a certification, a translation, or an opinion of counsel under section 119(4) is subject to, in addition to the liability described in subsection (4), liability for reasonable attorney fees and costs incurred in providing the requested certification, translation, or opinion of counsel. (6) As used in this section, acknowledged means that term as defined in section 119. Sec. 121. Unless displaced by a provision of this act, principles of common law and equity supplement this act. Sec. 122. This act does not supersede any other law applicable to financial institutions or other regulated entities, and that other law controls to the extent it is inconsistent with this act. Sec. 123. The remedies under this act are not exclusive and do not abrogate any right or remedy under the law of this state other than this act. ARTICLE 2 AUTHORITY Sec. 201. (1) An agent under a power of attorney may do the following on behalf of the principal or with the principals property only if the power expressly grants the agent the authority and exercise of the authority is not prohibited by another agreement or instrument to which the authority or property is subject or the authority is granted by judicial order: (a) Create, amend, revoke, or terminate an inter vivos trust. (b) Make a gift. (c) Create or change rights of survivorship. (d) Create or change a beneficiary designation. (e) Delegate authority granted under the power of attorney. (f) Waive the principals right to be a beneficiary of a joint and survivor annuity, including a survivor benefit under a retirement plan. (g) Exercise fiduciary powers that the principal has authority to delegate. (h) Exercise authority over the content of electronic communications, as defined in 18 USC 2510(12), sent or received by the principal. (i) Exercise authority over any bank, securities, or other financial account in a foreign country within the meaning of 31 CFR 1010.350. (2) Notwithstanding a grant of authority to do an act described in subsection (1), unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, an agent who 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 principals property, whether by gift, right of survivorship, beneficiary designation, disclaimer, or otherwise. The terms of a power of attorney may expand or narrow the class of agents permitted by this subsection to create in the agent, or in an individual to whom the agent owes a legal obligation of support, an interest in the principals property. (3) Subject to subsections (1), (2), (4), and (5), 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 to 216. (4) Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, a grant of authority to make a gift is subject to section 217. (5) Subject to subsections (1), (2), and (4), if the subjects over which authority is granted by a power of attorney are similar or overlap, the broadest authority controls. (6) Authority granted in a power of attorney is exercisable with respect to property that the principal has when the power 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 is executed in this state. (7) An act performed by an agent under a power of attorney has the same effect and inures to the benefit of and binds the principal and the principals successors in interest as if the principal had performed the act. Sec. 202. (1) An agent has authority described in this article if the power of attorney does either of the following: (a) Cites the section in which the authority is described. (b) Refers to a heading or catchline added to sections 204 to 217 under section 108 of the legislative council act, 1986 PA 268, MCL 4.1108. (2) A power of attorney that incorporates by reference any section of sections 204 to 217 under subsection (1) incorporates the entire section as if that section were set out in full in the power. (3) A principal may modify authority incorporated by reference. Sec. 203. Except as otherwise provided in the power of attorney, by executing a power that incorporates by reference a subject described in sections 204 to 217 under section 202 or that grants to an agent authority to do all acts that a principal could do under section 201(3), a principal authorizes the agent, with respect to that subject, to do all of the following: (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 creating at any time a schedule listing some or all of the principals 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 principals 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 principals 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. (j) Do any lawful act with respect to the subject and all property related to the subject. Sec. 204. A power of attorney that authorizes the agent to convey or otherwise exercise power over real property does not need to contain the real propertys legal description. Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to real property authorizes the agent to do all of the following: (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 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 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 all of the following: (i) Insuring against liability or casualty or other loss. (ii) Obtaining or regaining possession of or protecting the interest or right by litigation or otherwise. (iii) Paying, assessing, compromising, or contesting taxes or assessments or applying for and receiving refunds in connection with them. (iv) Purchasing supplies, hiring labor, and making repairs or alterations to the real property. (f) Use, develop, alter, replace, remove, erect, or install structures or other improvements on 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 or 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 all of the following: (i) Selling or otherwise disposing of them. (ii) Exercising or selling an option, right of conversion, or similar right with respect to them. (iii) Exercising any voting rights in person or by proxy. (h) Change the form of title of an interest in or right incident to real property. (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. Sec. 205. Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to tangible personal property authorizes the agent to do all of the following: (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 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 all of the following: (i) Insuring against liability or casualty or other loss. (ii) Obtaining or regaining possession of or protecting the property or interest, by litigation or otherwise. (iii) Paying, assessing, compromising, or contesting taxes or assessments or applying for and receiving refunds in connection with taxes or assessments. (iv) Moving the property from place to place. (v) Storing the property for hire or on a gratuitous bailment. (vi) Using and making repairs, alterations, or improvements to the property. (f) Change the form of title of an interest in tangible personal property. Sec. 206. Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to stocks and bonds authorizes the agent to do all of the following: (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 or a debt guaranteed by the principal. (d) Receive certificates and other evidence of ownership with respect to stocks and bonds. (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. Sec. 207. Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to commodities and options authorizes the agent to do the following: (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. (b) Establish, continue, modify, and terminate option accounts. Sec. 208. Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to banks and other financial institutions authorizes the agent to do all of the following: (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 pay, renew, or extend the time of payment of a debt of the principal or 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 principals 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 on 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 travelers checks from a financial institution and give an indemnity or other agreement in connection with letters of credit. (k) Consent to an extension of the time of payment with respect to commercial paper or a financial transaction with a financial institution. Sec. 209. Subject to the terms of a document or an agreement governing an entity or an entity ownership interest, and unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to operation of an entity or business authorizes the agent to do all of the following: (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, submit to alternative dispute resolution, settle, oppose, or 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, do all of the following: (i) 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 power of attorney. (ii) Determine all of the following: (A) The location of the entitys or businesss operation. (B) The nature and extent of the business. (C) The methods of manufacturing, selling, merchandising, financing, accounting, and advertising employed in the entitys or businesss operation. (D) The amount and types of insurance carried. (E) The mode of engaging, compensating, and dealing with the entitys or businesss employees and accountants, attorneys, or other advisors. (iii) Change the name or form of organization under which the entity or business is operated or enter into an ownership agreement with other persons to take over all or part of the operation of the entity or business. (iv) Demand and receive money due or claimed by the principal or on the principals 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 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 records with respect to an entity or business and make related payments. (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. Sec. 210. Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to insurance and annuities authorizes the agent to do all of the following: (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 under the contract. (b) Procure new, different, and additional contracts of insurance and annuities for the principal and the principals 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 of insurance or annuity. (l) Select the form and timing of the payment of proceeds from a contract of insurance or annuity. (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. Sec. 211. (1) Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to estates, trusts, and other beneficial interests authorizes the agent to do all of the following: (a) Accept, receive, receipt for, sell, assign, pledge, or exchange a share in or payment from an estate, trust, or other beneficial interest. (b) Demand or obtain money or another thing of value to which the principal is, may become, or claims to be, entitled by reason of an estate, trust, or other beneficial interest, by litigation or otherwise. (c) Exercise for the benefit of the principal a presently exercisable general power of appointment held by the principal. (d) 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. (e) 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. (f) Conserve, invest, disburse, or use anything received for an authorized purpose. (g) 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. (2) As used in this section, estate, trust, or other beneficial interest 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. Sec. 212. Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to claims and litigation authorizes the agent to do all of the following: (a) Assert and maintain before a court or 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 on the principal, accept service of process, appear for the principal, designate persons on whom process directed to the principal may be served, execute and file or deliver stipulations on the principals behalf, verify pleadings, seek appellate review, procure and give surety and indemnity bonds, contract and pay for the preparation and printing of records and briefs, 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. (i) Receive money or other thing of value paid in settlement of or as proceeds of a claim or litigation. Sec. 213. (1) Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to personal and family maintenance authorizes the agent to do all of the following: (a) Perform the acts necessary to maintain the customary standard of living of the principal, the principals spouse, and the following individuals, whether they are living when the power of attorney is executed or are born later: (i) The principals children. (ii) Individuals legally entitled to be supported by the principal. (iii) Individuals whom the principal has customarily supported or indicated the intent to support. (b) 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. (c) Provide living quarters for the individuals described in subdivision (a) by any the following: (i) Purchase, lease, or other contract. (ii) Paying the operating costs, including interest, amortization payments, repairs, improvements, and taxes, for premises owned by the principal or occupied by those individuals. (d) Provide normal domestic help, usual vacations and travel expenses, and funds for shelter, clothing, food, appropriate education, including postsecondary and vocational education, and other current living costs for the individuals described in subdivision (a). (e) Pay expenses for necessary health care and custodial care on behalf of the individuals described in subdivision (a). (f) Act as the principals personal representative under the health insurance portability and accountability act of 1996, Public Law 104-191, sections 1171 to 1179 of the social security act, 42 USC 1320d to 1320d-8, 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. (g) 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 subdivision (a). (h) Maintain credit and debit accounts for the convenience of the individuals described in subdivision (a) and open new accounts for that purpose. (i) Continue payments incidental to the membership or affiliation of the principal in a religious institution, club, society, order, or other organization or to continue an established pattern of contributions to those organizations. (2) Authority with respect to personal and family maintenance is not dependent on, or limited by, authority that an agent may or may not have with respect to gifts under this act. Sec. 214. (1) Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to benefits from governmental programs or civil or military service authorizes the agent to do all of the following: (a) 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 section 213(1)(a), and for shipment of their household effects. (b) 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. (c) Enroll in, apply for, select, reject, change, amend, or discontinue, on the principals behalf, a benefit or program. (d) 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. (e) 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. (f) Receive the financial proceeds of a claim described in subdivision (d) and conserve, invest, disburse, or use for a lawful purpose anything so received. (2) As used in this section, benefits from governmental programs or civil or military service means any benefit, program, or other assistance provided under a statute or regulation including Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Sec. 215. (1) Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to retirement plans authorizes the agent to do all of the following: (a) Select the form and timing of payments under a retirement plan and withdraw benefits from a plan. (b) Make a rollover or a trustee-to-trustee transfer of benefits from 1 retirement plan to another. (c) Establish a retirement plan in the principals name. (d) Make contributions to a retirement plan. (e) Exercise investment powers available under a retirement plan. (f) Borrow from, sell assets to, or purchase assets from a retirement plan as permitted by the plan. (2) 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 any of the following: (a) An individual retirement account under section 408 of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 408. (b) A Roth individual retirement account under section 408A of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 408A. (c) A deemed individual retirement account under section 408(q) of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 408. (d) An annuity or mutual fund custodial account under section 403(b) of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 403. (e) A pension, profit-sharing, stock bonus, or other retirement plan qualified under section 401(a) of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 401. (f) A plan under section 457(b) of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 457. (g) A nonqualified deferred compensation plan under section 409A of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 409A. Sec. 216. Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to taxes authorizes the agent to do all of the following: (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, 26 USC 2032A, 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 25 tax years. (b) Pay taxes due, collect refunds, post bonds, receive confidential information, and contest deficiencies 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, including consent, under section 2513 of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 2513, to the splitting of 1 or more gifts made by the principals spouse. (d) Act for the principal in all tax matters for all periods before the Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authority. Sec. 217. (1) Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to gifts authorizes the agent to make outright gifts of the principals property, including by the exercise of a presently exercisable general power of appointment held by the principal, to, or for the benefit of, a person or persons as the agent determines is consistent with the principals objectives if actually known by the agent and, to the extent the principals objectives are unknown, as the agent determines is consistent with the principals best interest based on all relevant factors, including the following: (a) The value and nature of the principals property. (b) The principals foreseeable obligations and need for maintenance, including anticipated private-pay nursing or assisted-living care costs incurred in a facility or at home. (c) The desirability of minimizing taxes, including income, estate, inheritance, generation-skipping transfer, and gift taxes. (d) Eligibility for a benefit, a program, or assistance under a statute or regulation, including eligibility for assistance with nursing or assisted-living care in a facility or at home. (e) The principals personal history of making gifts. (2) As used in this section, a gift for the benefit of a person includes, without limitation, a gift in trust, an account under the Michigan uniform transfers to minors act, 1998 PA 433, MCL 554.521 to 554.552, a tuition savings account or prepaid tuition plan as described under section 529 of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 529, and an ABLE account as defined under section 529A of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 529A. ARTICLE 3 STATUTORY FORMS Sec. 301. 