Convinced Bank to Grant Access to Agent with Power of Attorney

Power of attorney gives someone the legal authority to make financial and medical decisions on another person’s behalf. Often thrust into the role unexpectedly when a loved one becomes incapacitated, those granted power of attorney aspire to work efficiently and avoid any unnecessary obstacles. 

Unfortunately, many powers of attorney agents run into obstacles beyond their control. 

We represented a client serving as power of attorney for their incapacitated parent. Our client required access to the parent’s checking account to complete a Medicaid application. Sadly, the bank denied this access, and the parent’s Medicaid application was denied. 

Our attorneys pressured the bank to give our client access to the parent’s account, citing the fact that banks are legally required to honor a valid power of attorney. Once our client had access to the checking account, we helped our client resubmit and qualify for Medicaid assistance.