My dad's youngest brother unexpectedly passed away due to Covid and was found in the bathtub during a welfare check that was requested by his neighbors since he lived alone (he inherited the house from their mother).
He did not have a will and their middle brother has taken on the role of the administrator of the estate so he can sell the house which is a big help.
We have not told my dad about his brother's passing since my dad has a history of psychiatric hospital stays and suicidal attempts/ideations. I am afraid things will spiral out of control again if we were to tell him as he is mentally stable at this point and was not in regular contact with the brother who passed away.
My dad's physician and psychiatrist agreed and provided letters to the coroner per their request which supported not telling him which the coroner also accepted.
However, the probate attorney for the house is now requesting my dad's signature on a Waiver of Bond form so I am wondering if I can sign on his behalf as his POA? I realize consulting an Elder Attorney would be best but do not have the funds for it (we got the Durable POA notarized for no cost at a bank.)
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You can ask your lawyer or the estate lawyer for advice, or just act like you have the authority, sign as POA, and submit a copy of the POA with the paperwork. Either way the estate lawyer will review the POA and charge for doing so.
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You should call and say that currently your Father is not competent to handle his affairs and you are acting as his POA and ask if you can sign his name, by your name as POA. They may ask you for all POA papers.