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 this act: MICHIGAN 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). It is, therefore, an important legal document, and you are taking a serious step if you decide to make use of this form without seeking legal advice; for if the person you designate as your agent accepts authority granted under this power of attorney, the agent will be able to make decisions and act with respect to your property (including your money). The extent of your agents authority over subjects listed on this form is explained in the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.201 to 556.505. This power of attorney does not authorize the agent to make health care decisions for you and it does not authorize the agent to exercise powers you have as a parent or guardian regarding care, custody, or property of a minor child or ward. You should select someone you trust to serve as your agent and you should ask yourself as you review each section of this form, whether you have chosen the right person(s) to act in that capacity. If your signature on this form is notarized or witnessed as provided below, then unless you specify otherwise, the agents authority will generally 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 an agent and successor agent(s) who serve one at a time, as opposed to coagents who serve simultaneously. If you wish to name coagents, you may do so in the Special Instructions. Coagents 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. And unless you state otherwise in the Special Instructions, this power of attorney does not revoke any other power of attorney you may have created. If you have questions about the power of attorney or the authority it grants to your agent, you should seek legal advice before signing this form. DESIGNATION OF AGENT I _______________________________________________________________________________________ name (Name of Principal) the following person as my agent: Name of Agent: ________________________________________________________________________________ Agents Address: _______________________________________________________________________________ Agents 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 Agents Address: ______________________________________________________________________ Successor Agents 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 Agents Address: _______________________________________________________________ Second Successor Agents 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, MCL 556.201 to 556.505: (INITIAL each subject you want to include in the agents general authority. If you wish to grant general authority over all of the subjects, you may simply initial All Preceding Subjects.) (___) 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 Military Service (___) Retirement Plans (___) Taxes (___) All Preceding Subjects (regardless of whether any of the preceding subjects are initialed) 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. Furthermore, depending on the amount in one or more of the accounts mentioned in the last item listed below (which refers to 31 CFR 1010.350), granting that particular power may subject your agent to burdensome federal reporting obligations that are subject to stiff penalties. INITIAL ONLY the specific authority you WANT to give your agent. If you have questions about the wisdom of granting any specific authority to your agent, you should seek legal advice before signing this form. If you are inclined to grant specific authority but doubt the wisdom of granting that authority to a particular person you have designated as your agent or successor agent, you should ask yourself whether you have designated the right person(s). (___) Create, amend, revoke, or terminate an inter vivos trust (___) Make a gift as limited by section 217 of the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.317, and any special instructions in this power of attorney (___) Create or change rights of survivorship by, for example, creating a joint account (___) Create or change a beneficiary designation (___) Authorize another person to exercise the authority granted under this power of attorney (___) Waive the principals 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 authority to delegate (___) Access the content of electronic communications (___) Exercise authority over any bank, securities, or other financial account in a foreign country within the meaning of 31 CFR 1010.350 LIMITATION ON AGENT'S AUTHORITY Even if I have authorized my agent to make a gift (by initialing the relevant line above), an agent who 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. CAUTION! Special instructions are liable to cause ambiguities that may impair the effectiveness of this power of attorney. You are taking a solemn step if you decide to make any use of this form without seeking legal advice; you should be especially wary of providing special instructions without the benefit of legal counsel. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ EFFECTIVE DATE This power of attorney is effective immediately unless I have stated otherwise in the Special Instructions. EFFECT ON PREVIOUS POWERS OF ATTORNEY Unless I have said otherwise in the Special Instructions, the execution of this power of attorney does not revoke any prior power of attorney. 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 or Guardian of My Estate: ____________________________________ Nominees Address: __________________________________________________________________________ Nominees Telephone Number: ________________________________________________________________ Name of Nominee for Guardian of My Person: __________________________________________________ Nominees Address: __________________________________________________________________________ Nominees 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 that the power has terminated or is invalid. SIGNATURE OF PRINCIPAL, SIGNATURES OF WITNESSES, AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT CAUTION! Unless you provide otherwise in the Special Instructions, this form will create a durable power of attorney if you sign it either before a notary public (or other individual authorized to take acknowledgments) or in the presence of two witnesses neither of whom is designated as your agent or successor agent, both of whom sign below (and one of whom may be the notary public or other individual authorized by law to take acknowledgments who also signs below in his or her official capacity). The powers being durable means that unless the power is revoked or the agents authority is otherwise terminated beforehand, your agents authority will continue during any period in which you are alive but incapacitated. If you have questions about the wisdom of making this power durable, you should seek legal advice before signing this form. CAUTION! You have an important motivation to acknowledge your signature before a notary public (or other individual authorized to take acknowledgments) regardless of the question of durability (described above): doing so will make it harder, under section 120 of the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.220, for someone to whom the power is presented to decline to accept the power and your agents authority to act on your behalf. _________________________________ _____________________ Your Signature Date _________________________________ Your Name Printed _________________________________ Your Address _________________________________ Your Telephone Number _________________________________ _____________________ Witness No. 1s Signature Date _________________________________ Witness No. 1s Name Printed _________________________________ Witness No. 1s Address _________________________________ _____________________ Witness No. 2s Signature Date _________________________________ Witness No. 2s Name Printed _________________________________ Witness No. 2s Address State of ______________________________ [County] of ___________________________ This document was acknowledged before me on ___________________________________________ (Date) by _____________________________________________________________________________________. (Name of Principal) ___________________________________________ (Seal, if any) Signature of Notary _____________________________________________________________________ My commission expires: _________________________________________________________________ This document prepared by: __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR AGENT Agents Duties When you accept 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 or your authority under it is terminated by a termination event described in the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.201 to 556.505. You must: (1) Do what you know the principal reasonably expects you to do with the principals property or, if you do not know the principals expectations, act in the principals best interest; (2) Act in good faith; (3) Do nothing beyond the authority granted in this power of attorney; (4) Keep a record of receipts, disbursements, and transactions made on behalf of the principal; (5) Disclose your identity as an agent whenever you act for the principal by, for example, writing or printing the name of the principal and signing your own name as agent in the following manner: (Principals Name) by (Your Signature) as Agent; (6) And if the power is durable in the sense described below, you must, before acting as agent under the power, sign an acknowledgment of your duties as agent that contains all the declarations contained in the optional template Agents Acknowledgment provided in section 302 of the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.402, in substantially the form of that optional template. Unless the Special Instructions in this power of attorney state otherwise, you must also: (1) Act loyally for the principals benefit; (2) Avoid conflicts that would impair your ability to act in the principals best interest; (3) Act with care, competence, and diligence; (4) Cooperate with any person that has authority to make health care decisions for the principal to do what you know the principal reasonably expects concerning health care or, if you do not know the principals expectations, to act in the principals best interest; and (5) Attempt, to the extent of the powers you have been granted as agent, to preserve the principals estate plan if you know the plan and preserving the plan is consistent with the principals best interest. Termination of Agents 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 it. Events that terminate a power of attorney or your authority to act under such a power include: (1) Death of the principal; (2) The principals revocation of the power of attorney or your authority; (3) The occurrence of a termination event stated in the power; (4) If the power is intended only for a specified, limited purpose, the specified purpose of the power is fully accomplished; or (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. Statutory Duty to Acknowledge Agents Duties under Durable Power Unless the Special Instructions in this power of attorney state otherwise, this form will create a durable power of attorney (meaning that unless the power is revoked or your authority is otherwise terminated beforehand, your authority as agent will continue during any period in which the principal is alive but incapacitated) if the principal signs it either before a notary public (or other individual authorized to take acknowledgments) or in the presence of two witnesses neither of whom is designated as the principals agent or successor agent and both of whom also sign the form. If this power of attorney is durable, then before you act as agent under the power, you must execute an acknowledgment of your duties as agent that contains all the declarations contained in the optional template Agents Acknowledgment provided in section 302 of the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.402, in substantially the form of that optional template. Liability of Agent The meaning of the authority granted to you is defined in the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.201 to 556.505. If you violate that act or the terms of this power, you may be liable for any damages caused by your violation. If there is anything about this document or your duties under it that you do not understand, you should seek legal advice. Sec. 302. The following optional template may be used by a nominated agent under a durable power of attorney to provide the acknowledgment required by section 113(2): AGENT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT I, _______________________, have been appointed agent for _______________________ (Your Name), the principal _______________________ (Name of Principal), under a durable power of attorney dated ________________. By signing this document, I acknowledge that if and when I act as agent under the power, all of the following apply: MY DUTIES AS AGENT I must: 1. Do what I know the principal reasonably expects me to do with the principals property or, if I do not know the principals expectations, act in the principals best interest. 2. Act in good faith. 3. Do nothing beyond the authority granted in the durable power of attorney. 4. Keep reasonable records of receipts, disbursements, and transactions I make on behalf of the principal. 5. Disclose my identity as an agent whenever I act for the principal by writing or printing the principals name and signing my own name as agent. 6. And depending on the terms of the power of attorney, I may have additional duties described in section 114 of the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.201 to 556.505, including the presumptive duties to act loyally for the principals benefit, avoid conflicts of interest that would make it hard for me to act in the principals best interest, and act with care, competence, and diligence. POWERS REQUIRING SPECIFIC AUTHORITY Unless specifically provided in the durable power of attorney or by judicial order, I cannot do any of the following: 1. Create, amend, revoke, or terminate an inter vivos trust. 2. Make a gift of the principals property to someone else, let alone to myself. 3. Create or change rights of survivorship by, for example, creating a joint account. 4. Create or change a beneficiary designation. 5. Delegate authority granted under the durable power of attorney. 6. Exercise fiduciary powers that the principal has authority to delegate. 7. Waive the principals right to be a beneficiary of a joint and survivor annuity, including a survivor benefit under a retirement plan. 8. Exercise authority over the content of electronic communications, as defined in 18 USC 2510, sent or received by the principal. 9. Exercise authority over any bank, securities, or other financial account in a foreign country within the meaning of 31 CFR 1010.350. TERMINATION OF MY AUTHORITY I must stop acting on behalf of the principal if I learn of any event that terminates the durable power of attorney or my authority under the power, including the death of the principal or the principals revocation of either the power or my authority to act under it. MY POTENTIAL LIABILITY AS AGENT If I violate the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.201 to 556.505, or act outside the authority granted in the durable power, I may be liable to the principal or the principals successors for damages caused by my violation and to civil or criminal penalties. An exoneration clause in the power (if any) does not relieve me of liability for acts or omissions committed in bad faith or, in some cases, for acts or omissions committed with reckless indifference to the purposes of the power of attorney or the interests of the principal. Signature: _______________________________ Date: ___________________________ If there is anything about this document or your duties that you do not understand, you should seek legal advice. Sec. 303. The following optional template may be used by an agent or an attorney at law who represents either the agent or the principal to certify facts concerning a power of attorney: CERTIFICATION AS TO THE VALIDITY OF POWER OF ATTORNEY AND AGENTS AUTHORITY State of _______________________________________ [County] of ____________________________________ I, _____________________________________________ (Name of Certifier), certify under penalty of perjury that _________________________(Name of Principal) granted ___________________________________ (Name of Agent) authority as an agent or successor agent in a power of attorney dated ________________________. I further certify that to my knowledge: (1) The Principal is alive and has not revoked the Power of Attorney or the Agents authority to act under the Power and the Power and the Agents authority to act under the Power have not otherwise terminated; (2) If the Power of Attorney was drafted to become effective upon the happening of a specified event or contingency, the specified event or contingency has occurred; (3) If the Agent was named as a successor agent, the prior agent is unable or unwilling to serve; and (4)______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Insert other relevant statements. You may attach separate sheets if additional space is needed.) SIGNATURE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT ________________________________ _____________________ Certifiers Signature Date ________________________________ Certifiers Name Printed ________________________________ Certifiers Capacity (as Agent, attorney at law for Agent, or attorney at law for Principal) ________________________________ Certifiers Address ________________________________ Certifiers Telephone Number This document was acknowledged before me on ____________________, (Date) by _____________________________________________________________________________________. (Name of Certifier) ___________________________________________ (Seal, if any) Signature of Notary My commission expires: _______________ This document prepared by: __________________________________________________________________ ARTICLE 4 MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS Sec. 401. In applying and construing this act, consideration should be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to the acts subject matter among the states that enact the uniform act on which this act is based. Sec. 402. This act modifies, limits, and supersedes the federal electronic signatures in global and national commerce act, 15 USC 7001 to 7006, but does not modify, limit, or supersede section 101(c) of that act, 15 USC 7001, or authorize electronic delivery of any of the notices described in section 103(b) of that act, 15 USC 7003. Sec. 403. Except as otherwise provided in this act, on the effective date of this act all of the following apply: (a) Except as provided in subdivision (c), this act applies to a power of attorney created before, on, or after the effective date of this act. (b) This act applies to a judicial proceeding concerning a power of attorney commenced on or after the effective date of this act. (c) This act applies to a judicial proceeding concerning a power of attorney commenced before the effective date of this act unless the court finds that application of a provision of this 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. (d) An act done before the effective date of this act is not affected by this act. Sec. 404. Sections 5501 to 5505 of the estates and protected individuals code, 1998 PA 386, MCL 700.5501 to 700.5505, are repealed. Sec. 405. This act takes effect July 1, 2024. Enacting section 1. This act does not take effect unless all of the following bills of the 102nd Legislature are enacted into law: (a) House Bill No. 4645. (b) House Bill No. 4646. Clerk of the House of Representatives Secretary of the Senate Approved___________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ Governor
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3-Act No. 187
43
5-Public Acts of 2023
64
7-Approved by the Governor
85
9-November 7, 2023
106
11-Filed with the Secretary of State
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13-November 7, 2023
148
15-EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2024
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10+
11+
12+
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1614
1715 state of michigan
1816
1917 102nd Legislature
2018
2119 Regular session of 2023
2220
2321 Introduced by Reps. Hope, McKinney, DeBoer, Hood, Morgan, Haadsma, Paiz, Byrnes, Miller, Rogers, Liberati, Dievendorf, Tyrone Carter, MacDonell, Edwards and Hill
2422
2523 ENROLLED HOUSE BILL No. 4644
2624
2725 AN ACT to adopt the uniform power of attorney act; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.
2826
2927 The People of the State of Michigan enact:
3028
3129 ARTICLE 1
3230
3331 GENERAL PROVISIONS
3432
3533
3634
3735 Sec. 101. This act may be cited as the uniform power of attorney act.
3836
3937
4038
4139 Sec. 102. As used in this act:
4240
4341 (a) Actual knowledge means knowledge in fact.
