2021 Delaware Code
Title 12 - Decedents' Estates and Fiduciary Relations
Chapter 49A. Durable Personal Powers of Attorney Act
Subchapter III. Statutory Forms
§ 49A-301. Statutory form durable personal power of attorney; agent's certification.
This Durable Power of Attorney was acknowledged before me by ________________________________ this ________________ day of ________________________________ 20________ .
________________________________ Notarial Office
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR AGENT
Agent's Duties
When you accept the authority granted under this power of attorney, a special legal relationship is created between you and the Principal. This relationship imposes upon you legal duties that continue until you resign or the power of attorney is terminated or revoked. You must:
(1) do what you know the Principal reasonably expects you to do with the Principal's property or, if you do not know the Principal's expectations, act in the Principal's best interest;
(2) act in good faith;
(3) do nothing beyond the authority granted in this power of attorney; and
(4) disclose your identity as an Agent whenever you act for the Principal by writing or printing the name of the Principal and signing your own name as “Agent” in the following manner:
__________________________________________________________________
(Principal's Name)________________________________by (Your Signature) as Agent
Except as otherwise provided in the power of attorney, you must also:
(1) not act for your own benefit;
(2) avoid conflicts that would impair your ability to act in the Principal's best interest;
(3) act with care, competence, and diligence;
(4) keep a record of all receipts, disbursements, and transactions made on behalf of the Principal;
(5) cooperate with any person who has authority to make health-care decisions for the Principal; and
(6) not act in a manner inconsistent with the Principal's testamentary plan.
Termination of Agent's Authority
You must stop acting on behalf of the Principal if you learn of any event that terminates this power of attorney or your authority under this power of attorney. Events that terminate this power of attorney or your authority to act under it include:
(1) death of the Principal;
(2) the Principal's revocation of the power of attorney or your authority;
(3) the occurrence of a termination event stated in the power of attorney;
(4) the purpose of the power of attorney is fully accomplished; or
(5) an action is filed with a court for your separation, annulment, or divorce from the Principal, unless the Principal otherwise provided in the power of attorney that such action will not terminate your authority.
Liability of Agent
The meaning of the authority granted to you is defined in the Durable Personal Power of Attorney Act, Delaware Code, Title 12, Chapter 49A. If you violate the Durable Personal Power of Attorney Act, Delaware Code, Title 12, Chapter 49A, or act outside the authority granted, you may be liable for any damages caused by your violation.
If there is anything about this document or your powers, authority, or duties as Agent that you do not understand, you should seek legal advice.
AGENT'S CERTIFICATION
I, (Name of Agent), have read the attached durable personal power of attorney and I am the person identified as the Agent or identified as the Agent for the Principal. To the best of my knowledge this power has not been revoked. I hereby acknowledge that, when I act as Agent, I shall:
Act in accordance with the principal's reasonable expectations to the extent actually known to me and, otherwise, in the Principal's best interest;
Act in good faith;
Act only within the scope of authority granted in the personal power of attorney; and
To the extent reasonably practicable under the circumstances, keep in regular contact with the principal and communicate with the principal.
In addition, in the absence of a specific provision to the contrary in the durable personal power of attorney, when I act as Agent, I shall:
Keep the assets of the Principal separate from my assets;
Exercise reasonable caution and prudence; and
Keep a full and accurate record of all actions, receipts and disbursements
on behalf of the Principal.
__________________________________________________________________
____________Agent________________________________________________________________Date
77 Del. Laws, c. 467, § 4; 78 Del. Laws, c. 369, § 13; 79 Del. Laws, c. 152, § 1;
