How Should I Feel About A "Revocation Of Power Of Attorney"???
Q: I am an adopted (only) child who's mother a few years ago died. My father was soon after that looking on the Internet for a woman. Long story short, he found one and married her. I had a strained relationship with him during that time and now (were not really talking) and now I received, via certified mail and his lawyer a "Revocation of Power of Attorney", requesting me to sign as an acknowledgement. First question, is this complete rejection? I was his executor last I knew. Does this probibly mean I am not now or is this just because his wife should be for medical purposes? They live in colorado now. If he dies and does not name me in the will can I contest the will? --My grandmother has a significant inheritance.
A: There are two types of power of attorney. One is a general power of attorney, which essentially authorizes one person to do anything on another's behalf at the other person can do for himself (or could do if competent). The other is a special power of attorney, which conveys only a specified type of authority, such as authority to make medical decisions, or to manage investments, or to prosecute a patent application. You haven't said which type of power of attorney is involved here. If it's special, you haven't said what powers it confers. You haven't said whether it's conditional, and if so, what the conditions are. No one can answer your question because you haven't disclosed enough information to make it clear what you are asking. So much for the legalities. Now, when you ask "is this a complete rejection?" that sounds an awful lot like a question for a therapist or a minister/priest/rabbi, not an attorney. Forgive me if I'm reading too much into your post, but it seems to me that this legal request has stirred up some very powerful emotional stuff for you, and that's what really has you concerned. I'm an attorney and not a therapist, so maybe I shouldn't even try to answer your question. But I've had a father a lot longer than I had an attorney's license, so I'm going to try. At least, I'm going to tell you what I would do if I were in your position. I would call my father's attorney back and tell him that I'm willing to sign the acknowledgment if that is my father's wish, but first I want to understand exactly what is being revoked and why. The attorney can tell you what, but don't let him try to tell you why. Your father has to tell you that. After you have called the attorney, call your father. Or have the attorney put you in touch with him or put him in touch with you or whatever. You'll have to write your game plan for the talk with your father, because you know the history and you know what you want from him. Or if you