An Act To Enact the Maine Uniform Power of Attorney Act
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 18-A MRSA Art. 5, Pt. 5, as amended, is repealed.
Sec. 2. 18-A MRSA Art. 5, Pt. 9 is enacted to read:
PART 9
MAINE UNIFORM POWER OF ATTORNEY ACT
SUBPART 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS
§ 5-901. Short title
This Part may be known and cited as "the Maine Uniform Power of Attorney Act."
§ 5-902. Definitions
As used in this Part, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
(a). "Agent" means a person granted authority to act for a principal under a power of attorney, whether denominated an agent, attorney-in-fact or otherwise. The term includes an original agent, coagent, successor agent and a person to which an agent's authority is delegated.
(b). "Durable," with respect to a power of attorney, means not terminated by the principal's incapacity.
(c). "Electronic" means relating to technology having electrical, digital, magnetic, wireless, optical, electromagnetic or similar capabilities.
(d). "Good faith" means honesty in fact.
(e). "Incapacity" means inability of an individual to effectively manage property or business affairs because the individual:
(1). Is impaired by reason of mental illness, mental deficiency, physical illness or disability, chronic use of drugs, chronic intoxication or other cause to the extent that the individual lacks sufficient understanding, capacity or ability to receive and evaluate information or make or communicate decisions regarding the individual's property or business affairs; or
(2). Is:
(i) Missing;
(ii) Detained, including incarcerated in a penal system; or
(iii) Outside the United States and unable to return.
(f). "Person" means an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, public corporation, government or governmental subdivision, agency or instrumentality or any other legal or commercial entity.
(g). "Power of attorney" means a writing or other record that grants authority to an agent to act in the place of the principal, whether or not the term "power of attorney" is used.
(h). "Presently exercisable general power of appointment," with respect to property or a property interest subject to a power of appointment, means power exercisable at the time in question to vest absolute ownership in the principal individually, the principal's estate, the principal's creditors or the creditors of the principal's estate. The term includes a power of appointment not exercisable until the occurrence of a specified event, the satisfaction of an ascertainable standard or the passage of a specified period only after the occurrence of the specified event, the satisfaction of the ascertainable standard or the passage of the specified period. The term does not include a power exercisable in a fiduciary capacity or only by will.
(i). "Principal" means an individual who grants authority to an agent in a power of attorney.
(j). "Property" means anything that may be the subject of ownership, whether real or personal, or legal or equitable, or any interest or right therein.
(k). "Record" means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.
(l). "Registered domestic partner" means an individual registered as a domestic partner under Title 22, section 2710, subsection 3.
(m). "Sign" means, with present intent to authenticate or adopt a record:
(1). To execute or adopt a tangible symbol; or
(2). To attach to or logically associate with the record an electronic sound, symbol or process.
(n). "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
(o). "Stocks and bonds" means stocks, bonds, mutual funds and all other types of securities and financial instruments, whether held directly, indirectly or in any other manner. The term does not include commodity futures contracts and call or put options on stocks or stock indexes.
§ 5-903. Applicability
This Part applies to all powers of attorney except:
(a). A power to the extent it is coupled with an interest in the subject of the power, including a power given to or for the benefit of a creditor in connection with a credit transaction;
(b). A power to make health care decisions;
(c). A proxy or other delegation to exercise voting rights or management rights with respect to an entity; and
(d). A power created on a form prescribed by a government or governmental subdivision, agency or instrumentality for a governmental purpose.
§ 5-904. Power of attorney is durable
A power of attorney created under this Part is durable unless it expressly provides that it is terminated by the incapacity of the principal.
§ 5-905. Execution of power of attorney; notices
(a). A power of attorney must be signed by the principal or in the principal's conscious presence by another individual directed by the principal to sign the principal's name on the power of attorney. A signature on a power of attorney is presumed to be genuine if the principal acknowledges the signature before a notary public or other individual authorized by law to take acknowledgments. A power of attorney under this Part is not valid unless it is acknowledged before a notary public or other individual authorized by law to take acknowledgments.
(b). A durable power of attorney under this Part is not valid unless it contains the following notices substantially in the following form:
"Notice to the Principal: As the "Principal" you are using this power of attorney to grant power to another person (called the Agent) to make decisions about your property and to use your property on your behalf. Under this power of attorney you give your Agent broad and sweeping powers to sell or otherwise dispose of your property without notice to you. Under this document your Agent will continue to have these powers after you become incapacitated. The powers that you give your Agent are explained more fully in the Maine Uniform Power of Attorney Act, Maine Revised Statutes, Title 18-A, Article 5, Part 9. You have the right to revoke this power of attorney at any time as long as you are not incapacitated. If there is anything about this power of attorney that you do not understand you should ask a lawyer to explain it to you.
Notice to the Agent: As the "Agent" you are given power under this power of attorney to make decisions about the property belonging to the Principal and to dispose of the Principal's property on the Principal's behalf in accordance with the terms of this power of attorney. This power of attorney is valid only if the Principal is of sound mind when the Principal signs it. 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. The duties are more fully explained in the Maine Uniform Power of Attorney Act, Maine Revised Statutes, Title 18-A, Article 5, Part 9 and Title 18-B, sections 802 to 807 and Title 18-B, chapter 9. As the Agent, you are generally not entitled to use the Principal's property for your own benefit or to make gifts to yourself or others unless the power of attorney gives you such authority. If you violate your duty under this power of attorney you may be liable for damages and may be subject to criminal prosecution. 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 of termination are more fully explained in the Maine Uniform Power of Attorney Act and include, but are not limited to, revocation of your authority or of the power of attorney by the Principal, the death of the Principal or the commencement of divorce proceedings between you and the Principal. If there is anything about this power of attorney or your duties under it that you do not understand you should ask a lawyer to explain it to you."
§ 5-906. Validity of power of attorney
(a). A power of attorney executed in this State on or after July 1, 2010 is valid if its execution complies with section 5-905.
