Get a General Durable POA now!!

[Anonymous]

Also for a POA make sure it states clearly that you (the adult child) now have the power. My parents had POAs where each of them said that the other spouse could act on their behalf, and if the spouse was “unwilling or unable,” I (adult child) could act. Mom has gradually lost vision and then dad suddenly moved to nursing care w no visits because of covid.
Banks wouldn’t let me act on behalf of either of them without notarized proof that the other one was unwilling or unable, even tho I was happy to let them phone my parents and interview them. I know there are online notaries now but that’s way too complicated for them.
Best practice probably is to develop a relationship with whatever bank etc your parents may have and get their preprinted powers of attorney on file while everyone is well. Problem is that probably requires a bank visit during Covid. And of course banks and brokerages may merge, change names, etc. (USAA/Schwab I’m looking at you).