While appointing an attorney to act on your behalf in your power of attorney, some people prefer to appoint a single individual as their attorney. However, there are instances where you might want to consider appointing multiple attorneys. This article aims to provide you with the information you might want to know about appointing multiple attorneys.
Why Appoint Multiple Attorneys?
Appointing multiple attorneys can offer various advantages. First, it provides a checks-and-balances system that can help you ensure that the attorneys act in your best interests. It might be imperative if the attorneys have different areas of skills and strengths. For example, one attorney may be experienced in financial matters, while another may have more free time to manage affairs.
Additionally, naming multiple attorneys can give you peace of mind. For example, if more than one person is given the authority to deal with financial matters, that can be convenient if one of them is out of town. The other ones can deal with these matters while he/she is away. It can also distribute the workload, preventing a single attorney from becoming overburdened.
Potential Pitfalls of Appointing Multiple Attorneys
While there are advantages to appointing multiple attorneys, there are also potential pitfalls to consider. One potential issue is the risk of disagreements and disputes among the attorneys. If the attorneys disagree on a decision, it can create a stalemate that could harm your interests and cause delays.
Another issue that shouldn’t be overlooked is that if the attorneys must work together to make decisions, it may require more time and resources than if a single attorney were making the decisions.
Finally, it is crucial to consider the potential for confusion or miscommunication among the attorneys. The attorneys must be able to communicate effectively and work together to ensure that your interests are protected. If there are misunderstandings or miscommunications among the attorneys, it can lead to mistakes or unintended consequences.
How to Appoint Multiple Attorneys
If you have decided to appoint multiple attorneys, you should follow some key steps to have a smooth process. First, you should carefully consider which attorneys to name. You might want to choose attorneys with different skills and areas of expertise to provide a well-rounded approach to decision-making.
Second, if you intend for your attorneys to have separate specific powers, you can create two powers of attorney where the powers do not overlap with each other. In this case, you should clearly define each attorney’s roles and responsibilities and the associated powers. This can help to avoid misunderstandings or disagreements later.
If you appoint more than one attorney, you can also include instructions in your power of attorney as to how a dispute or disagreement among the attorneys can be resolved, such as a majority decision.
Finally, it’s essential to clearly communicate with all the attorneys to ensure that they understand their roles and responsibilities. Ensuring they know your wishes and are willing to act in your best interests is essential.
In conclusion, appointing multiple attorneys can provide you with significant benefits, but it is essential to be aware of the potential pitfalls. If you choose to assign multiple attorneys, carefully select your attorneys, define their roles and responsibilities, and communicate effectively with them to protect your interests.
The information provided above is of a general nature and should not be considered legal advice. Every transaction or circumstance is unique, and obtaining specific legal advice is necessary to address your particular requirements. Therefore, if you have any legal questions, it is recommended that you consult with a lawyer.