(b). A power of attorney executed in this State before July 1, 2010 is valid if its execution complied with the law of this State as it existed at the time of execution.
(c). A power of attorney executed other than in this State is valid in this State if, when the power of attorney was executed, the execution complied with:
(1). The law of the jurisdiction that determines the meaning and effect of the power of attorney pursuant to section 5-907; or
(2). The requirements for a military power of attorney pursuant to 10 United States Code, Section 1044b, as amended.
(d). Except as otherwise provided by statute other than this Part, a photocopy or electronically transmitted copy of an original power of attorney has the same effect as the original.
§ 5-907. Meaning and effect of power of attorney
The meaning and effect of a power of attorney is determined by the law of the jurisdiction indicated in the power of attorney and, in the absence of an indication of jurisdiction, by the law of the jurisdiction in which the power of attorney was executed.
§ 5-908. Nomination of conservator or guardian; relation of agent to court-appointed fiduciary
(a). In a power of attorney, a principal may nominate a conservator of the principal's estate or guardian of the principal’s person for consideration by the court if protective proceedings for the principal's estate or person are begun after the principal executes the power of attorney. Except for good cause shown or disqualification, the court shall make its appointment in accordance with the principal's most recent nomination.
(b). If, after a principal executes a power of attorney, a court appoints a conservator of the principal's estate or other fiduciary charged with the management of some or all of the principal's property, the agent is accountable to the fiduciary as well as to the principal. The power of attorney is not terminated and the agent's authority continues unless limited, suspended or terminated by the court.
§ 5-909. When power of attorney effective
(a). A power of attorney is effective when executed unless the principal provides in the power of attorney that it becomes effective at a future date or upon the occurrence of a future event or contingency.
(b). If a power of attorney becomes effective upon the occurrence of a future event or contingency, the principal, in the power of attorney, may authorize one or more persons to determine in a writing or other record that the event or contingency has occurred.
(c). If a power of attorney becomes effective upon the principal's incapacity and the principal has not authorized a person to determine whether the principal is incapacitated, or the person authorized is unable or unwilling to make the determination, the power of attorney becomes effective upon a determination in a writing or other record by:
(1). A physician that the principal is incapacitated within the meaning of section 5-902, subsection (e), paragraph (1); or
(2). An attorney at law, a judge or an appropriate governmental official that the principal is incapacitated within the meaning of section 5-902, subsection (e), paragraph (2).
(d). A person authorized by the principal in the power of attorney to determine that the principal is incapacitated may act as the principal's personal representative pursuant to the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, 42 United States Code, Section 1320d, et seq., as amended, and applicable regulations, to obtain access to the principal's health care information and communicate with the principal's health care provider.
§ 5-910. Termination of power of attorney or agent's authority
(a). A power of attorney terminates when:
(1). The principal dies;
(2). The principal becomes incapacitated, if the power of attorney is not durable;
(3). The principal revokes the power of attorney;
(4). The power of attorney provides that it terminates;
(5). The purpose of the power of attorney is accomplished; or
(6). The principal revokes the agent's authority or the agent dies, becomes incapacitated or resigns and the power of attorney does not provide for another agent to act under the power of attorney.
(b). An agent's authority terminates:
(1). When the principal revokes the authority;
(2). When the agent dies, becomes incapacitated or resigns;
(3). When an action is filed for the termination or annulment of the agent's marriage to the principal or their legal separation, unless the power of attorney otherwise provides;
(4). Upon the sooner to occur of either the marriage of the principal to a person other than the agent if upon or after execution of the power of attorney the principal and the agent are or became registered domestic partners, the filing with the domestic partner registry, in accordance with Title 22, section 2710, subsection 4, of a notice consenting to the termination of a registered domestic partnership of the principal and the agent or upon service, in accordance with Title 22, section 2710, subsection 4, of a notice of intent to terminate the registered domestic partnership of the principal and the agent; or
(5). The power of attorney terminates.
(c). Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, an agent's authority is exercisable until the authority terminates under subsection (b), notwithstanding a lapse of time since the execution of the power of attorney.
(d). Termination of an agent's authority or of a power of attorney is not effective as to the agent or another person that, without actual knowledge of the termination, acts in good faith under the power of attorney. An act so performed, unless otherwise invalid or unenforceable, binds the principal and the principal's successors in interest.
(e). Incapacity of the principal of a power of attorney that is not durable does not revoke or terminate the power of attorney as to an agent or other person that, without actual knowledge of the incapacity, acts in good faith under the power of attorney. An act so performed, unless otherwise invalid or unenforceable, binds the principal and the principal's successors in interest.
(f). The execution of a power of attorney does not revoke a power of attorney previously executed by the principal unless the subsequent power of attorney provides that the previous power of attorney is revoked or that all other powers of attorney are revoked.
§ 5-911. Coagents and successor agents
(a). A principal may designate 2 or more persons to act as coagents. Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, each coagent may exercise its authority independently.
(b). A principal may designate one or more successor agents to act if an agent resigns, dies, becomes incapacitated, is not qualified to serve or declines to serve. A principal may grant authority to designate one or more successor agents to an agent or other person designated by name, office or function. Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, a successor agent:
(1). Has the same authority as that granted to the original agent; and
(2). May not act until all predecessor agents have resigned, died, become incapacitated, are no longer qualified to serve or have declined to serve.
(c). Except as otherwise provided in the power of attorney and subsection (d), an agent that does not participate in or conceal a breach of fiduciary duty committed by another agent, including a predecessor agent, is not liable for the actions of the other agent.
(d). An agent that has actual knowledge of a breach or imminent breach of fiduciary duty by another agent shall notify the principal and, if the principal is incapacitated, take any action reasonably appropriate in the circumstances to safeguard the principal's interests. An agent that fails to notify the principal or take action as required by this subsection is liable for the reasonably foreseeable damages that could have been avoided if the agent had notified the principal or taken such action.
