Michigan § 35.501 - Principal and agent relationship; effect of unreported death of principal in armed forces.
Full text of Michigan Michigan Compiled Laws § 35.501 — Principal and agent relationship; effect of unreported death of principal in armed forces., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 35.501. Principal and agent relationship; effect of unreported death of principal in armed forces.
The authority of any person, firm, corporation or other legal entity empowered to act as agent under a written power of attorney or otherwise, by any person in the service of the United States, in the armed forces thereof or assigned to duty having any military or civilian connection with the operations of such forces, while serving outside the continental United States, for any lawful purpose or purposes whatsoever, shall not be revoked or terminated by the death of the principal while in said service or associated or connected therewith as aforesaid, but shall continue as to the agent or other person who, without actual knowledge or actual notice of the death of the principal, shall have acted or shall act, in good faith, under or in reliance upon such power of attorney or agency, and any action so taken, unless otherwise invalid or unenforceable, shall be binding on the heirs, devisees, legatees, or personal representatives of the principal. An affidavit, executed by the attorney-in-fact or agent, setting forth that he has not or had not, at the time of doing any act pursuant to the power of attorney, received actual knowledge or actual notice of the revocation or termination of the power of attorney, by death or otherwise, or notice of any facts indicating the same, shall, in the absence of fraud, be conclusive proof of the non-revocation or non-termination of the power at such time. If the exercise of the power requires execution and delivery of any instrument which is recordable under the laws of this state, such affidavit, when authenticated for record in the manner prescribed by law, shall likewise be recordable. No report or listing, either official or otherwise, of "missing" or "missing in action," as such words are used in military parlance, shall constitute or be interpreted as constituting actual knowledge or actual notice of the death of such principal or notice of any facts indicating the same, or shall operate to revoke the agency. This act shall not be construed so as to alter or affect any provision for revocation or termination contained in such power of attorney. The provisions hereof shall apply whether such power shall have been granted before or after the effective date of this act.
Source: official Michigan text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan § 35.501
What does Michigan Compiled Laws § 35.501 cover?
Section 35.501 ("Principal and agent relationship; effect of unreported death of principal in armed forces.") is part of the Michigan Compiled Laws, the codified statutory law of Michigan. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Michigan § 35.501?
A common citation format is "Michigan Compiled Laws § 35.501" (Michigan). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Michigan law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Michigan official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Michigan attorney.
How does Michigan § 35.501 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Michigan can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Michigan.