The next step is to file the Power of Attorney form at your county Recorder's Office. Be sure to get three certified copies, which many financial institutions will request when you attempt to represent your loved one’s interests. The person assigning power of attorney as well as the person accepting this role should get a certified copy of the document.
As soon as you receive a certified copy, you are entitled to conduct business on behalf of the assignee, or person who has asked you to serve as power of attorney. It is important to work in tandem with the person who has assigned this right. Two people working blindly from the same checkbook or other documents can create chaos in a very short time.
It is a good idea to have an estate planning or probate attorney look over the documents if he or she does not prepare them to be sure that everything falls into place and relays the assignee’s wishes. If possible, try to get the assignee’s family members to accept the power of attorney’s role to avoid later misunderstandings or disputes. Try to get everyone informed up front as to what is going on so no one will be unpleasantly surprised later.