§ 5-912. Reimbursement and compensation of agent
Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, an agent is entitled to reimbursement of expenses reasonably incurred on behalf of the principal and to compensation that is reasonable under the circumstances. The factors set forth in section 3-721, subsection (b) should be considered as guides in determining the reasonableness of compensation under this section.
§ 5-913. Agent's acceptance
Except as otherwise provided in the power of attorney, a person accepts appointment as an agent under a power of attorney by exercising authority or performing duties as an agent or by any other assertion or conduct indicating acceptance.
§ 5-914. Agent's duties
(a). Notwithstanding provisions in the power of attorney, an agent that has accepted appointment shall:
(1). Act in accordance with the principal's reasonable expectations to the extent actually known by the agent and otherwise act as a fiduciary under the standards of care applicable to trustees as described under Title 18-B, sections 802 to 807 and Title 18-B, chapter 9;
(2). Act in good faith; and
(3). Act only within the scope of authority granted in the power of attorney.
(b). Except as otherwise provided in the power of attorney, an agent that has accepted appointment shall:
(1). Act loyally for the principal's benefit;
(2). Act so as not to create a conflict of interest that impairs the agent's ability to act impartially;
(3). Act with the care, competence and diligence ordinarily exercised by agents in similar circumstances;
(4). Keep a record of all receipts, disbursements and transactions made on behalf of the principal;
(5). Cooperate with a person that has authority to make health care decisions for the principal to carry out such decisions; and
(6). Attempt to preserve the principal's estate plan, to the extent actually known by the agent, based on all relevant factors, including:
(i) The value and nature of the principal's property;
(ii) The principal's foreseeable obligations and need for maintenance;
(iii) Minimization of taxes, including income, estate, inheritance, generation-skipping transfer and gift taxes; and
(iv) Eligibility for a benefit, a program or assistance under a statute, rule or regulation.
(c). An agent that acts in good faith is not liable to any beneficiary of the principal's estate plan for failure to preserve the plan.
(d). An agent that acts with care, competence and diligence for the sole interest of the principal is not liable solely because the agent also benefits from the act or has an individual or conflicting interest in relation to the property or affairs of the principal.
(e). If an agent is selected by the principal because of special skills or expertise possessed by the agent or in reliance on the agent's representation that the agent has special skills or expertise, the special skills or expertise must be considered in determining whether the agent has acted with care, competence and diligence under the circumstances.
(f). Absent a breach of duty to the principal, an agent is not liable if the value of the principal's property declines.
(g). An agent that exercises authority to delegate to another person the authority granted by the principal or that engages another person on behalf of the principal is not liable for an act, error of judgment or default of that person if the agent exercises care, competence and diligence in selecting and monitoring the person.
(h). Except as otherwise provided in the power of attorney, an agent is not required to disclose receipts, disbursements or transactions conducted on behalf of the principal unless ordered by a court or requested by the principal, a guardian, a conservator, another fiduciary acting for the principal, a governmental agency having authority to protect the welfare of the principal or, upon the death of the principal, by the personal representative or successor in interest of the principal's estate. If so requested, within 30 days the agent shall comply with the request or provide a writing or other record substantiating why additional time is needed and shall comply with the request within an additional 30 days.
§ 5-915. Exoneration of agent
A provision in a power of attorney relieving an agent of liability for breach of duty is binding on the principal and the principal's successors in interest except to the extent the provision:
(a). Relieves the agent of liability for breach of duty committed dishonestly, with an improper motive or with reckless indifference to the purposes of the power of attorney; or
(b). Was inserted as a result of an abuse of a confidential or fiduciary relationship with the principal.
§ 5-916. Judicial relief
(a). The following persons may petition the Probate Court or the Superior Court for the county in which either the principal or the agent resides to construe a power of attorney or review the agent's conduct and grant appropriate relief:
(1). The principal or the agent;
(2). A guardian, conservator or other fiduciary acting for the principal;
(3). A person authorized to make health care decisions for the principal;
(4). The principal's spouse, registered domestic partner, parent or descendant;
(5). An individual who would qualify as a presumptive heir of the principal;
(6). A person named as a beneficiary to receive any property, benefit or contractual right on the principal's death or as a beneficiary of a trust created by or for the principal that has a financial interest in the principal's estate;
(7). A governmental agency having regulatory authority to protect the welfare of the principal;
(8). The principal's caregiver or another person that demonstrates sufficient interest in the principal's welfare; and
(9). A person asked to accept the power of attorney.
(b). Upon motion by the principal, the court shall dismiss a petition filed under this section, unless the court finds that the principal lacks capacity to revoke the agent's authority or the power of attorney.
§ 5-917. Agent's liability
An agent that violates this chapter is liable to the principal or the principal's successors in interest for the amount required to:
(a). Restore the value of the principal's property to what it would have been had the violation not occurred; and
(b). Reimburse the principal or the principal's successors in interest for the attorney's fees and costs paid on the agent's behalf.
§ 5-918. Agent's resignation; notice
Unless the power of attorney provides a different method for an agent's resignation, an agent may resign by giving notice to the principal and, if the principal is incapacitated:
(a). To the conservator or guardian, if one has been appointed for the principal, and a coagent or successor agent; or
(b). If there is no person described in subsection (a), to:
(1). The principal's caregiver;
(2). Another person reasonably believed by the agent to have sufficient interest in the principal's welfare; or
(3). A governmental agency having authority to protect the welfare of the principal.
§ 5-919. Acceptance of and reliance upon acknowledged power of attorney
(a). For purposes of this section and section 5-920, "acknowledged" means purportedly verified before a notary public or other individual authorized to take acknowledgements.
(b). A person that in good faith accepts an acknowledged power of attorney without actual knowledge that the signature is not genuine may rely upon the presumption under section 5-905 that the signature is genuine.
(c). A person that in good faith accepts an acknowledged power of attorney without actual knowledge that the power of attorney is void, invalid or terminated, that the purported agent's authority is void, invalid or terminated or that the agent is exceeding or improperly exercising the agent's authority may rely upon the power of attorney as if the power of attorney were genuine, valid and still in effect, the agent's authority were genuine, valid and still in effect and the agent had not exceeded and had properly exercised the authority.