4442
4543 (b) 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. Agent includes an original agent, a coagent, a successor agent, and a person to whom an agents authority is delegated.
4644
4745 (c) Court includes that term as defined in section 1103 of the estates and protected individuals code, 1998 PA 386, MCL 700.1103.
4846
4947 (d) Durable, with respect to a power of attorney, means not terminated by the principals incapacity.
5048
5149 (e) Electronic means relating to technology having electrical, digital, magnetic, wireless, optical, electromagnetic, or similar capabilities.
5250
5351 (f) Entity means a person other than an individual.
5452
5553 (g) General power of appointment means general power as that term is defined in section 2 of the powers of appointment act of 1967, 1967 PA 224, MCL 556.112.
5654
5755 (h) Good faith means honesty in fact.
5856
5957 (i) Incapacity means inability of an individual to manage property or business affairs for either of the following reasons:
6058
6159 (i) The individual has an impairment in the ability to receive and evaluate information or make or communicate decisions even with the use of technological assistance.
6260
6361 (ii) The individual is any of the following:
6462
6563 (A) Missing.
6664
6765 (B) Detained, including incarcerated in a penal system.
6866
6967 (C) Outside the United States and unable to return.
7068
7169 (j) Person means an individual or corporation, including a fiduciary of an estate or trust, a business trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, public corporation, government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, or any other legal or commercial entity.
7270
7371 (k) Unless the context requires otherwise, power means a power of attorney.
7472
7573 (l) Power of attorney means a written record that grants authority to an agent to act in 1 or more matters on behalf of the principal, whether or not the term power of attorney is used.
7674
7775 (m) Presented for acceptance, with respect to a power of attorney, means that both of the following events have occurred:
7876
7977 (i) A person other than the principal or an agent under the power in question has been asked by the principal or an agent under the power to take a specified action or actions in reliance on the power.
8078
8179 (ii) The power of attorney itself or a copy of it has been presented to and received by the person that is asked to take action in reliance on the power as described in subparagraph (i).
8280
8381 (n) Presently exercisable, with respect to a power of appointment, means that the power of appointment is exercisable by the appointee at the relevant time. A power of appointment that is not exercisable until the occurrence of a specified event, the satisfaction of an ascertainable standard, or the passage of a specified period is presently exercisable only after the occurrence of the specified event, the satisfaction of the ascertainable standard, or the passage of the specified period. A power that is exercisable only by will is not presently exercisable.
8482
8583 (o) Principal means an individual who grants authority to an agent in a power of attorney.
8684
8785 (p) Property means anything that may be the subject of ownership, whether real or personal, or legal or equitable, or any interest or right in such a thing.
8886
8987 (q) 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.
9088
9189 (r) Sign means to do either of the following with the intent to authenticate or adopt a record:
9290
9391 (i) Execute or adopt a tangible symbol.
9492
9593 (ii) Attach to or logically associate with the record an electronic sound, symbol, or process.
9694
9795 (s) 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 jurisdiction of the United States.
9896
9997 (t) 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. Stocks and bonds does not include commodity futures contracts or call or put options on stocks or stock indexes.
10098
10199
102100
103101 Sec. 102a. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person has knowledge of a fact involving a power of attorney if 1 or more of the following are true:
104102
105103 (a) The person has actual knowledge of the fact.
106104
107105 (b) The person has received a notice or notification of the fact.
108106
109107 (c) From all the facts and circumstances known to the person at the time in question, the person has reason to know the fact.
110108
111109 (2) An entity that conducts activities through 1 or more employees has notice or knowledge of a fact involving a power of attorney, a principal, or an agent only from the time the information is received by an employee conducting a transaction or from the time the information would have been brought to the employees attention if the entity had exercised reasonable diligence.
112110
113111 (3) An entity that conducts activities through 1 or more employees has actual knowledge of a fact relating to a power of attorney, a principal, or an agent only if the employee conducting the transaction has actual knowledge of the fact.
114112
115113 (4) As used in this section:
116114
117115 (a) Reasonable diligence means the maintenance of and reasonable compliance with reasonable routines for communicating significant information to the employee conducting the transaction. Reasonable diligence does not require an employee of the entity to communicate information unless the communication is part of the individuals regular duties or the individual knows a matter concerning the transaction would be materially affected by the information.
118116
119117 (b) Transaction means a transaction that is conducted for the entity and that involves the power of attorney.
120118
121119 Sec. 103. This act applies to all powers of attorney except the following:
122120
123121 (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.
124122
125123 (b) A patient advocate designation under section 5506 of the estates and protected individuals code, 1998 PA 386, MCL 700.5506.
126124
127125 (c) A delegation of a parents or guardians power regarding care, custody, or property of a minor child or ward under section 5103 of the estates and protected individuals code, 1998 PA 386, MCL 700.5103.
128126
129127 (d) A proxy or other delegation to exercise voting rights or management rights with respect to an entity.
130128
131129 (e) A power created on a form prescribed by a government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality for a governmental purpose.
132130
133131
134132
135133 Sec. 104. A power of attorney created on or after the effective date of this act that is executed in accordance with section 105(2) or (3) is durable unless it expressly provides that it is terminated by the incapacity of the principal. A power of attorney created on or after the effective date of this act that is not executed in accordance with section 105(2) or (3) is not durable.
136134
137135
138136
139137 Sec. 105. (1) To be effective, a power of attorney created on or after the effective date of this act must be signed by 1 of the following individuals:
140138
141139 (a) The principal.
142140
143141 (b) If signed in the principals conscious presence, another individual directed by the principal to sign the principals name.
144142
145143 (2) To be durable, a power of attorney signed under subsection (1)(a) must meet 1 of the following requirements:
146144
147145 (a) Be acknowledged by the principal before a notary public or other individual authorized to take acknowledgments.
148146
149147 (b) Be signed in the presence of 2 witnesses, both of whom also sign the power, subject to both of the following:
150148
151149 (i) A witness may not be an agent nominated in the power.
152150
153151 (ii) One of the witnesses may be an individual who also acts, in the principals execution of the power, as a notary public or other individual authorized to take acknowledgments.
154152
155153 (3) To be durable, a power of attorney signed under subsection (1)(b) must be signed in the presence of 2 witnesses as described in subsection (2)(b), regardless of whether the power is acknowledged.
156154
157155 (4) 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.
158156
159157 (5) A signature on a power of attorney that is witnessed as described in subsection (2)(b) but is not acknowledged by the principal before a notary public or other individual authorized by law to take acknowledgments is not entitled to the presumption of genuineness under subsection (4), and the power is not acknowledged within the meaning of sections 119 and 120.
160158
161159
162160
163161 Sec. 106. (1) A power of attorney executed in this state is valid in this state if, when the power was executed, the execution complied with the requirements for the execution of a power of attorney under the law of this state as it existed at that time.
164162
165163 (2) A power of attorney that is not executed in this state is valid in this state if, when the power was executed, the execution complied with either of the following:
166164
167165 (a) The requirements for the execution of a power of attorney under the law of the jurisdiction that determines the meaning and effect of the power under section 107 or under the law of the jurisdiction in which the principal was domiciled at the time of execution.
168166
169167 (b) The requirements for a military power of attorney under 10 USC 1044b.
170168
171169 (3) Except as otherwise provided in the power of attorney or by statute other than this act, a photocopy or electronically transmitted copy of an original power of attorney has the same effect as the original.
172170
173171
174172
175173 Sec. 107. The meaning and effect of a power of attorney is determined by the law of the jurisdiction indicated in the power and, in the absence of an indication of jurisdiction, by the law of the jurisdiction in which the power was executed.
176174
177175 Sec. 108. (1) In a power of attorney, a principal may nominate a conservator or guardian of the principals estate or guardian of the principals person for a protective proceeding if a protective proceeding for the principals estate or person commences after the principal executes the power. If consistent with applicable law on priority and suitability, the court shall make its appointment in accordance with the principals most recent nomination in a power of attorney.
178176
179177 (2) If, after a principal executes a power of attorney, a court appoints a conservator or guardian of the principals estate or other fiduciary charged with the management of some or all of the principals property, both of the following apply:
180178
181179 (a) The agent is accountable to the fiduciary as well as to the principal.
182180
183181 (b) The power of attorney is not terminated, and the agents authority continues unless limited, suspended, or terminated by the court.
184182
185183
186184
187185 Sec. 109. (1) A power of attorney is effective when executed unless the principal provides in the power that it becomes effective at a specified future date or on the occurrence of a specified future event or contingency.
188186
189187 (2) If a power of attorney is intended to become effective on the occurrence of a specified future event or contingency, the principal may, in the power, authorize 1 or more persons to determine in a record that the event or contingency has occurred.
190188
191189 (3) If a power of attorney is intended to become effective on the principals 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 becomes effective on a determination in a record by either of the following:
192190
193191 (a) A physician or licensed psychologist that the principal is incapacitated within the meaning of section 102(i)(i).
194192
195193 (b) An attorney at law, a judge, or an appropriate governmental official that the principal is incapacitated within the meaning of section 102(i)(ii).
196194
197195 (4) A person authorized by the principal in the power of attorney to determine that the principal is incapacitated may, to the extent necessary or convenient in making that determination, act as the principals personal representative under the health insurance portability and accountability act of 1996, Public Law 104‑191, sections 1171 to 1179 of the social security act, 42 USC 1320d to 1320d-8, and applicable regulations, to obtain access to the principals health care information and communicate with the principals health care provider.
198196
199197
200198
201199 Sec. 110. (1) A power of attorney terminates if any of the following occur:
202200
203201 (a) The principal dies.
204202
205203 (b) For a power of attorney that is not durable, the principal becomes incapacitated.
206204
207205 (c) The principal revokes the power of attorney.
208206
209207 (d) An event occurs that, according to the terms of the power of attorney, terminates the power.
210208
211209 (e) For a power of attorney that is intended only for a specified, limited purpose, the specified purpose of the power is accomplished.
212210
213211 (f) The principal revokes the agents authority or the agent dies, becomes incapacitated, or resigns, and the power of attorney does not provide for another agent to act under the power.
214212
215213 (2) An agents authority terminates if any of the following occur:
216214
217215 (a) The principal revokes the authority.
218216
219217 (b) The agent dies, becomes incapacitated, or resigns.
220218
221219 (c) An action is filed for the dissolution or annulment of the agents marriage to the principal or for the legal separation of the agent and the principal, unless the power of attorney provides otherwise.
222220
223221 (d) The power of attorney terminates.
224222
225223 (3) Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, an agents authority is exercisable until the authority terminates under subsection (2), notwithstanding any lapse of time since the execution of the power.
226224
227225 (4) Termination of an agents 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 or in reliance upon the power. An act so performed, unless otherwise invalid or unenforceable, binds the principal and the principals successors in interest.
228226
229227 (5) Incapacity of the principal of a power of attorney that is not durable does not revoke or terminate the power as to an agent or other person that, without actual knowledge of the incapacity, acts in good faith under or in reliance on the power. An act so performed, unless otherwise invalid or unenforceable, binds the principal and the principals successors in interest.
230228
231229 (6) The execution of a power of attorney does not revoke a power of attorney previously executed by the principal unless the subsequent power provides that the previous power is revoked or that all other powers of attorney are revoked.
232230
233231
234232
235233 Sec. 111. (1) A principal may designate 2 or more persons to act as coagents. Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, each coagent may exercise the authority granted in the power independently.
236234
237235 (2) A principal may designate 1 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 1 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 has the same authority as that granted to the original agent and shall not act until all of the successor agents predecessors under the terms of the power of attorney have resigned, died, become incapacitated, are no longer qualified to serve, or have declined to serve.
238236
239237 (3) Except to the extent the power provides that coagents and successor agents are liable for one anothers misconduct, an agent under a given power of attorney who does not participate in or conceal a breach of fiduciary duty committed by another agent who is or was serving under that power, including a predecessor agent under the power, is liable for the actions of the other agent only as provided in subsection (4).
240238
241239 (4) An agent serving under a given power of attorney that has knowledge of a breach or imminent breach of fiduciary duty by another agent who is or was serving under that power, including a predecessor agent under the power, shall notify the principal and, if the principal is incapacitated, take any action reasonably appropriate in the circumstances to safeguard the principals 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.
242240
243241
244242
245243 Sec. 112. Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, an agent is entitled to both of the following:
246244
247245 (a) Reimbursement of expenses reasonably incurred on behalf of the principal.
248246
249247 (b) Reasonable compensation for services rendered on behalf of the principal.
250248
251249
252250
253251 Sec. 113. (1) Except as otherwise provided in the power of attorney, a person accepts appointment as an agent under a power of attorney by exercising authority as an agent or by any other assertion or conduct indicating acceptance.
254252
255253 (2) Before exercising authority under a durable power of attorney, an agent shall execute an acknowledgment of the agents duties that contains all the substantive statements contained in the optional template Agents Acknowledgment provided in section 302 in substantially the form of that optional template.
256254
257255 (3) An agents failure to comply with subsection (2) does not affect the agents authority to act for the principal as provided in the durable power of attorney or this act, does not alter the agents duties under the power and this act, and does not mitigate the agents potential liability for breach of those duties.
