I am more and more confused about the fact that bank customer service agents are not aware that a guardianship order is stronger than a Power of Attorney. Each time I call a bank on my elderly person's behalf and mention I have a guardianship order in place, they say I need to fill out a POA form with my elderly parent present. Why is that the case?
But I have no such restrictions on her checking account. BUT if it should accumulate finds in excess of $10,000 It would then fall under the court order, which follows our state law.
Since the savings bank does not have any procedures for guardianship or for blocked accounts, what the bank did was to freeze her account effectively prohibiting any withdrawals without a valid invoice or bill for what ever. In that case the bank will provide a certified cashiers check payable to that vendor. If it exceeded the 250 limit I would need the courts approval.
I can make deposits, which I intend to do when her checking account nears the 10k amount.
Maybe your guardianship papers include some instructions or protections in this area. As I mentioned, my instructions follow the state law and the court orders.
Oh and I keep all receipts and copy the ATM receipts because they fade to nothing in just a few months.
Tell them it’s none of their bloody business.
I did notice as time went on that more financial services and utilities organisations were redirecting me to specialist customer service teams. I hope it was a trend.
You may derive some grim satisfaction from thinking that one of these fine days these young people's eyes will be opened "by experience, sir - by experience!" Meanwhile, patience and persistence; and put in a plea for additional training any time anyone asks you. You are helping the public education process, if that's any consolation.
I might add that people on the forum have mentioned that certain banks have a reputation for being contrary, as a full fledged guardian/conservator you have the ability to take your ward's business elsewhere.