(d). A person that is asked to accept an acknowledged power of attorney may request, and rely upon, without further investigation:
(1). An agent's certification under penalty of perjury of any factual matter concerning the principal, agent or power of attorney;
(2). An English translation of the power of attorney if the power of attorney contains, in whole or in part, language other than English; and
(3). An opinion of counsel as to any matter of law concerning the power of attorney if the person making the request provides in a writing or other record the reason for the request.
(e). An English translation or an opinion of counsel requested under this section must be provided at the principal's expense unless the request is made more than 7 business days after the power of attorney is presented for acceptance.
(f). For purposes of this section and section 5-920, a person that conducts activities through employees is without actual knowledge of a fact relating to a power of attorney, a principal or an agent if the employee conducting the transaction involving the power of attorney is without actual knowledge of the fact.
§ 5-920. Liability for refusal to accept acknowledged power of attorney
(a). Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b):
(1). A person shall either accept an acknowledged power of attorney or request a certification, a translation or an opinion of counsel under section 5-919, subsection (d) no later than 7 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 section 5-919, subsection (d), the person shall accept the power of attorney no later than 5 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 person is not otherwise required to engage in a transaction with the principal in the same circumstances;
(2). Engaging in a transaction with the agent or the principal in the same circumstances would be inconsistent with 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 section 5-919, subsection (d) 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 section 5-919, subsection (d) has been requested or provided; or
(6). The person has 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 and the person makes, or has actual knowledge that another person has made, a report to the Department of Health and Human Services regarding such beliefs.
(c). A person that refuses in violation of this section to accept an acknowledged power of attorney is subject to:
(1). A court order mandating acceptance of the power of attorney; and
(2). Liability for reasonable attorney's fees and costs incurred in any action or proceeding that confirms the validity of the power of attorney or mandates acceptance of the power of attorney.
§ 5-921. Principles of law and equity
Unless displaced by a provision of this Part, the principles of law and equity supplement this Part.
§ 5-922. Laws applicable to financial institutions and entities
This Part does not supersede any other law applicable to financial institutions or other entities, and the other law controls if inconsistent with this Part.
§ 5-923. Remedies under other law
The remedies under this Part are not exclusive and do not abrogate any right or remedy under the law of this State other than this Part.
SUBPART 2
AUTHORITY
§ 5-931. Authority that requires specific grant; grant of general authority
(a). An agent under a power of attorney may do the following on behalf of the principal or with the principal's property only if the power of attorney expressly grants the agent the authority and exercise of the authority is not otherwise prohibited by another agreement or instrument to which the authority or property is subject:
(1). Create, amend, revoke or terminate an inter vivos trust;
(2). Make a gift;
(3). Create or change rights of survivorship;
(4). Create or change a beneficiary designation;
(5). Delegate authority granted under the power of attorney;
(6). Waive the principal's right to be a beneficiary of a joint and survivor annuity, including a survivor benefit under a retirement plan;
(7). Exercise fiduciary powers that the principal has authority to delegate; or
(8). Disclaim property, including a power of appointment.
(b). Notwithstanding a grant of authority to do an act described in subsection (a), unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, an agent that is not an ancestor, spouse, registered domestic partner or descendant of the principal may not exercise authority under a power of attorney to create in the agent, or in an individual to whom the agent owes a legal obligation of support, an interest in the principal’s property, whether by gift, right of survivorship, beneficiary designation, disclaimer or otherwise.
(c). Subject to subsections (a), (b), (d) and (e), if a power of attorney grants to an agent authority to do all acts that a principal could do, the agent has the general authority described in sections 5-934 through 5-946.
(d). Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, a grant of authority to make a gift is subject to section 5-947.
(e). Subject to subsections (a), (b) and (d), if the subjects over which authority is granted in a power of attorney are similar or overlap, the broadest authority controls.
(f). Authority granted in a power of attorney is exercisable with respect to property that the principal has when the power of attorney is executed or acquires later, whether or not the property is located in this State and whether or not the authority is exercised or the power of attorney is executed in this State.
(g). An act performed by an agent pursuant to a power of attorney has the same effect and inures to the benefit of and binds the principal and the principal's successors in interest as if the principal had performed the act.
§ 5-932. Incorporation of authority
(a). An agent has authority described in this subpart if the power of attorney refers to general authority with respect to the descriptive term for the subjects stated in sections 5-934 through 5-947 or cites the section in which the authority is described.
(b). A reference in a power of attorney to general authority with respect to the descriptive term for a subject in sections 5-934 through 5-947 or a citation to a section of sections 5-934 through 5-947 incorporates the entire section as if it were set out in full in the power of attorney.
(c). A principal may modify authority incorporated by reference.
§ 5-933. Construction of authority generally
Except as otherwise provided in the power of attorney, by executing a power of attorney that incorporates by reference a subject described in sections 5-934 through 5-947 or that grants to an agent authority to do all acts that a principal could do pursuant to section 5-931, subsection (c), a principal authorizes the agent, with respect to that subject, to:
(a). Demand, receive and obtain by litigation or otherwise, money or another thing of value to which the principal is, may become or claims to be entitled and conserve, invest, disburse or use anything so received or obtained for the purposes intended;
(b). Contract in any manner with any person, on terms agreeable to the agent, to accomplish a purpose of a transaction and perform, rescind, cancel, terminate, reform, restate, release or modify the contract or another contract made by or on behalf of the principal;
(c). Execute, acknowledge, seal, deliver, file or record any instrument or communication the agent considers desirable to accomplish a purpose of a transaction, including creating at any time a schedule listing some or all of the principal's property and attaching it to the power of attorney;
(d). Initiate, participate in, submit to alternative dispute resolution, settle, oppose or propose or accept a compromise with respect to a claim existing in favor of or against the principal or intervene in litigation relating to the claim;
(e). Seek on the principal's behalf the assistance of a court or other governmental agency to carry out an act authorized in the power of attorney;
(f). Engage, compensate and discharge an attorney, accountant, discretionary investment manager, expert witness or other advisor;
(g). Prepare, execute and file a record, report or other document to safeguard or promote the principal's interest under a statute, rule or regulation;
(h). Communicate with any representative or employee of a government or governmental subdivision, agency or instrumentality on behalf of the principal;
(i). Access communications intended for and communicate on behalf of the principal, whether by mail, electronic transmission, telephone or other means; and
(j). Do any lawful act with respect to the subject and all property related to the subject.