258256
259257
260258
261259 Sec. 114. (1) Notwithstanding provisions to the contrary in the power of attorney, an agent that has accepted appointment shall do all of the following:
262260
263261 (a) Act in accordance with reasonable expectations of the principal that are actually known to the agent and, to the extent the expectations are not actually known, act in the principals best interest.
264262
265263 (b) Act in good faith.
266264
267265 (c) Act only within the scope of authority granted by the principal.
268266
269267 (d) Keep reasonable records of receipts, disbursements, and transactions made by the agent on behalf of the principal.
270268
271269 (2) Except as otherwise provided in the power of attorney, an agent who has accepted appointment shall do all of the following:
272270
273271 (a) Act loyally for the principals benefit.
274272
275273 (b) Act so as not to create a conflict of interest that impairs the agents ability to act impartially in the principals best interest.
276274
277275 (c) Act with the care, competence, and diligence that a prudent person would in dealing with the property of another.
278276
279277 (d) Cooperate with a person that has authority to make health care decisions for the principal to carry out reasonable expectations of the principal concerning health care that are actually known to the agent and, to the extent the expectations are not actually known, to act in the principals best interest.
280278
281279 (e) Attempt to preserve the principals estate plan to the extent that plan is actually known to the agent and preserving the plan is consistent with the principals best interest based on relevant factors including all of the following:
282280
283281 (i) The value and nature of the principals property.
284282
285283 (ii) The principals foreseeable obligations and need for maintenance.
286284
287285 (iii) The desirability of minimizing taxes, including income, estate, inheritance, generation-skipping transfer, and gift taxes.
288286
289287 (iv) Eligibility for a benefit, a program, or assistance under a statute or regulation.
290288
291289 (3) An agent who acts in good faith is not liable to any beneficiary of the principals estate plan for failure to preserve the plan.
292290
293291 (4) An agent who acts for the best interest of the principal with the care, competence, and diligence that a prudent person would in dealing with the property of another 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.
294292
295293 (5) If an agent is selected by the principal because of special skills or expertise possessed by the agent or in reliance on the agents representation that the agent has special skills or expertise, the special skills or expertise must be considered in determining whether the agent has acted with care, competence, and diligence.
296294
297295 (6) A decline in the value of the principals property is not in itself sufficient to establish a breach of fiduciary duty.
298296
299297 (7) An agent serving under a power of attorney that does not have knowledge of a breach or imminent breach of fiduciary duty by another agent who is or was serving under that power does not have a duty to investigate the conduct of any coagent or predecessor agent to rule out the possibility of any breach.
300298
301299 (8) An agent who exercises authority to delegate to another person the authority granted by the principal or who engages another person on behalf of the principal is not liable for an act, error of judgment, or default of the person if the agent exercises care, competence, and diligence in selecting and monitoring the person.
302300
303301 (9) 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, or adult protective services, or, on the death of the principal, by the personal representative or successor in interest of the principals estate. If a person that is authorized by the power of attorney or by this subsection to request a disclosure described in this subsection makes a request, the agent shall comply with the request within 30 days or provide a record substantiating why additional time is needed. If additional time is needed, the agent shall comply with the request within an additional 30 days.
304302
305303
306304
307305 Sec. 115. (1) A provision in a power of attorney relieving an agent of liability for breach of duty is binding on the principal and the principals successors in interest except to the extent either of the following applies:
308306
309307 (a) The provision relieves the agent of liability for breach of duty committed in bad faith or, except as provided in subsection (2), with reckless indifference to the purposes of the power of attorney or the best interest of the principal.
310308
311309 (b) The provision was inserted as a result of an abuse of a confidential or fiduciary relationship with the principal.
312310
313311 (2) A provision in a power of attorney relieving an agent of liability under section 111(4) is binding on the principal and the principals successors in interest except to the extent that it relieves the agent of liability for breach of duty committed in bad faith or was inserted as a result of an abuse of a confidential or fiduciary relationship with the principal.
314312
315313
316314
317315 Sec. 116. (1) Without precluding other bases on which such matters may properly be brought before the court, any of the following persons may petition a court to construe a power of attorney or review the agents conduct and grant appropriate relief:
318316
319317 (a) The principal or the agent.
320318
321319 (b) A guardian, conservator, or other fiduciary acting for the principal.
322320
323321 (c) A person that, at the time of the petition, is exercising authority to make health care decisions for the principal.
324322
325323 (d) An individual who, at the time of the petition, would be an heir of the principal if the principal were to die intestate at that time.
326324
327325 (e) A person named as a beneficiary to receive any property, benefit, or contractual right on the principals death or as a beneficiary of a trust created by or for the principal the trustee of which has a financial interest in the principals estate.
328326
329327 (f) The personal representative of the principals estate.
330328
331329 (g) Adult protective services.
332330
333331 (h) A caregiver or another person that demonstrates sufficient interest in the principals welfare.
334332
335333 (i) A person asked to accept the power of attorney.
336334
337335 (2) Upon motion by the principal, the court shall dismiss a petition filed under subsection (1) unless the court finds 1 of the following:
338336
339337 (a) That the principal lacks capacity to revoke the agents authority or the power of attorney.
340338
341339 (b) That the motion is the effect of undue influence, fraud, or duress.
342340
343341 (3) Without precluding other bases on which such matters may properly be brought before the court, any of the following persons may petition a court to review conduct regulated by this act on the part of a person to whom a power of attorney is presented for acceptance and to grant appropriate relief:
344342
345343 (a) The principal or the agent.
346344
347345 (b) A guardian, conservator, or other court-appointed fiduciary acting for the principal.
348346
349347
350348
351349 Sec. 117. (1) An agent who violates this act is liable to the principal or the principals successors in interest for the amount required to restore the value of the principals property to what it would have been had the violation not occurred, including reimbursement of attorney fees and costs paid on the agents behalf in the defense of conduct constituting or contributing to the violation.
352350
353351 (2) If an agent embezzles or wrongfully converts the principals property, or refuses, without colorable claim of right, to transfer possession of the principals property to the principal or the principals successors in interest on demand, the agent is liable in an action brought by the principal or the principals successors in interest for treble the value of any property embezzled, converted, or wrongfully withheld from the principal or the principals successors in interest.
354352
355353
356354
357355 Sec. 118. Unless the power of attorney provides a different method for an agents resignation, an agent may resign by notifying the principal if the principal is not incapacitated or, if the principal is incapacitated, by notifying the following persons, as applicable:
358356
359357 (a) If a conservator or guardian has been appointed for the principal, the conservator or guardian.
360358
361359 (b) If a coagent or successor agent has been designated, the coagent or successor agent.
362360
363361 (c) If there is not a person described in subdivision (a) or (b), 1 of the following:
364362
365363 (i) A caregiver of the principal who is reasonably believed by the agent to have a significant interest in the principals welfare or another person that is reasonably believed by the agent to have the significant interest.
366364
367365 (ii) Adult protective services.
368366
369367
370368
371369 Sec. 119. (1) 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(4) that the signature is genuine.
372370
373371 (2) A person that in good faith accepts a power of attorney that is either an acknowledged power or a vintage durable power without actual knowledge that the power is void, invalid, or terminated, that the purported agents authority is void, invalid, or terminated, or that the agent is exceeding the agents authority may rely on the power as if the power were genuine, valid, and still in effect, the agents authority were genuine, valid, and still in effect, and the agent had not exceeded and had properly exercised the authority. This subsection applies regardless of whether the purported agent under a durable power has executed an acknowledgment that complies with section 113(2) or any similar requirement under prior law.
374372
375373 (3) If a power of attorney that is durable is presented for acceptance without an agents acknowledgment that complies with section 113(2) and is signed by the agent who is to act on the principals behalf in the transaction in question, a person that is asked to accept the power may require that the agent provide the acknowledgment before accepting the power.
376374
377375 (4) A person that is asked to accept an acknowledged power of attorney may request and may rely, without further investigation, upon any of the following:
378376
379377 (a) A certification under penalty of perjury, including, as may be appropriate for the intended purpose, an affidavit in recordable form, by an agent or an attorney at law who represents either the agent or the principal of any factual matter concerning the principal, agent, or power of attorney.
380378
381379 (b) An English translation of the power of attorney if the power contains, in whole or in part, language other than English and the translations accuracy is the subject of either a certification or an opinion of counsel.
382380
383381 (c) An opinion of counsel as to any matter of law concerning the power of attorney if the person requesting the opinion explains the reason for the request in a record.
384382
385383 (5) Except as provided in subsection (6), an English translation or an opinion of counsel requested under this section must be provided at the principals expense unless the request is made more than 7 business days after the power of attorney is presented for acceptance.
386384
387385 (6) If a person that is asked to accept an acknowledged power of attorney requests an opinion of counsel under subsection (4), and a court finds that the reason for the request as stated in the required record is frivolous, the person making the request is subject to liability for attorney fees and costs incurred in providing the requested opinion. In deciding whether the stated reason for the request is frivolous, the court shall consider, in addition to other relevant factors, whether, in light of the language of the power, the provisions of this act, and the surrounding circumstances, there is arguable merit to the legal concern that the request addresses.
388386
389387 (7) As used in this section:
390388
391389 (a) Acknowledged means purportedly verified before a notary public or other individual authorized to take acknowledgments.
392390
393391 (b) Vintage durable power means a power of attorney to which all of the following apply:
394392
395393 (i) The power is valid within the meaning of section 106.
396394
397395 (ii) The power is durable under the law that validates the power within the meaning of section 106.
398396
399397 (iii) The power was executed after September 29, 2012 and before the effective date of this act.
400398
401399
402400
403401 Sec. 120. (1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (3), a person shall either accept an acknowledged power of attorney or request an agents acknowledgment under section 119(3) or a certification, translation, or opinion of counsel under section 119(4) not later than 7 business days after the power is presented for acceptance, and a person shall not require either of the following:
404402
405403 (a) An additional or different form of power of attorney for authority granted in the acknowledged power presented.
406404
407405 (b) An additional or different form of agents acknowledgment if an acknowledgment that complies with section 113(2) and is signed by the agent who is to act on the principals behalf in the transaction in question is presented with the acknowledged power presented or in response to a request under section 119(3).
408406
409407 (2) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (3), if a person requests an agents acknowledgment under section 119(3) or a certification, translation, or opinion of counsel under section 119(4), the person shall accept the power of attorney not later than 5 business days after receipt of the requested agents acknowledgment, certification, translation, or opinion of counsel or, if more than 1 item has been timely requested in response to the same presentation, 5 business days after the requesting person has received all of the items timely requested.
410408
411409 (3) A person is not required to accept a power of attorney if any of the following apply:
412410
413411 (a) The person is not required to engage in a transaction with the principal in the same circumstances.
414412
415413 (b) Engaging in a transaction with the agent or the principal in the same circumstances would be inconsistent with federal law or with guidance issued by a federal regulatory agency to whose jurisdiction the person is subject.
416414
417415 (c) The person has actual knowledge of the termination of the agents authority or of the power of attorney before exercise of the power.
418416
419417 (d) The persons timely request for an agents acknowledgment under section 119(3) or a certification, translation, or opinion of counsel under section 119(4) is refused.
420418
421419 (e) The person in good faith believes that the power is not valid or that the agent does not have the authority to perform the act requested, whether or not an agents acknowledgment under section 119(3) or a certification, translation, or opinion of counsel under section 119(4) has been requested or provided.
422420
423421 (f) The person in good faith makes, or has actual knowledge that another person has made, a report to adult protective services as defined in section 3 of the financial exploitation prevention act, 2020 PA 344, MCL 487.2083, stating a 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.
424422
425423 (g) The person is a financial institution as defined in section 3 of the financial exploitation prevention act, 2020 PA 344, MCL 487.2083, and the person is, at the time in question, delaying or placing a freeze on transactions or assets relative to the principal under the financial exploitation prevention act, 2020 PA 344, MCL 487.2081 to 487.2091.
426424
427425 (4) A person that refuses in violation of this section to accept an acknowledged power of attorney is subject to a court order mandating acceptance of the power and liability for reasonable attorney fees and costs incurred in any action or proceeding that confirms the validity of the power or mandates acceptance of the power.
428426
429427 (5) A person that refuses in violation of this section to accept an acknowledged power of attorney after having requested and received a certification, a translation, or an opinion of counsel under section 119(4) is subject to, in addition to the liability described in subsection (4), liability for reasonable attorney fees and costs incurred in providing the requested certification, translation, or opinion of counsel.
430428
431429 (6) As used in this section, acknowledged means that term as defined in section 119.
432430
433431
434432
435433 Sec. 121. Unless displaced by a provision of this act, principles of common law and equity supplement this act.
436434
437435
438436
439437 Sec. 122. This act does not supersede any other law applicable to financial institutions or other regulated entities, and that other law controls to the extent it is inconsistent with this act.
440438
441439
442440
443441 Sec. 123. The remedies under this act are not exclusive and do not abrogate any right or remedy under the law of this state other than this act.
444442
445443
446444
447445 ARTICLE 2
448446
449447 AUTHORITY
450448
451449
452450
453451 Sec. 201. (1) An agent under a power of attorney may do the following on behalf of the principal or with the principals property only if the power expressly grants the agent the authority and exercise of the authority is not prohibited by another agreement or instrument to which the authority or property is subject or the authority is granted by judicial order:
454452
455453 (a) Create, amend, revoke, or terminate an inter vivos trust.
