Form For Power Of Attorney

Q: I have a general Power of Attorney form; can I transfer cars from the person to myself? I was at the CA DMV today and they said that I would need his signature to verify the odometer or something like that. I explained to him that I sign for him, since I have POA and he said that a POA isn't valid for that odomoeter thing. My power of attorney form is general but includes medical, financial, and about 20 other things that he initialed.

A: The DMV will not accept that without a notary's seal. They are sticklers. By the way, if your friend wanted to make sure that his end of life wishes were followed (i.e. 'no heroic measures') you'd need it notarized and possibly filed with a local court system. The doctor/hospital could STILL refuse it, but it is less likely at that point. The concern here is that you are taking advantage of him. I am sure you aren't, but that is what appearance (and, unfortunately experience) have taught the DMV and hospitals/doctors. Most DMV's don't accept a power of attorney that's not one of theirs. They have a form specifically for auto stuff. Please check the laws in your state, but as far as I know, it is illegal to transfer any assets from the person for whom you hold the poa. It's called self dealing. It doesn't matter if it was for a good reason or not. Anybody that wants to get snarky about it will win in court because of the way the law is written.

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