[WSBAPT] Multiple co-agents of financial and medical powers of attorney

[Mimi Wagner]

All, 

 

I have a client who wants to create a financial power of attorney and a
health care power of attorney, both effective immediately, with 10 (!)
co-agents designated, all of whom have the authority to act independently.
It seems this is legally permissible under RCW 11.125.020 ("agents" includes
"co-agents") and RCW 11.125.110 (co-agents can act independently if the
power of attorney says so) for both the medical and financial powers of
attorney, but I am concerned that there may be practical problems with
institutions respecting it (may want 9 others to sign something anyway,
confusion and delay, concern about different medical instructions from
different people, etc.).  

 

Has anyone experienced practical problems with multiple co-agents
designated, all of whom can act independently?  I am concerned that this is
a really bad idea.      

 

Also, do people agree that WA statute allows medical powers of attorney to
designate co-agents who can act independently? I've never had anyone want to
designate co-agents for a medical power of attorney - don't think it's a
good idea - and it appears to be legally permissible, but I'd appreciate
your thoughts on that too.  

 

Thank you all for your time! 

 

Mimi M. Wagner 

Attorney at Law
 <mailto:mimi at sanjuanlaw.com> mimi at sanjuanlaw.com
Phone (360) 378-6234
Fax (360) 378-6244
 <http://www.sanjuanlaw.com/> www.sanjuanlaw.com

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