- 1). Contact the lawyer that drew up the power of attorney under which you're trying to gain access to a bank account to confirm that it has been registered with the appropriate recording authorities. The rules regarding the registration of a power of attorney vary from state to state, so you'll need to discuss the situation with your lawyer to make sure everything is in order. There's more than a good chance that the bank you're dealing with will check that your claim is genuine with the relevant authorities before granting you access to the principal's account.
- 2). Call the bank that manages the account you're trying to gain access to, and explain the situation. The individual who granted you power of attorney over his finances may have completed a power of attorney form from the bank itself. If this is the case, you'll need to provide proof of your identity and other paperwork in line with the bank's internal procedures. The bank you're dealing with may ask you to provide an affidavit that states that your power of attorney has not been revoked. If the principal has not completed power-of-attorney paperwork from the bank in question, it will instruct you how to go about gaining access to the account. The method of doing so will depend on the processes of the bank concerned and local laws.
- 3). Collect the information required from the bank, and send it as instructed. If the power of attorney under which you're trying to access a bank account names multiple agents that have to act as a group, you'll need to draw up a letter signed by all those that are named. The bank you're dealing with will then contact you or your lawyer regarding how it deals with power-of-attorney cases and how you should go about accessing the account in the future. Some financial institutions may require a letter from your lawyer confirming your status as the principal's agent.
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