Arizona § 14-5506 - Powers of attorney; intimidation; deception; definitions

§ 14-5506. Powers of attorney; intimidation; deception; definitions

A. If the agent acted with intimidation or deception in procuring the power of attorney or any authority provided in the power of attorney, the agent is subject to prosecution under title 13 and civil penalties pursuant to section 46-456.

B. A power of attorney executed by an adult who does not have capacity is invalid. In a criminal proceeding, the agent has the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that the principal had capacity. In a civil proceeding, if the party challenging the validity of a power of attorney on the grounds of lack of capacity proves by a preponderance of the evidence that, at the time the power of attorney was executed, the principal was a vulnerable adult, the agent has the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that the principal had capacity. In a civil proceeding, if the party challenging the validity of a power of attorney on the basis of lack of capacity does not prove by a preponderance of the evidence that, at the time the power of attorney was executed, the principal was a vulnerable adult, the agent has the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that the principal had capacity.

C. A person who in good faith either assists or deals with an agent is protected as if the agent properly exercised the agent's power regardless of whether the authority of that person as the agent has been terminated.

D. For the purposes of this section:

1. "Capacity" means that at the time the power of attorney was executed the principal was capable of understanding in a reasonable manner the nature and effect of the act of executing and granting the power of attorney.

2. "Intimidation" includes threatening to deprive a vulnerable adult of food, nutrition, shelter or necessary medication or medical treatment.

3. "Vulnerable adult" has the same meaning prescribed in section 46-451.