§ 5-934. Real property
Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to real property authorizes the agent to:
(a). Demand, buy, lease, receive, accept as a gift or as security for an extension of credit or otherwise acquire or reject an interest in real property or a right incident to real property;
(b). Sell; exchange; convey with or without covenants, representations or warranties; quitclaim; release; surrender; retain title for security; encumber; partition; consent to partitioning; subject to an easement or covenant; subdivide; apply for zoning or other governmental permits; plat or consent to platting; develop; grant an option concerning; lease; sublease; contribute to an entity in exchange for an interest in that entity; or otherwise grant or dispose of an interest in real property or a right incident to real property;
(c). Pledge or mortgage an interest in real property or right incident to real property as security to borrow money or pay, renew or extend the time of payment of a debt of the principal or a debt guaranteed by the principal;
(d). Release, assign, satisfy or enforce by litigation or otherwise a mortgage, deed of trust, conditional sale contract, encumbrance, lien or other claim to real property that exists or is asserted;
(e). Manage or conserve an interest in real property or a right incident to real property owned or claimed to be owned by the principal, including:
(1). Insuring against liability or casualty or other loss;
(2). Obtaining or regaining possession of or protecting the interest or right by litigation or otherwise;
(3). Paying, assessing, compromising or contesting taxes or assessments or applying for and receiving refunds in connection with them; and
(4). Purchasing supplies, hiring assistance or labor and making repairs or alterations to the real property;
(f). Use, develop, alter, replace, remove, erect or install structures or other improvements upon real property in or incident to which the principal has, or claims to have, an interest or right;
(g). Participate in a reorganization with respect to real property or an entity that owns an interest in or right incident to real property and receive, hold and act with respect to stocks and bonds or other property received in a plan of reorganization, including:
(1). Selling or otherwise disposing of them;
(2). Exercising or selling an option, right of conversion or similar right with respect to them; and
(3). Exercising any voting rights in person or by proxy;
(h). Change the form of title of an interest in or right incident to real property; and
(i). Dedicate to public use, with or without consideration, easements or other real property in which the principal has, or claims to have, an interest.
§ 5-935. Tangible personal property
Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to tangible personal property authorizes the agent to:
(a). Demand, buy, receive, accept as a gift or as security for an extension of credit or otherwise acquire or reject ownership or possession of tangible personal property or an interest in tangible personal property;
(b). Sell; exchange; convey with or without covenants, representations or warranties; quitclaim; release; surrender; create a security interest in; grant options concerning; lease; sublease; or otherwise dispose of tangible personal property or an interest in tangible personal property;
(c). Grant a security interest in tangible personal property or an interest in tangible personal property as security to borrow money or pay, renew or extend the time of payment of a debt of the principal or a debt guaranteed by the principal;
(d). Release, assign, satisfy or enforce by litigation or otherwise a security interest, lien or other claim on behalf of the principal with respect to tangible personal property or an interest in tangible personal property;
(e). Manage or conserve tangible personal property or an interest in tangible personal property on behalf of the principal, including:
(1). Insuring against liability or casualty or other loss;
(2). Obtaining or regaining possession of or protecting the property or interest by litigation or otherwise;
(3). Paying, assessing, compromising or contesting taxes or assessments or applying for and receiving refunds in connection with them;
(4). Moving the property from place to place;
(5). Storing the property for hire or on a gratuitous bailment;
(6). Using and making repairs, alterations or improvements to the property; and
(7). Changing the form of title of an interest in tangible personal property.
§ 5-936. Stocks and bonds
Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to stocks and bonds authorizes the agent to:
(a). Buy, sell and exchange stocks and bonds;
(b). Establish, continue, modify or terminate an account with respect to stocks and bonds;
(c). Pledge stocks and bonds as security to borrow, pay, renew or extend the time of payment of a debt of the principal;
(d). Receive certificates and other evidences of ownership with respect to stocks and bonds; and
(e). Exercise voting rights with respect to stocks and bonds in person or by proxy, enter into voting trusts and consent to limitations on the right to vote.
§ 5-937. Commodities and options
Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to commodities and options authorizes the agent to:
(a). Buy, sell, exchange, assign, settle and exercise commodity futures contracts and call or put options on stocks or stock indexes traded on a regulated option exchange; and
(b). Establish, continue, modify and terminate option accounts.
§ 5-938. Banks and other financial institutions
Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to banks and other financial institutions authorizes the agent to:
(a). Continue, modify and terminate an account or other banking arrangement made by or on behalf of the principal;
(b). Establish, modify and terminate an account or other banking arrangement with a bank, trust company, savings and loan association, credit union, thrift company, brokerage firm or other financial institution selected by the agent;
(c). Contract for services available from a financial institution, including renting a safe deposit box or space in a vault;
(d). Withdraw, by check, order, electronic funds transfer or otherwise, money or property of the principal deposited with or left in the custody of a financial institution;
(e). Receive statements of account, vouchers, notices and similar documents from a financial institution and act with respect to them;
(f). Enter a safe deposit box or vault and withdraw or add to the contents;
(g). Borrow money and pledge as security personal property of the principal necessary to borrow money or pay, renew or extend the time of payment of a debt of the principal or a debt guaranteed by the principal;
(h). Make, assign, draw, endorse, discount, guarantee and negotiate promissory notes, checks, drafts and other negotiable or nonnegotiable paper of the principal or payable to the principal or the principal's order, transfer money, receive the cash or other proceeds of those transactions and accept a draft drawn by a person upon the principal and pay it when due;
(i). Receive for the principal and act upon a sight draft, warehouse receipt or other document of title, whether tangible or electronic, or other negotiable or nonnegotiable instrument;
(j). Apply for, receive and use letters of credit, credit and debit cards, electronic transaction authorizations and traveler's checks from a financial institution and give an indemnity or other agreement in connection with letters of credit; and
(k). Consent to an extension of the time of payment with respect to commercial paper or a financial transaction with a financial institution.
