My father has Alzheimer’s, and I was awarded guardianship by the court, but the bank says I still need a POA to access his bank statements.
March 15, 2025
22
7
The bank shouldn’t even be requesting a POA. Your guardianship order legally gives you that right already.
You can't get POA since it's been documented that your father has Alzheimer's Disease.
Upvote if this is a clear answer
Downvote if this is not a clear answer
Full Conversation
I need help. My father has Alzheimer’s, and I was awarded guardianship by the court, but the bank says I still need a POA to access his bank statements.
I understand the situation. Do you currently have a Power of Attorney (POA) document for him?
No, I have the court documents, but no POA document.
Have you consulted with a lawyer in Billings, Montana to help get the POA required by the bank?
No, I haven’t.
Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll help with advance directives.
Yes. Medicaid stopped coverage because I can’t provide the bank statement. The bank insists on a POA, even though the court awarded me guardianship. I need the POA to get bank statements.
Hello! Legal Eagle here. I’m reviewing your issue carefully. I’ll need about 2-5 minutes to read, review, and respond. Also, I’m NOT artificial intelligence. I’m a real person. (I get that a lot!)
Just to clarify—your father has Alzheimer’s and you’re his court-appointed guardian, correct?
Yes, he is. I attached the court document.
Thanks! You’re in Wisconsin, correct?
Yes.
And the bank in Montana won’t accept your court guardianship, insisting instead on a Power of Attorney?
Correct. Medicaid stopped his benefits because I couldn’t provide bank statements. The bank won’t accept court guardianship alone; they demand a POA to access bank statements.
But my father is incompetent, sorry, I meant incompetent not competent. In the court order, it states financial and health responsibilities clearly.
Got it. You definitely have financial authority under the guardianship order. Let’s continue here.
Ok, great. How can I use my guardianship letter to obtain a POA?
The bank shouldn’t even be requesting a POA. Your guardianship order legally gives you that right already.
You can't get POA since it's been documented that your father has Alzheimer's Disease.
Okay, but how do I handle this situation with the bank?
Consider writing a formal demand letter to the bank president. Inform them you have a COURT ORDER granting you full financial authority. Make clear if they continue denying you access, you can pursue a contempt-of-court action and request an injunction against them.
Thank you for this!
Great! Was there anything else I missed? Any other concerns you have?
No, thank you.
