Serving as an Agent under a Power of Attorney (or Attorney in Fact) in Pennsylvania is a decision that comes with great power and responsibility. The Agent must act on the principal’s behalf and will be held to the highest standard of loyalty and duty under Pennsylvania law. For serving as Power of Attorney, Agents are almost always authorized to receive a fee in Pennsylvania. Exactly how much are agents entitled to? This is a question both principals and agents frequently ask.
In this relationship, the principal sets the terms. If the document has not been drafted, the principal can state the compensation (such as a specified hourly rate), provide a flexible term (such as “reasonable”), or specify that the Agent is to receive no compensation at all. If the power of attorney in question has not been drafted, the above and many more compensation terms are possible with the help of an experienced Pennsylvania estate planning attorney.
In Most Cases, The Principal Provides for Flexible Agent and Power of Attorney Fees
More often than not, people ask this question after the fact. If the power of attorney has been signed, the first place to look is the document. There is almost always a clause stating how the Agent is to be compensated. In most cases, the principal provides for flexible compensation, such as “reasonable.” This provides the flexibility in the case the Agent has to do extraordinary work, such as managing all the principal’s affairs while in a coma, all the way to simple actions, such as paying the mortgage while the principal is traveling abroad.
“Reasonable” is also the default compensation when no term has been specified, or when the court determines the document is ambiguous. In Pennsylvania, judge’s opinions set the standards for what courts declare “reasonable” or “unreasonable.” Just as our state features a diversity of communities and landscapes, judges’ opinions on these matters can vary wildly from county to county, especially under complex circumstances. We will provide examples of what reasonable Pennsylvania Power of Attorney fees look like as new opinions are published on our blog.
If you have questions about agent and power of attorney fees in Pennsylvania or any other estate planning concerns contact our office for a free consultation.
Pennsylvania Estate Administration Fees
- Overview
- PA Probate Attorney Fees
- PA Executor Fees
- PA Trustee Fees
- PA Agent & Power of Attorney Fees
- PA Guardianship Fees
Peter Klenk is the founding member of Klenk Law, a seven attorney boutique estate planning law firm. We serve clients in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Minnesota and Florida. Peter Klenk received his Masters in Taxation LL.M. from NYU Law School and his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School. He served his country in the Navy JAGC during Desert Storm. Easy to talk to, feel free to call Peter for an appointment. We will make the process as easy as possible!
Free Consultation
Client Review
"I worked for Peter Klenk for 4 wonderful years. I can’t speak highly enough of everyone at the firm. Everyone truly cares about their clients and has a strong sense of responsibility to get things done right. I would highly recommend Klenk Law!"
Flora Novick
Areas Served:
Philadelphia PA, Allentown PA, King of Prussia PA, Montgomery County PA, Bucks County PA, Doylestown PA, Jenkintown PA, Marlton NJ, Moorestown NJWhat Our clients are saying
D.P.
Like another reviewer, I contacted Peter through his website using the free consultation link, for a question regarding PA inheritance taxes. The question was quite technical and difficult to explain, and the answer was nowhere to be found on the web. Peter grasped precisely what I was asking, and provided a clear, helpful response (with a touch of humor) the very next day.
Albert A.
You & your staff are the best thank you for everything.
Anita R.
Peter came highly recommended by a close friend to do our estate planning. We have been putting off for years. He is knowledgeable, professional and easy to work with.
A Google User
Peter is a model attorney who puts his clients first at all costs. His extensive expertise in estate planning and tax planning was a great comfort as we began, and have expanded, our family. He is very thoughtful, generous, and quick witted. His approach towards his business has been an inspiration to his peer group, and his zest for life is extremely infectious. Without reservation, I highly recommend Peter as trusted and cherished counsel
Kevin K.
I was referred to Peter after my divorce to put documents together to protect my assets. He suggested a number of documents that would help protect my children and their future. Also, he put together wills, power of attorney and living wills. I initially spoke with him on the phone, he took 30-40 minutes to understand my situation and explain the benefits of having such documents. After a week or two, I met with him in his office and signed the documents. Everything else was remote phone calls and emails. He re-explained these documents and what whom to share. I am in good hands.
Let us put our expertise to work for you.
Free consultation within 24 hours.