456454
457455 (b) Make a gift.
458456
459457 (c) Create or change rights of survivorship.
460458
461459 (d) Create or change a beneficiary designation.
462460
463461 (e) Delegate authority granted under the power of attorney.
464462
465463 (f) Waive the principals right to be a beneficiary of a joint and survivor annuity, including a survivor benefit under a retirement plan.
466464
467465 (g) Exercise fiduciary powers that the principal has authority to delegate.
468466
469467 (h) Exercise authority over the content of electronic communications, as defined in 18 USC 2510(12), sent or received by the principal.
470468
471469 (i) Exercise authority over any bank, securities, or other financial account in a foreign country within the meaning of 31 CFR 1010.350.
472470
473471 (2) Notwithstanding a grant of authority to do an act described in subsection (1), unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, an agent who 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 principals property, whether by gift, right of survivorship, beneficiary designation, disclaimer, or otherwise. The terms of a power of attorney may expand or narrow the class of agents permitted by this subsection to create in the agent, or in an individual to whom the agent owes a legal obligation of support, an interest in the principals property.
474472
475473 (3) Subject to subsections (1), (2), (4), and (5), 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 to 216.
476474
477475 (4) Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, a grant of authority to make a gift is subject to section 217.
478476
479477 (5) Subject to subsections (1), (2), and (4), if the subjects over which authority is granted by a power of attorney are similar or overlap, the broadest authority controls.
480478
481479 (6) Authority granted in a power of attorney is exercisable with respect to property that the principal has when the power 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 is executed in this state.
482480
483481 (7) An act performed by an agent under a power of attorney has the same effect and inures to the benefit of and binds the principal and the principals successors in interest as if the principal had performed the act.
484482
485483 Sec. 202. (1) An agent has authority described in this article if the power of attorney does either of the following:
486484
487485 (a) Cites the section in which the authority is described.
488486
489487 (b) Refers to a heading or catchline added to sections 204 to 217 under section 108 of the legislative council act, 1986 PA 268, MCL 4.1108.
490488
491489 (2) A power of attorney that incorporates by reference any section of sections 204 to 217 under subsection (1) incorporates the entire section as if that section were set out in full in the power.
492490
493491 (3) A principal may modify authority incorporated by reference.
494492
495493
496494
497495 Sec. 203. Except as otherwise provided in the power of attorney, by executing a power that incorporates by reference a subject described in sections 204 to 217 under section 202 or that grants to an agent authority to do all acts that a principal could do under section 201(3), a principal authorizes the agent, with respect to that subject, to do all of the following:
498496
499497 (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.
500498
501499 (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.
502500
503501 (c) Execute, acknowledge, seal, deliver, file, or record any instrument or communication the agent considers desirable to accomplish a purpose of a transaction, including creating at any time a schedule listing some or all of the principals property and attaching it to the power of attorney.
504502
505503 (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.
506504
507505 (e) Seek on the principals behalf the assistance of a court or other governmental agency to carry out an act authorized in the power of attorney.
508506
509507 (f) Engage, compensate, and discharge an attorney, accountant, discretionary investment manager, expert witness, or other advisor.
510508
511509 (g) Prepare, execute, and file a record, report, or other document to safeguard or promote the principals interest under a statute or regulation.
512510
513511 (h) Communicate with any representative or employee of a government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, on behalf of the principal.
514512
515513 (i) Access communications intended for and communicate on behalf of the principal, whether by mail, electronic transmission, telephone, or other means.
516514
517515 (j) Do any lawful act with respect to the subject and all property related to the subject.
518516
519517
520518
521519 Sec. 204. A power of attorney that authorizes the agent to convey or otherwise exercise power over real property does not need to contain the real propertys legal description. Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to real property authorizes the agent to do all of the following:
522520
523521 (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.
524522
525523 (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.
526524
527525 (c) Pledge or mortgage an interest in real property or 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.
528526
529527 (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 property that exists or is asserted.
530528
531529 (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 all of the following:
532530
533531 (i) Insuring against liability or casualty or other loss.
534532
535533 (ii) Obtaining or regaining possession of or protecting the interest or right by litigation or otherwise.
536534
537535 (iii) Paying, assessing, compromising, or contesting taxes or assessments or applying for and receiving refunds in connection with them.
538536
539537 (iv) Purchasing supplies, hiring labor, and making repairs or alterations to the real property.
540538
541539 (f) Use, develop, alter, replace, remove, erect, or install structures or other improvements on real property in or incident to which the principal has, or claims to have, an interest or right.
542540
543541 (g) Participate in a reorganization with respect to real property or an entity that owns an interest in or 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 all of the following:
544542
545543 (i) Selling or otherwise disposing of them.
546544
547545 (ii) Exercising or selling an option, right of conversion, or similar right with respect to them.
548546
549547 (iii) Exercising any voting rights in person or by proxy.
550548
551549 (h) Change the form of title of an interest in or right incident to real property.
552550
553551 (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.
554552
555553
556554
557555 Sec. 205. Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to tangible personal property authorizes the agent to do all of the following:
558556
559557 (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.
560558
561559 (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.
562560
563561 (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 principal.
564562
565563 (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.
566564
567565 (e) Manage or conserve tangible personal property or an interest in tangible personal property on behalf of the principal, including all of the following:
568566
569567 (i) Insuring against liability or casualty or other loss.
570568
571569 (ii) Obtaining or regaining possession of or protecting the property or interest, by litigation or otherwise.
572570
573571 (iii) Paying, assessing, compromising, or contesting taxes or assessments or applying for and receiving refunds in connection with taxes or assessments.
574572
575573 (iv) Moving the property from place to place.
576574
577575 (v) Storing the property for hire or on a gratuitous bailment.
578576
579577 (vi) Using and making repairs, alterations, or improvements to the property.
580578
581579 (f) Change the form of title of an interest in tangible personal property.
582580
583581
584582
585583 Sec. 206. Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to stocks and bonds authorizes the agent to do all of the following:
586584
587585 (a) Buy, sell, and exchange stocks and bonds.
588586
589587 (b) Establish, continue, modify, or terminate an account with respect to stocks and bonds.
590588
591589 (c) Pledge stocks and bonds as security to borrow, pay, renew, or extend the time of payment of a debt of the principal or a debt guaranteed by the principal.
592590
593591 (d) Receive certificates and other evidence of ownership with respect to stocks and bonds.
594592
595593 (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.
596594
597595
598596
599597 Sec. 207. Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to commodities and options authorizes the agent to do the following:
600598
601599 (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.
602600
603601 (b) Establish, continue, modify, and terminate option accounts.
604602
605603 Sec. 208. Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to banks and other financial institutions authorizes the agent to do all of the following:
606604
607605 (a) Continue, modify, and terminate an account or other banking arrangement made by or on behalf of the principal.
608606
609607 (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.
610608
611609 (c) Contract for services available from a financial institution, including renting a safe deposit box or space in a vault.
612610
613611 (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.
614612
615613 (e) Receive statements of account, vouchers, notices, and similar documents from a financial institution and act with respect to them.
616614
617615 (f) Enter a safe deposit box or vault and withdraw or add to the contents.
618616
619617 (g) Borrow money and pledge as security personal property of the principal necessary 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.
620618
621619 (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 principals 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.
622620
623621 (i) Receive for the principal and act on a sight draft, warehouse receipt, or other document of title whether tangible or electronic, or other negotiable or nonnegotiable instrument.
624622
625623 (j) Apply for, receive, and use letters of credit, credit and debit cards, electronic transaction authorizations, and travelers checks from a financial institution and give an indemnity or other agreement in connection with letters of credit.
626624
627625 (k) Consent to an extension of the time of payment with respect to commercial paper or a financial transaction with a financial institution.
628626
629627
630628
631629 Sec. 209. Subject to the terms of a document or an agreement governing an entity or an entity ownership interest, and unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to operation of an entity or business authorizes the agent to do all of the following:
632630
633631 (a) Operate, buy, sell, enlarge, reduce, or terminate an ownership interest.
634632
635633 (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.
636634
637635 (c) Enforce the terms of an ownership agreement.
638636
639637 (d) 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 because of an ownership interest.
640638
641639 (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.
642640
643641 (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.
644642
645643 (g) With respect to an entity or business owned solely by the principal, do all of the following:
646644
647645 (i) 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 power of attorney.
648646
649647 (ii) Determine all of the following:
650648
651649 (A) The location of the entitys or businesss operation.
652650
653651 (B) The nature and extent of the business.
654652
655653 (C) The methods of manufacturing, selling, merchandising, financing, accounting, and advertising employed in the entitys or businesss operation.
656654
657655 (D) The amount and types of insurance carried.
658656
659657 (E) The mode of engaging, compensating, and dealing with the entitys or businesss employees and accountants, attorneys, or other advisors.
660658
661659 (iii) Change the name or form of organization under which the entity or business is operated or enter into an ownership agreement with other persons to take over all or part of the operation of the entity or business.
662660
663661 (iv) Demand and receive money due or claimed by the principal or on the principals behalf in the operation of the entity or business and control and disburse the money in the operation of the entity or business.
664662
665663 (h) Put additional capital into an entity or business in which the principal has an interest.
666664
667665 (i) Join in a plan of reorganization, consolidation, conversion, domestication, or merger of the entity or business.
668666
669667 (j) Sell or liquidate all or part of an entity or business.
670668
671669 (k) Establish the value of an entity or business under a buy-out agreement to which the principal is a party.
672670
673671 (l) Prepare, sign, file, and deliver reports, compilations of information, returns, or other records with respect to an entity or business and make related payments.
674672
675673 (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.
676674
677675
678676
679677 Sec. 210. Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to insurance and annuities authorizes the agent to do all of the following:
680678
681679 (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 under the contract.
682680
683681 (b) Procure new, different, and additional contracts of insurance and annuities for the principal and the principals spouse, children, and other dependents, and select the amount, type of insurance or annuity, and mode of payment.
684682
685683 (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.
686684
687685 (d) Apply for and receive a loan secured by a contract of insurance or annuity.
688686
689687 (e) Surrender and receive the cash surrender value on a contract of insurance or annuity.
690688
691689 (f) Exercise an election.
692690
693691 (g) Exercise investment powers available under a contract of insurance or annuity.
694692
695693 (h) Change the manner of paying premiums on a contract of insurance or annuity.
696694
697695 (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.
698696
699697 (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.
700698
701699 (k) Collect, sell, assign, hypothecate, borrow against, or pledge the interest of the principal in a contract of insurance or annuity.
702700
703701 (l) Select the form and timing of the payment of proceeds from a contract of insurance or annuity.
704702
705703 (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.
706704
707705
708706
709707 Sec. 211. (1) Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to estates, trusts, and other beneficial interests authorizes the agent to do all of the following:
710708
711709 (a) Accept, receive, receipt for, sell, assign, pledge, or exchange a share in or payment from an estate, trust, or other beneficial interest.
712710
713711 (b) Demand or obtain money or another thing of value to which the principal is, may become, or claims to be, entitled by reason of an estate, trust, or other beneficial interest, by litigation or otherwise.
714712
715713 (c) Exercise for the benefit of the principal a presently exercisable general power of appointment held by the principal.
716714
717715 (d) 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.
718716
719717 (e) 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.
720718
721719 (f) Conserve, invest, disburse, or use anything received for an authorized purpose.
722720
723721 (g) 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.
724722
725723 (2) As used in this section, estate, trust, or other beneficial interest 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.
726724
727725
728726
729727 Sec. 212. Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to claims and litigation authorizes the agent to do all of the following:
730728
731729 (a) Assert and maintain before a court or 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.
732730
733731 (b) Bring an action to determine adverse claims or intervene or otherwise participate in litigation.
734732
735733 (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.
736734
737735 (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.
738736
739737 (e) Submit to alternative dispute resolution, settle, and propose or accept a compromise.
740738
741739 (f) Waive the issuance and service of process on the principal, accept service of process, appear for the principal, designate persons on whom process directed to the principal may be served, execute and file or deliver stipulations on the principals behalf, verify pleadings, seek appellate review, procure and give surety and indemnity bonds, contract and pay for the preparation and printing of records and briefs, 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.
742740
743741 (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.
744742
745743 (h) Pay a judgment, award, or order against the principal or a settlement made in connection with a claim or litigation.
746744
747745 (i) Receive money or other thing of value paid in settlement of or as proceeds of a claim or litigation.
748746
749747
750748
751749 Sec. 213. (1) Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to personal and family maintenance authorizes the agent to do all of the following:
752750
753751 (a) Perform the acts necessary to maintain the customary standard of living of the principal, the principals spouse, and the following individuals, whether they are living when the power of attorney is executed or are born later:
754752
755753 (i) The principals children.
756754
757755 (ii) Individuals legally entitled to be supported by the principal.
758756
759757 (iii) Individuals whom the principal has customarily supported or indicated the intent to support.
760758
761759 (b) 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.
762760
763761 (c) Provide living quarters for the individuals described in subdivision (a) by any the following:
764762
765763 (i) Purchase, lease, or other contract.
766764
767765 (ii) Paying the operating costs, including interest, amortization payments, repairs, improvements, and taxes, for premises owned by the principal or occupied by those individuals.
