I don't know what to do right now. I have a family member who has POA. This person is using some of the principal's money (mother) personally rather than for the principal. I am working with an attorney, but I don't want to sue the agent because I would use up all of the principal's money to do it and may not win. I am also suspecting that the agent also used my dead father's money before he died. I want to call elder abuse. Can anyone share their experience with elder abuse?
You have no right to use ANY of the principal's money. You are not her POA. You yourself could get in a huge legal mess and I seriously doubt that any attorney would take such a case.
If you have PROOF of elder abuse, or that the POA is not acting for her principal, then you should report this to APS who has the POA to examine the records of the POA.
You, yourself, have NO RIGHT to these records.
They are private.
If the principal is competent she can change her POA at any time with a simple visit with her attorney.
You are right, if you elect to pursue it with an attorney, it is going to cost a significant amount, and if mom and POA are close and on the same page, you very well might not get anywhere with that.
I think a report of financial abuse coming from an attorney would result in a faster investigation.
The other option would be to have the attorney write a letter demanding a full accounting and pay back of any funds that were misused. (The letter might just do it without having to go to court. )
Are you trying to obtain Guardianship because of this?