Over time, relationships between people can change for a myriad of reasons. If you have a durable power of attorney and circumstances has changed your relationship with appointed agent to one that is no longer amicable, it may time to consider revoking their power of attorney. Revoking a power of attorney is easier than you may realize.
What You Need to Do
If you decide to revoke a power of attorney, your first step is to draw up a new power of attorney to replace the former one. Include a written revocation, which should include your name, a statement attesting that you are of sound mind and specifying your intent to revoke the former power of attorney. Make sure to also include the date the former power of attorney was signed as well as the name of the former agent. Sign the document, attach the new power of attorney (if applicable) and send it to your current agent (now the former power of attorney). Also send the revocation to any parties that have a copy of your power of attorney.
Lastly, you should ask your former agent to return the former power of attorney document to you. If this is not feasible, send the agent a certified letter notifying him or her that their power of attorney has been revoked. You could also elect to retain an elder law attorney to assist with revoking an existing power of attorney and draft a new one, and let him or her deal with the legalities.