768766
769767 (d) Provide normal domestic help, usual vacations and travel expenses, and funds for shelter, clothing, food, appropriate education, including postsecondary and vocational education, and other current living costs for the individuals described in subdivision (a).
770768
771769 (e) Pay expenses for necessary health care and custodial care on behalf of the individuals described in subdivision (a).
772770
773771 (f) Act as the principals personal representative under the health insurance portability and accountability act of 1996, Public Law 104-191, sections 1171 to 1179 of the social security act, 42 USC 1320d to 1320d-8, 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.
774772
775773 (g) 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 subdivision (a).
776774
777775 (h) Maintain credit and debit accounts for the convenience of the individuals described in subdivision (a) and open new accounts for that purpose.
778776
779777 (i) Continue payments incidental to the membership or affiliation of the principal in a religious institution, club, society, order, or other organization or to continue an established pattern of contributions to those organizations.
780778
781779 (2) Authority with respect to personal and family maintenance is not dependent on, or limited by, authority that an agent may or may not have with respect to gifts under this act.
782780
783781
784782
785783 Sec. 214. (1) Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to benefits from governmental programs or civil or military service authorizes the agent to do all of the following:
786784
787785 (a) 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 section 213(1)(a), and for shipment of their household effects.
788786
789787 (b) 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.
790788
791789 (c) Enroll in, apply for, select, reject, change, amend, or discontinue, on the principals behalf, a benefit or program.
792790
793791 (d) 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.
794792
795793 (e) 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.
796794
797795 (f) Receive the financial proceeds of a claim described in subdivision (d) and conserve, invest, disburse, or use for a lawful purpose anything so received.
798796
799797 (2) As used in this section, benefits from governmental programs or civil or military service means any benefit, program, or other assistance provided under a statute or regulation including Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.
800798
801799
802800
803801 Sec. 215. (1) Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to retirement plans authorizes the agent to do all of the following:
804802
805803 (a) Select the form and timing of payments under a retirement plan and withdraw benefits from a plan.
806804
807805 (b) Make a rollover or a trustee-to-trustee transfer of benefits from 1 retirement plan to another.
808806
809807 (c) Establish a retirement plan in the principals name.
810808
811809 (d) Make contributions to a retirement plan.
812810
813811 (e) Exercise investment powers available under a retirement plan.
814812
815813 (f) Borrow from, sell assets to, or purchase assets from a retirement plan as permitted by the plan.
816814
817815 (2) 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 any of the following:
818816
819817 (a) An individual retirement account under section 408 of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 408.
820818
821819 (b) A Roth individual retirement account under section 408A of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 408A.
822820
823821 (c) A deemed individual retirement account under section 408(q) of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 408.
824822
825823 (d) An annuity or mutual fund custodial account under section 403(b) of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 403.
826824
827825 (e) A pension, profit-sharing, stock bonus, or other retirement plan qualified under section 401(a) of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 401.
828826
829827 (f) A plan under section 457(b) of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 457.
830828
831829 (g) A nonqualified deferred compensation plan under section 409A of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 409A.
832830
833831
834832
835833 Sec. 216. Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to taxes authorizes the agent to do all of the following:
836834
837835 (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, 26 USC 2032A, 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 25 tax years.
838836
839837 (b) Pay taxes due, collect refunds, post bonds, receive confidential information, and contest deficiencies determined by the Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authority.
840838
841839 (c) Exercise any election available to the principal under federal, state, local, or foreign tax law, including consent, under section 2513 of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 2513, to the splitting of 1 or more gifts made by the principals spouse.
842840
843841 (d) Act for the principal in all tax matters for all periods before the Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authority.
844842
845843
846844
847845 Sec. 217. (1) Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, language in a power granting general authority with respect to gifts authorizes the agent to make outright gifts of the principals property, including by the exercise of a presently exercisable general power of appointment held by the principal, to, or for the benefit of, a person or persons as the agent determines is consistent with the principals objectives if actually known by the agent and, to the extent the principals objectives are unknown, as the agent determines is consistent with the principals best interest based on all relevant factors, including the following:
848846
849847 (a) The value and nature of the principals property.
850848
851849 (b) The principals foreseeable obligations and need for maintenance, including anticipated private-pay nursing or assisted-living care costs incurred in a facility or at home.
852850
853851 (c) The desirability of minimizing taxes, including income, estate, inheritance, generation-skipping transfer, and gift taxes.
854852
855853 (d) Eligibility for a benefit, a program, or assistance under a statute or regulation, including eligibility for assistance with nursing or assisted-living care in a facility or at home.
856854
857855 (e) The principals personal history of making gifts.
858856
859857 (2) As used in this section, a gift for the benefit of a person includes, without limitation, a gift in trust, an account under the Michigan uniform transfers to minors act, 1998 PA 433, MCL 554.521 to 554.552, a tuition savings account or prepaid tuition plan as described under section 529 of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 529, and an ABLE account as defined under section 529A of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 529A.
860858
861859
862860
863861 ARTICLE 3
864862
865863 STATUTORY FORMS
866864
867865
868866
869867 Sec. 301. 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 this act:
870868
871869
872870
873871 MICHIGAN
874872
875873 STATUTORY FORM POWER OF ATTORNEY
876874
877875
878876
879877 IMPORTANT INFORMATION
880878
881879 This power of attorney authorizes another person (your agent) to make decisions concerning your property for you (the principal). It is, therefore, an important legal document, and you are taking a serious step if you decide to make use of this form without seeking legal advice; for if the person you designate as your agent accepts authority granted under this power of attorney, the agent will be able to make decisions and act with respect to your property (including your money). The extent of your agents authority over subjects listed on this form is explained in the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.201 to 556.505.
882880
883881 This power of attorney does not authorize the agent to make health care decisions for you and it does not authorize the agent to exercise powers you have as a parent or guardian regarding care, custody, or property of a minor child or ward.
884882
885883
886884
887885 You should select someone you trust to serve as your agent and you should ask yourself as you review each section of this form, whether you have chosen the right person(s) to act in that capacity. If your signature on this form is notarized or witnessed as provided below, then unless you specify otherwise, the agents authority will generally continue until you die or revoke the power of attorney or the agent resigns or is unable to act for you.
888886
889887
890888
891889 Your agent is entitled to reasonable compensation unless you state otherwise in the Special Instructions.
892890
893891
894892
895893 This form provides for designation of an agent and successor agent(s) who serve one at a time, as opposed to coagents who serve simultaneously. If you wish to name coagents, you may do so in the Special Instructions. Coagents are not required to act together unless you include that requirement in the Special Instructions.
896894
897895
898896
899897 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.
900898
901899
902900
903901 This power of attorney becomes effective immediately unless you state otherwise in the Special Instructions. And unless you state otherwise in the Special Instructions, this power of attorney does not revoke any other power of attorney you may have created.
904902
905903
906904
907905 If you have questions about the power of attorney or the authority it grants to your agent, you should seek legal advice before signing this form.
908906
909907
910908
911909 DESIGNATION OF AGENT
912910
913911 I _______________________________________________________________________________________ name
914912 (Name of Principal)
915913 the following person as my agent:
916914 Name of Agent: ________________________________________________________________________________
917915 Agents Address: _______________________________________________________________________________
918916 Agents Telephone Number: _____________________________________________________________________
919917 DESIGNATION OF SUCCESSOR AGENT(S) (OPTIONAL)
920918 If my agent is unable or unwilling to act for me, I name as my successor agent:
921919 Name of Successor Agent: _______________________________________________________________________
922920 Successor Agents Address: ______________________________________________________________________
923921 Successor Agents Telephone Number: ____________________________________________________________
924922 If my successor agent is unable or unwilling to act for me, I name as my second successor agent:
925923 Name of Second Successor Agent: ________________________________________________________________
926924 Second Successor Agents Address: _______________________________________________________________
927925 Second Successor Agents Telephone Number: _____________________________________________________
928926
929927
930928
931929 I _______________________________________________________________________________________ name
932930
933931 (Name of Principal)
934932
935933 the following person as my agent:
936934
937935 Name of Agent: ________________________________________________________________________________
938936
939937 Agents Address: _______________________________________________________________________________
940938
941939 Agents Telephone Number: _____________________________________________________________________
942940
943941
944942
945943 DESIGNATION OF SUCCESSOR AGENT(S) (OPTIONAL)
946944
947945
948946
949947 If my agent is unable or unwilling to act for me, I name as my successor agent:
950948
951949 Name of Successor Agent: _______________________________________________________________________
952950
953951 Successor Agents Address: ______________________________________________________________________
954952
955953 Successor Agents Telephone Number: ____________________________________________________________
956954
957955
958956
959957 If my successor agent is unable or unwilling to act for me, I name as my second successor agent:
960958
961959 Name of Second Successor Agent: ________________________________________________________________
962960
963961 Second Successor Agents Address: _______________________________________________________________
964962
965963 Second Successor Agents Telephone Number: _____________________________________________________
966964
967965
968966
969967 GRANT OF GENERAL AUTHORITY
970968
971969
972970
973971 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, MCL 556.201 to 556.505:
974972
975973
976974
977975 (INITIAL each subject you want to include in the agents general authority. If you wish to grant general authority over all of the subjects, you may simply initial All Preceding Subjects.)
978976
979977 (___) Real Property
980978 (___) Tangible Personal Property
981979 (___) Stocks and Bonds
982980 (___) Commodities and Options
983981 (___) Banks and Other Financial Institutions
984982 (___) Operation of Entity or Business
985983 (___) Insurance and Annuities
986984 (___) Estates, Trusts, and Other Beneficial Interests
987985 (___) Claims and Litigation
988986 (___) Personal and Family Maintenance
989987 (___) Benefits from Governmental Programs or Civil or Military Service
990988 (___) Retirement Plans
991989 (___) Taxes
992990 (___) All Preceding Subjects (regardless of whether any of the preceding subjects are initialed)
993991
994992 (___) Real Property
995993
996994 (___) Tangible Personal Property
997995
998996 (___) Stocks and Bonds
999997
1000998 (___) Commodities and Options
1001999
10021000 (___) Banks and Other Financial Institutions
10031001
10041002 (___) Operation of Entity or Business
10051003
10061004 (___) Insurance and Annuities
10071005
10081006 (___) Estates, Trusts, and Other Beneficial Interests
10091007
10101008 (___) Claims and Litigation
10111009
10121010 (___) Personal and Family Maintenance
10131011
10141012 (___) Benefits from Governmental Programs or Civil or Military Service
10151013
10161014 (___) Retirement Plans
10171015
10181016 (___) Taxes
10191017
10201018 (___) All Preceding Subjects (regardless of whether any of the preceding subjects are initialed)
10211019
10221020
10231021
10241022 GRANT OF SPECIFIC AUTHORITY (OPTIONAL)
10251023
10261024
10271025
10281026 My agent MAY NOT do any of the following specific acts for me UNLESS I have INITIALED the specific authority listed below:
10291027
10301028
10311029
10321030 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. Furthermore, depending on the amount in one or more of the accounts mentioned in the last item listed below (which refers to 31 CFR 1010.350), granting that particular power may subject your agent to burdensome federal reporting obligations that are subject to stiff penalties. INITIAL ONLY the specific authority you WANT to give your agent. If you have questions about the wisdom of granting any specific authority to your agent, you should seek legal advice before signing this form. If you are inclined to grant specific authority but doubt the wisdom of granting that authority to a particular person you have designated as your agent or successor agent, you should ask yourself whether you have designated the right person(s).
10331031
10341032
10351033
10361034 (___) Create, amend, revoke, or terminate an inter vivos trust
10371035 (___) Make a gift as limited by section 217 of the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.317, and any special instructions in this power of attorney
10381036 (___) Create or change rights of survivorship by, for example, creating a joint account
10391037 (___) Create or change a beneficiary designation
10401038 (___) Authorize another person to exercise the authority granted under this power of attorney
10411039 (___) Waive the principals right to be a beneficiary of a joint and survivor annuity, including a survivor benefit under a retirement plan
10421040 (___) Exercise fiduciary powers that the principal has authority to delegate
10431041 (___) Access the content of electronic communications
10441042 (___) Exercise authority over any bank, securities, or other financial account in a foreign country within the meaning of 31 CFR 1010.350
10451043
10461044 (___) Create, amend, revoke, or terminate an inter vivos trust
10471045
10481046 (___) Make a gift as limited by section 217 of the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.317, and any special instructions in this power of attorney
10491047
10501048 (___) Create or change rights of survivorship by, for example, creating a joint account
10511049
10521050 (___) Create or change a beneficiary designation
10531051
10541052 (___) Authorize another person to exercise the authority granted under this power of attorney
10551053
10561054 (___) Waive the principals right to be a beneficiary of a joint and survivor annuity, including a survivor benefit under a retirement plan
10571055
10581056 (___) Exercise fiduciary powers that the principal has authority to delegate
10591057
10601058 (___) Access the content of electronic communications
10611059
10621060 (___) Exercise authority over any bank, securities, or other financial account in a foreign country within the meaning of 31 CFR 1010.350
10631061
10641062
10651063
10661064 LIMITATION ON AGENT'S AUTHORITY
10671065
10681066
10691067
10701068 Even if I have authorized my agent to make a gift (by initialing the relevant line above), an agent who 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.