§ 5-939. Operation of entity or business
Subject to the terms of a document or an agreement governing an entity or an entity ownership interest, and unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to operation of an entity or business authorizes the agent to:
(a). Operate, buy, sell, enlarge, reduce or terminate an ownership interest;
(b). Perform a duty or discharge a liability and exercise in person or by proxy a right, power, privilege or option that the principal has, may have or claims to have;
(c). Enforce the terms of an ownership agreement;
(d). Initiate, participate in, submit to alternative dispute resolution, settle, oppose or propose or accept a compromise with respect to litigation to which the principal is a party because of an ownership interest;
(e). Exercise in person or by proxy, or enforce by litigation or otherwise, a right, power, privilege or option the principal has or claims to have as the holder of stocks and bonds;
(f). Initiate, participate in, submit to alternative dispute resolution, settle, oppose or propose or accept a compromise with respect to litigation to which the principal is a party concerning stocks and bonds;
(g). With respect to an entity or business owned solely by the principal:
(1). Continue, modify, renegotiate, extend and terminate a contract made by or on behalf of the principal with respect to the entity or business before execution of the power of attorney;
(2). Determine:
(i) The location of its operation;
(ii) The nature and extent of its business;
(iii) The methods of manufacturing, selling, merchandising, financing, accounting and advertising employed in its operation;
(iv) The amount and types of insurance carried; and
(v) The mode of engaging, compensating and dealing with its employees and accountants, attorneys or other advisors;
(3). Change the name or form of organization under which the entity or business is operated and enter into an ownership agreement with other persons to take over all or part of the operation of the entity or business; and
(4). Demand and receive money due or claimed by the principal or on the principal's behalf in the operation of the entity or business and control and disburse the money in the operation of the entity or business;
(h). Put additional capital into an entity or business in which the principal has an interest;
(i). Join in a plan of reorganization, consolidation, conversion, domestication or merger of the entity or business;
(j). Sell or liquidate all or part of an entity or business;
(k). Establish the value of an entity or business under a buy-out agreement to which the principal is a party;
(l). Prepare, sign, file and deliver reports, compilations of information, returns or other papers with respect to an entity or business and make related payments; and
(m). Pay, compromise or contest taxes, assessments, fines or penalties and perform any other act to protect the principal from illegal or unnecessary taxation, assessments, fines or penalties, with respect to an entity or business, including attempts to recover, in any manner permitted by law, money paid before or after the execution of the power of attorney.
§ 5-940. Insurance and annuities
Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to insurance and annuities authorizes the agent to:
(a). Continue, pay the premium or make a contribution on, modify, exchange, rescind, release or terminate a contract procured by or on behalf of the principal that insures or provides an annuity to either the principal or another person, whether or not the principal is a beneficiary under the contract;
(b). Procure new, different and additional contracts of insurance and annuities for the principal and the principal's spouse, registered domestic partner, children and other dependents and select the amount, type of insurance or annuity and mode of payment;
(c). Pay the premium or make a contribution on, modify, exchange, rescind, release or terminate a contract of insurance or annuity procured by the agent;
(d). Apply for and receive a loan secured by a contract of insurance or annuity;
(e). Surrender and receive the cash surrender value on a contract of insurance or annuity;
(f). Exercise an election;
(g). Exercise investment powers available under a contract of insurance or annuity;
(h). Change the manner of paying premiums on a contract of insurance or annuity;
(i). Change or convert the type of insurance or annuity with respect to which the principal has or claims to have authority described in this section;
(j). Apply for and procure a benefit or assistance under a statute or regulation to guarantee or pay premiums of a contract of insurance on the life of the principal;
(k). Collect, sell, assign, hypothecate, borrow against or pledge the interest of the principal in a contract of insurance or annuity;
(l). Select the form and timing of the payment of proceeds from a contract of insurance or annuity; and
(m). Pay, from proceeds or otherwise, compromise or contest, and apply for refunds in connection with, a tax or assessment levied by a taxing authority with respect to a contract of insurance or annuity or its proceeds or liability accruing by reason of the tax or assessment.
§ 5-941. Estates, trusts and other beneficial interests
(a). As used in this section, "estate, trust and other beneficial interest" means a trust, probate estate, guardianship, conservatorship, escrow or custodianship or a fund from which the principal is, may become or claims to be entitled to a share or payment.
(b). Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to estates, trusts and other beneficial interests authorizes the agent to:
(1). Accept, receive, receipt for, sell, assign, pledge or exchange a share in or payment from the fund;
(2). Demand or obtain money or another thing of value to which the principal is, may become or claims to be entitled by reason of the fund, by litigation or otherwise;
(3). Exercise for the benefit of the principal a presently exercisable general power of appointment held by the principal;
(4). Initiate, participate in, submit to alternative dispute resolution, settle, oppose or propose or accept a compromise with respect to litigation to ascertain the meaning, validity or effect of a deed, will, declaration of trust or other instrument or transaction affecting the interest of the principal;
(5). Initiate, participate in, submit to alternative dispute resolution, settle, oppose or propose or accept a compromise with respect to litigation to remove, substitute or surcharge a fiduciary;
(6). Conserve, invest, disburse or use anything received for an authorized purpose; and
(7). Transfer an interest of the principal in real property, stocks and bonds, accounts with financial institutions or securities intermediaries, insurance, annuities and other property to the trustee of a revocable trust created by the principal as settler.
