Connecticut General Statutes 1-350s – Liability for refusal to accept acknowledged power of attorney
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section:
Terms Used In Connecticut General Statutes 1-350s
- another: may extend and be applied to communities, companies, corporations, public or private, limited liability companies, societies and associations. See Connecticut General Statutes 1-1
- Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
- Power of attorney: A written instrument which authorizes one person to act as another's agent or attorney. The power of attorney may be for a definite, specific act, or it may be general in nature. The terms of the written power of attorney may specify when it will expire. If not, the power of attorney usually expires when the person granting it dies. Source: OCC
- Probate: Proving a will
(1) A person shall either accept an acknowledged power of attorney or request a certification, a translation, or an opinion of counsel under subsection (d) of § 1-350r not later than seven business days after presentation of the power of attorney for acceptance;
(2) If a person requests a certification, a translation, or an opinion of counsel under subsection (d) of § 1-350r, the person shall accept the power of attorney not later than five business days after receipt of the certification, translation, or opinion of counsel; and
(3) A person may not require an additional or different form of power of attorney for authority granted in the power of attorney presented.
(b) A person is not required to accept an acknowledged power of attorney if:
(1) The principal is not otherwise eligible or is not otherwise qualified to enter the transaction with the person;
(2) Engaging in a transaction with the agent or the principal in the same circumstances would be inconsistent with state or federal law;
(3) The person has actual knowledge of the termination of the agent’s authority or of the power of attorney before exercise of the power;
(4) A request for a certification, a translation, or an opinion of counsel under subsection (d) of § 1-350r is refused;
(5) The person in good faith believes that the power is not valid or that the agent does not have the authority to perform the act requested, whether or not a certification, a translation, or an opinion of counsel under subsection (d) of § 1-350r has been requested or provided; or
(6) The person makes, or has actual knowledge that another person has made, a report to the Bureau of Aging, Community and Social Work Services Division of the Department of Social Services stating a good faith belief that the principal may be subject to physical or financial abuse, neglect, exploitation or abandonment by the agent or a person acting for or with the agent.
(c) A person that refuses in violation of this section to accept an acknowledged power of attorney is subject to an order by a probate court or by a court of general jurisdiction mandating acceptance of the power of attorney. The court may award reasonable attorney’s fees and costs incurred to the prevailing party in such action.