10711069
10721070
10731071
10741072 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS (OPTIONAL)
10751073
10761074
10771075
10781076 You may give special instructions on the following lines.
10791077
10801078 CAUTION! Special instructions are liable to cause ambiguities that may impair the effectiveness of this power of attorney. You are taking a solemn step if you decide to make any use of this form without seeking legal advice; you should be especially wary of providing special instructions without the benefit of legal counsel.
10811079
10821080 _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________
10831081
10841082 EFFECTIVE DATE
10851083 This power of attorney is effective immediately unless I have stated otherwise in the Special Instructions.
10861084 EFFECT ON PREVIOUS POWERS OF ATTORNEY
10871085 Unless I have said otherwise in the Special Instructions, the execution of this power of attorney does not revoke any prior power of attorney.
10881086 NOMINATION OF CONSERVATOR OR GUARDIAN (OPTIONAL)
10891087 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:
10901088 Name of Nominee for Conservator or Guardian of My Estate: ____________________________________
10911089 Nominees Address: __________________________________________________________________________
10921090 Nominees Telephone Number: ________________________________________________________________
10931091 Name of Nominee for Guardian of My Person: __________________________________________________
10941092 Nominees Address: __________________________________________________________________________
10951093 Nominees Telephone Number: ________________________________________________________________
10961094 RELIANCE ON THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY
10971095 Any person, including my agent, may rely upon the validity of this power of attorney or a copy of it unless that person knows that the power has terminated or is invalid.
10981096 SIGNATURE OF PRINCIPAL, SIGNATURES OF WITNESSES,
10991097 AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
11001098 CAUTION! Unless you provide otherwise in the Special Instructions, this form will create a durable power of attorney if you sign it either before a notary public (or other individual authorized to take acknowledgments) or in the presence of two witnesses neither of whom is designated as your agent or successor agent, both of whom sign below (and one of whom may be the notary public or other individual authorized by law to take acknowledgments who also signs below in his or her official capacity). The powers being durable means that unless the power is revoked or the agents authority is otherwise terminated beforehand, your agents authority will continue during any period in which you are alive but incapacitated. If you have questions about the wisdom of making this power durable, you should seek legal advice before signing this form.
11011099 CAUTION! You have an important motivation to acknowledge your signature before a notary public (or other individual authorized to take acknowledgments) regardless of the question of durability (described above): doing so will make it harder, under section 120 of the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.220, for someone to whom the power is presented to decline to accept the power and your agents authority to act on your behalf.
11021100 _________________________________ _____________________
11031101 Your Signature Date
11041102 _________________________________
11051103 Your Name Printed
11061104 _________________________________
11071105 Your Address
11081106 _________________________________
11091107 Your Telephone Number
11101108 _________________________________ _____________________
11111109 Witness No. 1s Signature Date
11121110 _________________________________
11131111 Witness No. 1s Name Printed
11141112 _________________________________
11151113 Witness No. 1s Address
11161114 _________________________________ _____________________
11171115 Witness No. 2s Signature Date
11181116 _________________________________
11191117 Witness No. 2s Name Printed
11201118 _________________________________
11211119 Witness No. 2s Address
11221120 State of ______________________________
11231121 [County] of ___________________________
11241122 This document was acknowledged before me on ___________________________________________
11251123 (Date)
11261124 by _____________________________________________________________________________________.
11271125 (Name of Principal)
11281126 ___________________________________________ (Seal, if any)
11291127 Signature of Notary _____________________________________________________________________
11301128 My commission expires: _________________________________________________________________
11311129 This document prepared by:
11321130 __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________
11331131 IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR AGENT
11341132 Agents Duties
11351133 When you accept 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 or your authority under it is terminated by a termination event described in the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.201 to 556.505. You must:
11361134 (1) Do what you know the principal reasonably expects you to do with the principals property or, if you do not know the principals expectations, act in the principals best interest;
11371135 (2) Act in good faith;
11381136 (3) Do nothing beyond the authority granted in this power of attorney;
11391137 (4) Keep a record of receipts, disbursements, and transactions made on behalf of the principal;
11401138 (5) Disclose your identity as an agent whenever you act for the principal by, for example, writing or printing the name of the principal and signing your own name as agent in the following manner:
11411139 (Principals Name) by (Your Signature) as Agent;
11421140 (6) And if the power is durable in the sense described below, you must, before acting as agent under the power, sign an acknowledgment of your duties as agent that contains all the declarations contained in the optional template Agents Acknowledgment provided in section 302 of the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.402, in substantially the form of that optional template.
11431141 Unless the Special Instructions in this power of attorney state otherwise, you must also:
11441142 (1) Act loyally for the principals benefit;
11451143 (2) Avoid conflicts that would impair your ability to act in the principals best interest;
11461144 (3) Act with care, competence, and diligence;
11471145 (4) Cooperate with any person that has authority to make health care decisions for the principal to do what you know the principal reasonably expects concerning health care or, if you do not know the principals expectations, to act in the principals best interest; and
11481146 (5) Attempt, to the extent of the powers you have been granted as agent, to preserve the principals estate plan if you know the plan and preserving the plan is consistent with the principals best interest.
11491147 Termination of Agents Authority
11501148 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 it. Events that terminate a power of attorney or your authority to act under such a power include:
11511149 (1) Death of the principal;
11521150 (2) The principals revocation of the power of attorney or your authority;
11531151 (3) The occurrence of a termination event stated in the power;
11541152 (4) If the power is intended only for a specified, limited purpose, the specified purpose of the power is fully accomplished; or
11551153 (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.
11561154 Statutory Duty to Acknowledge Agents Duties under Durable Power
11571155 Unless the Special Instructions in this power of attorney state otherwise, this form will create a durable power of attorney (meaning that unless the power is revoked or your authority is otherwise terminated beforehand, your authority as agent will continue during any period in which the principal is alive but incapacitated) if the principal signs it either before a notary public (or other individual authorized to take acknowledgments) or in the presence of two witnesses neither of whom is designated as the principals agent or successor agent and both of whom also sign the form. If this power of attorney is durable, then before you act as agent under the power, you must execute an acknowledgment of your duties as agent that contains all the declarations contained in the optional template Agents Acknowledgment provided in section 302 of the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.402, in substantially the form of that optional template.
11581156 Liability of Agent
11591157 The meaning of the authority granted to you is defined in the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.201 to 556.505. If you violate that act or the terms of this power, you may be liable for any damages caused by your violation.
11601158 If there is anything about this document or your duties under it that you do not understand, you should seek legal advice.
11611159
11621160
11631161
11641162 EFFECTIVE DATE
11651163
11661164
11671165
11681166 This power of attorney is effective immediately unless I have stated otherwise in the Special Instructions.
11691167
11701168
11711169
11721170 EFFECT ON PREVIOUS POWERS OF ATTORNEY
11731171
11741172
11751173
11761174 Unless I have said otherwise in the Special Instructions, the execution of this power of attorney does not revoke any prior power of attorney.
11771175
11781176
11791177
11801178 NOMINATION OF CONSERVATOR OR GUARDIAN (OPTIONAL)
11811179
11821180
11831181
11841182 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:
11851183
11861184
11871185
11881186 Name of Nominee for Conservator or Guardian of My Estate: ____________________________________
11891187
11901188 Nominees Address: __________________________________________________________________________
11911189
11921190 Nominees Telephone Number: ________________________________________________________________
11931191
11941192 Name of Nominee for Guardian of My Person: __________________________________________________
11951193
11961194 Nominees Address: __________________________________________________________________________
11971195
11981196 Nominees Telephone Number: ________________________________________________________________
11991197
12001198
12011199
12021200 RELIANCE ON THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY
12031201
12041202
12051203
12061204 Any person, including my agent, may rely upon the validity of this power of attorney or a copy of it unless that person knows that the power has terminated or is invalid.
12071205
12081206
12091207
12101208 SIGNATURE OF PRINCIPAL, SIGNATURES OF WITNESSES,
12111209
12121210 AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
12131211
12141212
12151213
12161214 CAUTION! Unless you provide otherwise in the Special Instructions, this form will create a durable power of attorney if you sign it either before a notary public (or other individual authorized to take acknowledgments) or in the presence of two witnesses neither of whom is designated as your agent or successor agent, both of whom sign below (and one of whom may be the notary public or other individual authorized by law to take acknowledgments who also signs below in his or her official capacity). The powers being durable means that unless the power is revoked or the agents authority is otherwise terminated beforehand, your agents authority will continue during any period in which you are alive but incapacitated. If you have questions about the wisdom of making this power durable, you should seek legal advice before signing this form.
12171215
12181216
12191217
12201218 CAUTION! You have an important motivation to acknowledge your signature before a notary public (or other individual authorized to take acknowledgments) regardless of the question of durability (described above): doing so will make it harder, under section 120 of the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.220, for someone to whom the power is presented to decline to accept the power and your agents authority to act on your behalf.
12211219
12221220
12231221
12241222 _________________________________
12251223
12261224 _____________________
12271225
12281226 Your Signature
12291227
12301228
12311229
12321230 Date
12331231
12341232 _________________________________
12351233
12361234 Your Name Printed
12371235
12381236 _________________________________
12391237
12401238 Your Address
12411239
12421240 _________________________________
12431241
12441242 Your Telephone Number
12451243
12461244 _________________________________
12471245
12481246 _____________________
12491247
12501248 Witness No. 1s Signature
12511249
12521250
12531251
12541252 Date
12551253
12561254 _________________________________
12571255
12581256 Witness No. 1s Name Printed
12591257
12601258 _________________________________
12611259
12621260 Witness No. 1s Address
12631261
12641262 _________________________________
12651263
12661264 _____________________
12671265
12681266 Witness No. 2s Signature
12691267
12701268
12711269
12721270 Date
12731271
12741272 _________________________________
12751273
12761274 Witness No. 2s Name Printed
12771275
12781276 _________________________________
12791277
12801278 Witness No. 2s Address
12811279
12821280
12831281
12841282 State of ______________________________
12851283
12861284 [County] of ___________________________
12871285
12881286
12891287
12901288 This document was acknowledged before me on ___________________________________________
12911289
12921290
12931291
12941292 (Date)
12951293
12961294 by _____________________________________________________________________________________.
12971295
12981296 (Name of Principal)
12991297
13001298
13011299
13021300 ___________________________________________
13031301
13041302 (Seal, if any)
13051303
13061304
13071305
13081306 Signature of Notary _____________________________________________________________________
13091307
13101308 My commission expires: _________________________________________________________________
13111309
13121310
13131311
13141312 This document prepared by:
13151313
13161314 __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________
13171315
13181316
13191317
13201318 IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR AGENT
13211319
13221320
13231321
13241322 Agents Duties
13251323
13261324
13271325
13281326 When you accept 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 or your authority under it is terminated by a termination event described in the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.201 to 556.505. You must:
13291327
13301328
13311329
13321330 (1) Do what you know the principal reasonably expects you to do with the principals property or, if you do not know the principals expectations, act in the principals best interest;
13331331
13341332 (2) Act in good faith;
13351333
13361334 (3) Do nothing beyond the authority granted in this power of attorney;
13371335
13381336 (4) Keep a record of receipts, disbursements, and transactions made on behalf of the principal;
13391337
13401338 (5) Disclose your identity as an agent whenever you act for the principal by, for example, writing or printing the name of the principal and signing your own name as agent in the following manner:
13411339
13421340
13431341
13441342 (Principals Name) by (Your Signature) as Agent;
13451343
13461344 (6) And if the power is durable in the sense described below, you must, before acting as agent under the power, sign an acknowledgment of your duties as agent that contains all the declarations contained in the optional template Agents Acknowledgment provided in section 302 of the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.402, in substantially the form of that optional template.
13471345
13481346 Unless the Special Instructions in this power of attorney state otherwise, you must also:
13491347
13501348
13511349
13521350 (1) Act loyally for the principals benefit;
13531351
13541352 (2) Avoid conflicts that would impair your ability to act in the principals best interest;
13551353
13561354 (3) Act with care, competence, and diligence;
13571355
13581356 (4) Cooperate with any person that has authority to make health care decisions for the principal to do what you know the principal reasonably expects concerning health care or, if you do not know the principals expectations, to act in the principals best interest; and
13591357
13601358 (5) Attempt, to the extent of the powers you have been granted as agent, to preserve the principals estate plan if you know the plan and preserving the plan is consistent with the principals best interest.
13611359
13621360
13631361
13641362 Termination of Agents Authority
13651363
13661364
13671365
13681366 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 it. Events that terminate a power of attorney or your authority to act under such a power include:
13691367
13701368
13711369
13721370 (1) Death of the principal;
13731371
13741372 (2) The principals revocation of the power of attorney or your authority;
13751373
13761374 (3) The occurrence of a termination event stated in the power;
13771375
13781376 (4) If the power is intended only for a specified, limited purpose, the specified purpose of the power is fully accomplished; or
13791377
13801378 (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.