§ 5-942. Claims and litigation
Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to claims and litigation authorizes the agent to:
(a). Assert and maintain before a court or administrative agency a claim, claim for relief, cause of action, counterclaim, offset, recoupment or defense, including an action to recover property or other thing of value, recover damages sustained by the principal, eliminate or modify tax liability or seek an injunction, specific performance or other relief;
(b). Bring an action to determine adverse claims or intervene or otherwise participate in litigation;
(c). Seek an attachment, garnishment, order of arrest or other preliminary, provisional or intermediate relief and use an available procedure to effect or satisfy a judgment, order or decree;
(d). Make or accept a tender, offer of judgment or admission of facts, submit a controversy on an agreed statement of facts, consent to examination and bind the principal in litigation;
(e). Submit to alternative dispute resolution, settle and propose or accept a compromise;
(f). Waive the issuance and service of process upon the principal, accept service of process, appear for the principal, designate persons upon which process directed to the principal may be served, execute and file or deliver stipulations on the principal's behalf, verify pleadings, seek appellate review, procure and give surety and indemnity bonds, contract and pay for the preparation and printing of records and briefs, receive, execute and file or deliver a consent, waiver, release, confession of judgment, satisfaction of judgment, notice, agreement or other instrument in connection with the prosecution, settlement or defense of a claim or litigation;
(g). Act for the principal with respect to bankruptcy or insolvency, whether voluntary or involuntary, concerning the principal or some other person, or with respect to a reorganization, receivership or application for the appointment of a receiver or trustee that affects an interest of the principal in property or other thing of value;
(h). Pay a judgment, award or order against the principal or a settlement made in connection with a claim or litigation; and
(i). Receive money or other thing of value paid in settlement of or as proceeds of a claim or litigation.
§ 5-943. Personal and family maintenance
(a). Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to personal and family maintenance authorizes the agent to:
(1). Perform the acts necessary to maintain the customary standard of living of the principal, the principal's spouse or the principal's registered domestic partner and the following individuals, whether living when the power of attorney is executed or later born:
(i) Individuals legally entitled to be supported by the principal; and
(ii) Individuals whom the principal has customarily supported or indicated the intent to support;
(2). Make periodic payments of child support and other family maintenance required by a court or governmental agency or an agreement to which the principal is a party;
(3). Provide living quarters for the individuals described in paragraph (1) by:
(i) Purchase, lease or other contract; or
(ii) Paying the operating costs, including interest, amortization payments, repairs, improvements and taxes, for premises owned by the principal or occupied by those individuals;
(4). Provide normal domestic help, usual vacations and travel expenses and funds for shelter, clothing, food, appropriate education, including postsecondary and vocational education, and other current living costs for the individuals described in paragraph (1);
(5). Pay expenses for necessary health care and custodial care on behalf of the individuals described in paragraph (1);
(6). Act as the principal's personal representative pursuant to the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, 42 United States Code, Section 1320d et seq., as amended, and applicable regulations, in making decisions related to the past, present or future payment for the provision of health care consented to by the principal or anyone authorized under the law of this State to consent to health care on behalf of the principal;
(7). Continue any provision made by the principal for automobiles or other means of transportation, including registering, licensing, insuring and replacing them, for the individuals described in paragraph (1);
(8). Maintain credit and debit accounts for the convenience of the individuals described in paragraph (1) and open new accounts; and
(9). Continue payments incidental to the membership or affiliation of the principal in a religious institution, club, society, order or other organization or to continue contributions to those organizations.
(b). Authority with respect to personal and family maintenance is neither dependent upon, nor limited by, authority that an agent may or may not have with respect to gifts under this Part.
§ 5-944. Benefits from governmental programs or civil or military service
(a). As used in this section, "benefit from governmental programs or civil or military service" means any benefit, program or assistance provided under a statute, rule or regulation including Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.
(b). Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to benefits from governmental programs or civil or military service authorizes the agent to:
(1). Execute vouchers in the name of the principal for allowances and reimbursements payable by the United States or a foreign government or by a state or subdivision of a state to the principal, including allowances and reimbursements for transportation of the individuals described in section 5-943, subsection (a), paragraph (1) and for shipment of their household effects;
(2). Take possession and order the removal and shipment of property of the principal from a post, warehouse, depot, dock or other place of storage or safekeeping, either governmental or private, and execute and deliver a release, voucher, receipt, bill of lading, shipping ticket, certificate or other instrument for that purpose;
(3). Enroll in, apply for, select, reject, change, amend or discontinue, on the principal’s behalf, a benefit or program;
(4). Prepare, file and maintain a claim of the principal for a benefit or assistance, financial or otherwise, to which the principal may be entitled under a statute, rule or regulation;
(5). Initiate, participate in, submit to alternative dispute resolution, settle, oppose or propose or accept a compromise with respect to litigation concerning any benefit or assistance the principal may be entitled to receive under a statute, rule or regulation; and
(6). Receive the financial proceeds of a claim described in subsection (4) and conserve, invest, disburse or use for a lawful purpose anything so received.
§ 5-945. Retirement plans
(a). As used in this section, "retirement plan" means a plan or account created by an employer, the principal or another individual to provide retirement benefits or deferred compensation of which the principal is a participant, beneficiary or owner, including a plan or account under the following sections of the federal Internal Revenue Code:
(1). An individual retirement account under 26 United States Code, Section 408, as amended;
(2). A Roth individual retirement account under 26 United States Code, Section 408A, as amended;
(3). A deemed individual retirement account under 26 United States Code, Section 408(q), as amended;
(4). An annuity or mutual fund custodial account under 26 United States Code, Section 403(b), as amended;
(5). A pension, profit-sharing, stock bonus or other retirement plan qualified under 26 United States Code, Section 401(a), as amended;
(6). A plan under 26 United States Code, Section 457(b), as amended; and
(7). A nonqualified deferred compensation plan under 26 United States Code, Section 409A, as amended.
