Are powers of attorney irrevocable?
Normally no. Power of Attorney is merely the authorization for another to act on someones behalf. The Power of Attorney can be revoked at anytime. It can be a long or short term agreement. A single person hospitalized and unable to attend to their personal affairs, could set up a friend/family member with power of attorney to act in their behalf. Once well they would no longer need the power of attorney and would revoke, (terminate) it. Power of attorney given to someone to see after the affairs of one whose circumstance will not improve, can also be revoked. Maybe the person is not handling matters properly, can no longer meet the obligation etc. The only time a power of attorney would be irrevocable is if it is set as a clause or condition of an irrevocable trust or will. If it set up as such, to terminate the arrangement would require legal action and proof the existing relationship is detrimental to the welfare of the beneficiary of the power of attorney.
Certainly not. A principal may revoke a power of attorney at any time. All the principal needs to do is send a letter to his or her attorney-in-fact telling the attorney-in-fact that his or her appointment has been revoked. From the moment the attorney-in-fact receives the letter, he or she can no longer act under the power of attorney.