13811379
13821380
13831381
13841382 Statutory Duty to Acknowledge Agents Duties under Durable Power
13851383
13861384
13871385
13881386 Unless the Special Instructions in this power of attorney state otherwise, this form will create a durable power of attorney (meaning that unless the power is revoked or your authority is otherwise terminated beforehand, your authority as agent will continue during any period in which the principal is alive but incapacitated) if the principal signs it either before a notary public (or other individual authorized to take acknowledgments) or in the presence of two witnesses neither of whom is designated as the principals agent or successor agent and both of whom also sign the form. If this power of attorney is durable, then before you act as agent under the power, you must execute an acknowledgment of your duties as agent that contains all the declarations contained in the optional template Agents Acknowledgment provided in section 302 of the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.402, in substantially the form of that optional template.
13891387
13901388
13911389
13921390 Liability of Agent
13931391
13941392
13951393
13961394 The meaning of the authority granted to you is defined in the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.201 to 556.505. If you violate that act or the terms of this power, you may be liable for any damages caused by your violation.
13971395
13981396
13991397
14001398 If there is anything about this document or your duties under it that you do not understand, you should seek legal advice.
14011399
14021400
14031401
14041402 Sec. 302. The following optional template may be used by a nominated agent under a durable power of attorney to provide the acknowledgment required by section 113(2):
14051403
14061404 AGENT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT
14071405 I, _______________________, have been appointed agent for _______________________ (Your Name), the principal _______________________ (Name of Principal), under a durable power of attorney dated ________________. By signing this document, I acknowledge that if and when I act as agent under the power, all of the following apply:
14081406 MY DUTIES AS AGENT
14091407 I must:
14101408 1. Do what I know the principal reasonably expects me to do with the principals property or, if I do not know the principals expectations, act in the principals best interest.
14111409 2. Act in good faith.
14121410 3. Do nothing beyond the authority granted in the durable power of attorney.
14131411 4. Keep reasonable records of receipts, disbursements, and transactions I make on behalf of the principal.
14141412 5. Disclose my identity as an agent whenever I act for the principal by writing or printing the principals name and signing my own name as agent.
14151413 6. And depending on the terms of the power of attorney, I may have additional duties described in section 114 of the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.201 to 556.505, including the presumptive duties to act loyally for the principals benefit, avoid conflicts of interest that would make it hard for me to act in the principals best interest, and act with care, competence, and diligence.
14161414 POWERS REQUIRING SPECIFIC AUTHORITY
14171415 Unless specifically provided in the durable power of attorney or by judicial order, I cannot do any of the following:
14181416 1. Create, amend, revoke, or terminate an inter vivos trust.
14191417 2. Make a gift of the principals property to someone else, let alone to myself.
14201418 3. Create or change rights of survivorship by, for example, creating a joint account.
14211419 4. Create or change a beneficiary designation.
14221420 5. Delegate authority granted under the durable power of attorney.
14231421 6. Exercise fiduciary powers that the principal has authority to delegate.
14241422 7. Waive the principals right to be a beneficiary of a joint and survivor annuity, including a survivor benefit under a retirement plan.
14251423 8. Exercise authority over the content of electronic communications, as defined in 18 USC 2510, sent or received by the principal.
14261424 9. Exercise authority over any bank, securities, or other financial account in a foreign country within the meaning of 31 CFR 1010.350.
14271425 TERMINATION OF MY AUTHORITY
14281426 I must stop acting on behalf of the principal if I learn of any event that terminates the durable power of attorney or my authority under the power, including the death of the principal or the principals revocation of either the power or my authority to act under it.
14291427 MY POTENTIAL LIABILITY AS AGENT
14301428 If I violate the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.201 to 556.505, or act outside the authority granted in the durable power, I may be liable to the principal or the principals successors for damages caused by my violation and to civil or criminal penalties. An exoneration clause in the power (if any) does not relieve me of liability for acts or omissions committed in bad faith or, in some cases, for acts or omissions committed with reckless indifference to the purposes of the power of attorney or the interests of the principal.
14311429 Signature: _______________________________ Date: ___________________________
14321430 If there is anything about this document or your duties that you do not understand, you should seek legal advice.
14331431
14341432
14351433
14361434 AGENT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT
14371435
14381436
14391437
14401438 I, _______________________, have been appointed agent for _______________________ (Your Name), the principal _______________________ (Name of Principal), under a durable power of attorney dated ________________. By signing this document, I acknowledge that if and when I act as agent under the power, all of the following apply:
14411439
14421440 MY DUTIES AS AGENT
14431441
14441442 I must:
14451443
14461444
14471445
14481446 1. Do what I know the principal reasonably expects me to do with the principals property or, if I do not know the principals expectations, act in the principals best interest.
14491447
14501448 2. Act in good faith.
14511449
14521450 3. Do nothing beyond the authority granted in the durable power of attorney.
14531451
14541452 4. Keep reasonable records of receipts, disbursements, and transactions I make on behalf of the principal.
14551453
14561454 5. Disclose my identity as an agent whenever I act for the principal by writing or printing the principals name and signing my own name as agent.
14571455
14581456 6. And depending on the terms of the power of attorney, I may have additional duties described in section 114 of the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.201 to 556.505, including the presumptive duties to act loyally for the principals benefit, avoid conflicts of interest that would make it hard for me to act in the principals best interest, and act with care, competence, and diligence.
14591457
14601458
14611459
14621460 POWERS REQUIRING SPECIFIC AUTHORITY
14631461
14641462
14651463
14661464 Unless specifically provided in the durable power of attorney or by judicial order, I cannot do any of the following:
14671465
14681466
14691467
14701468 1. Create, amend, revoke, or terminate an inter vivos trust.
14711469
14721470 2. Make a gift of the principals property to someone else, let alone to myself.
14731471
14741472 3. Create or change rights of survivorship by, for example, creating a joint account.
14751473
14761474 4. Create or change a beneficiary designation.
14771475
14781476 5. Delegate authority granted under the durable power of attorney.
14791477
14801478 6. Exercise fiduciary powers that the principal has authority to delegate.
14811479
14821480 7. Waive the principals right to be a beneficiary of a joint and survivor annuity, including a survivor benefit under a retirement plan.
14831481
14841482 8. Exercise authority over the content of electronic communications, as defined in 18 USC 2510, sent or received by the principal.
14851483
14861484 9. Exercise authority over any bank, securities, or other financial account in a foreign country within the meaning of 31 CFR 1010.350.
14871485
14881486
14891487
14901488 TERMINATION OF MY AUTHORITY
14911489
14921490
14931491
14941492 I must stop acting on behalf of the principal if I learn of any event that terminates the durable power of attorney or my authority under the power, including the death of the principal or the principals revocation of either the power or my authority to act under it.
14951493
14961494
14971495
14981496 MY POTENTIAL LIABILITY AS AGENT
14991497
15001498
15011499
15021500 If I violate the uniform power of attorney act, MCL 556.201 to 556.505, or act outside the authority granted in the durable power, I may be liable to the principal or the principals successors for damages caused by my violation and to civil or criminal penalties. An exoneration clause in the power (if any) does not relieve me of liability for acts or omissions committed in bad faith or, in some cases, for acts or omissions committed with reckless indifference to the purposes of the power of attorney or the interests of the principal.
15031501
15041502
15051503
15061504 Signature: _______________________________
15071505
15081506 Date: ___________________________
15091507
15101508
15111509
15121510 If there is anything about this document or your duties that you do not understand, you should seek legal advice.
15131511
15141512
15151513
15161514
15171515
15181516 Sec. 303. The following optional template may be used by an agent or an attorney at law who represents either the agent or the principal to certify facts concerning a power of attorney:
15191517
15201518
15211519
15221520 CERTIFICATION AS TO THE VALIDITY OF POWER OF ATTORNEY AND AGENTS AUTHORITY
15231521 State of _______________________________________
15241522 [County] of ____________________________________
15251523 I, _____________________________________________ (Name of Certifier), certify under penalty of perjury that _________________________(Name of Principal) granted ___________________________________ (Name of Agent) authority as an agent or successor agent in a power of attorney dated ________________________.
15261524 I further certify that to my knowledge:
15271525 (1) The Principal is alive and has not revoked the Power of Attorney or the Agents authority to act under the Power and the Power and the Agents authority to act under the Power have not otherwise terminated;
15281526 (2) If the Power of Attorney was drafted to become effective upon the happening of a specified event or contingency, the specified event or contingency has occurred;
15291527 (3) If the Agent was named as a successor agent, the prior agent is unable or unwilling to serve; and
15301528 (4)______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
15311529 (Insert other relevant statements. You may attach separate sheets if additional space is needed.)
15321530 SIGNATURE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
15331531 ________________________________ _____________________
15341532 Certifiers Signature Date
15351533 ________________________________
15361534 Certifiers Name Printed
15371535 ________________________________
15381536 Certifiers Capacity (as Agent, attorney at law for Agent, or attorney at law for Principal)
15391537 ________________________________
15401538 Certifiers Address
15411539 ________________________________
15421540 Certifiers Telephone Number
15431541 This document was acknowledged before me on ____________________,
15441542 (Date)
15451543 by _____________________________________________________________________________________.
15461544 (Name of Certifier)
15471545 ___________________________________________ (Seal, if any)
15481546 Signature of Notary
15491547 My commission expires: _______________
15501548 This document prepared by:
15511549 __________________________________________________________________
15521550
15531551 CERTIFICATION AS TO THE VALIDITY OF POWER OF ATTORNEY AND AGENTS AUTHORITY
15541552
15551553
15561554
15571555 State of _______________________________________
15581556
15591557 [County] of ____________________________________
15601558
15611559
15621560
15631561 I, _____________________________________________ (Name of Certifier), certify under penalty of perjury that _________________________(Name of Principal) granted ___________________________________ (Name of Agent) authority as an agent or successor agent in a power of attorney dated ________________________.
15641562
15651563
15661564
15671565 I further certify that to my knowledge:
15681566
15691567
15701568
15711569 (1) The Principal is alive and has not revoked the Power of Attorney or the Agents authority to act under the Power and the Power and the Agents authority to act under the Power have not otherwise terminated;
15721570
15731571
15741572
15751573 (2) If the Power of Attorney was drafted to become effective upon the happening of a specified event or contingency, the specified event or contingency has occurred;
15761574
15771575
15781576
15791577 (3) If the Agent was named as a successor agent, the prior agent is unable or unwilling to serve; and
15801578
15811579
15821580
15831581 (4)______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
15841582
15851583 (Insert other relevant statements. You may attach separate sheets if additional space is needed.)
15861584
15871585
15881586
15891587 SIGNATURE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
15901588
15911589
15921590
15931591 ________________________________
15941592
15951593 _____________________
15961594
15971595 Certifiers Signature
15981596
15991597
16001598
16011599 Date
16021600
16031601 ________________________________
16041602
16051603 Certifiers Name Printed
16061604
16071605 ________________________________
16081606
16091607 Certifiers Capacity (as Agent, attorney at law for Agent, or attorney at law for Principal)
16101608
16111609 ________________________________
16121610
16131611 Certifiers Address
16141612
16151613 ________________________________
16161614
16171615 Certifiers Telephone Number
16181616
16191617
16201618
16211619 This document was acknowledged before me on ____________________,
16221620
16231621
16241622
16251623 (Date)
16261624
16271625 by _____________________________________________________________________________________.
16281626
16291627 (Name of Certifier)
16301628
16311629 ___________________________________________
16321630
16331631 (Seal, if any)
16341632
16351633 Signature of Notary
16361634
16371635 My commission expires: _______________
16381636
16391637 This document prepared by:
16401638
16411639 __________________________________________________________________
16421640
16431641
16441642
16451643 ARTICLE 4
16461644
16471645 MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
16481646
16491647
16501648
16511649 Sec. 401. In applying and construing this act, consideration should be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to the acts subject matter among the states that enact the uniform act on which this act is based.
16521650
16531651 Sec. 402. This act modifies, limits, and supersedes the federal electronic signatures in global and national commerce act, 15 USC 7001 to 7006, but does not modify, limit, or supersede section 101(c) of that act, 15 USC 7001, or authorize electronic delivery of any of the notices described in section 103(b) of that act, 15 USC 7003.
16541652
16551653
16561654
16571655 Sec. 403. Except as otherwise provided in this act, on the effective date of this act all of the following apply:
16581656
16591657 (a) Except as provided in subdivision (c), this act applies to a power of attorney created before, on, or after the effective date of this act.
16601658
16611659 (b) This act applies to a judicial proceeding concerning a power of attorney commenced on or after the effective date of this act.
16621660
16631661 (c) This act applies to a judicial proceeding concerning a power of attorney commenced before the effective date of this act unless the court finds that application of a provision of this 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.
16641662
16651663 (d) An act done before the effective date of this act is not affected by this act.
16661664
16671665
16681666
16691667 Sec. 404. Sections 5501 to 5505 of the estates and protected individuals code, 1998 PA 386, MCL 700.5501 to 700.5505, are repealed.
16701668
16711669
16721670
16731671 Sec. 405. This act takes effect July 1, 2024.
16741672
16751673
16761674
16771675 Enacting section 1. This act does not take effect unless all of the following bills of the 102nd Legislature are enacted into law:
16781676
16791677 (a) House Bill No. 4645.
16801678
16811679 (b) House Bill No. 4646.
16821680
16831681
16841682
16851683
16861684
16871685
16881686
16891687 Clerk of the House of Representatives
16901688
16911689
16921690
16931691
16941692
16951693 Secretary of the Senate
16961694
16971695 Approved___________________________________________
16981696
16991697 ____________________________________________________
17001698
17011699 Governor