(b). Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to retirement plans authorizes the agent to:
(1). Select the form and timing of payments under a retirement plan and withdraw benefits from a plan;
(2). Make a rollover, including a direct trustee-to-trustee rollover, of benefits from one retirement plan to another;
(3). Establish a retirement plan in the principal's name;
(4). Make contributions to a retirement plan;
(5). Exercise investment powers available under a retirement plan; and
(6). Borrow from, sell assets to or purchase assets from a retirement plan.
§ 5-946. Taxes
Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to taxes authorizes the agent to:
(a). Prepare, sign and file federal, state, local and foreign income, gift, payroll, property, Federal Insurance Contributions Act and other tax returns, claims for refunds, requests for extension of time, petitions regarding tax matters and any other tax-related documents, including receipts, offers, waivers, consents, including consents and agreements under 26 United States Code, Section 2032A, as amended, closing agreements and any power of attorney required by the federal Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authority with respect to a tax year upon which the statute of limitations has not run and the following 25 tax years;
(b). Pay taxes due, collect refunds, post bonds, receive confidential information and contest deficiencies determined by the federal Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authority;
(c). Exercise any election available to the principal under federal, state, local or foreign tax law; and
(d). Act for the principal in all tax matters for all periods before the federal Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authority.
§ 5-947. Gifts
(a). As used in this section, a gift "for the benefit of" a person includes a gift to a trust, an account under the Maine Uniform Transfers to Minors Act and a tuition savings account or prepaid tuition plan as defined under 26 United States Code, Section 529, as amended.
(b). An agent may make a gift of the principal's property only as the agent determines is consistent with the principal's objectives if known by the agent and, if unknown, as the agent determines is consistent with the principal's objectives based on all relevant factors, including:
(1). The value and nature of the principal's property;
(2). The principal's foreseeable obligations and need for maintenance;
(3). Minimization of taxes, including income, estate, inheritance, generation-skipping transfer and gift taxes;
(4). Eligibility for a benefit, a program or assistance under a statute, rule or regulation; and
(5). The principal's personal history of making or joining in making gifts.
SUBPART 3
STATUTORY FORMS
§ 5-951. Agent's certification
The following optional form may be used by an agent to certify facts concerning a power of attorney.
AGENT'S CERTIFICATION AS TO THE VALIDITY OF POWER OF ATTORNEY AND AGENT'S AUTHORITY
State of .......................................................
County of ....................................................
I, .......................................................................(Name of Agent), certify under penalty of perjury that ....................................................................(Name of Principal) granted me authority as an agent or successor agent in a power of attorney dated .................................... .
I further certify that to my knowledge:
(1) The Principal is alive and has not revoked the Power of Attorney or my authority to act under the Power of Attorney and the Power of Attorney and my authority to act under the Power of Attorney have not terminated;
(2) If the Power of Attorney was drafted to become effective upon the happening of an event or contingency, the event or contingency has occurred;
(3) If I was named as a successor agent, the prior agent is no longer able or willing to serve; and
(4)
................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................
(Insert other relevant statements)
SIGNATURE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
| ................................................................ | ............................. |
| Agent's Signature | Date |
...................................................................
Agent's Name Printed
...................................................................
Agent's Address
...................................................................
Agent's Telephone Number
This document was acknowledged before me on ..................................................
(Date)
by .......................................................
(name of Agent)
................................................................... (Seal, if any)
Signature of Notary/Attorney
My commission expires: .......................................................
This document prepared by:
................................................................................................................................
SUBPART 4
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
§ 5-961. Uniformity of application and construction
In applying and construing this uniform act, consideration must be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among the states that enact it.
§ 5-962. Relation to Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act
This Part modifies, limits and supersedes the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, 15 United States Code, Section 7001 et seq., but does not modify, limit or supersede 15 United States Code, Section 7001(c), or authorize electronic delivery of any of the notices described in 15 United States Code, Section 7003(b).
§ 5-963. Effect on existing powers of attorney
Except as otherwise provided in this Part, on July 1, 2010:
(a). This Part applies to a power of attorney created before, on or after July 1, 2010;
(b). This Part applies to a judicial proceeding concerning a power of attorney commenced on or after July 1, 2010; and
(c). This Part applies to a judicial proceeding concerning a power of attorney commenced before July 1, 2010, unless the court finds that application of a provision of this Part would substantially interfere with the effective conduct of the judicial proceeding or prejudice the rights of a party, in which case that provision does not apply and the superseded law applies.
An act done before July 1, 2010 is not affected by this Part.
§ 5-964. Effective date
This Part takes effect July 1, 2010.
Sec. 3. 22 MRSA §1711-C, sub-§1, ¶A, as amended by PL 1999, c. 512, Pt. A, §5 and affected by §7, is further amended to read:
A. "Authorized representative of an individual" or "authorized representative" means an individual's legal guardian; agent pursuant to Title 18-A, section 5-802; attorney-in-fact agent pursuant to Title 18-A, section 5-506 Article 5, Part 9; or other authorized representative or, after death, that person's personal representative or a person identified in subsection 3-B. For a minor who has not consented to health care treatment in accordance with the provisions of state law, "authorized representative" means the minor's parent, legal guardian or guardian ad litem.
Sec. 4. 22 MRSA §8621, sub-§6, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 692, §1, is amended to read:
6. Durable health care power of attorney. "Durable health care power of attorney" has the same meaning as "power of attorney for health care" contained in Title 18-A, section 5-506 5-801.
Sec. 5. Legislative intent. This Act is the Maine enactment of the Uniform Power of Attorney Act as approved by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws in 2006. The text of the uniform act has been changed to conform to Maine statutory conventions. Unless otherwise noted in a Maine comment, the changes are technical in nature and it is the intent of the Legislature that this Act be interpreted as substantively the same as the Uniform Power of Attorney Act.
Sec. 6. Effective date. This Act takes effect July 1, 2010.
Effective July 1, 2010.