Michigan § 556.301 - Express or specific grant of authority; grant of general authority.

Full text of Michigan Michigan Compiled Laws § 556.301 — Express or specific grant of authority; grant of general authority., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 556.301. Express or specific grant of authority; grant of general authority.

Sec. 201.

(1) An agent under a power of attorney may do the following on behalf of the principal or with the principal's property only if the power expressly grants the agent the authority and exercise of the authority is not prohibited by another agreement or instrument to which the authority or property is subject or the authority is granted by judicial order:

(a) Create, amend, revoke, or terminate an inter vivos trust.

(b) Make a gift.

(c) Create or change rights of survivorship.

(d) Create or change a beneficiary designation.

(e) Delegate authority granted under the power of attorney.

(f) Waive the principal's right to be a beneficiary of a joint and survivor annuity, including a survivor benefit under a retirement plan.

(g) Exercise fiduciary powers that the principal has authority to delegate.

(h) Exercise authority over the content of electronic communications, as defined in 18 USC 2510(12), sent or received by the principal.

(i) Exercise authority over any bank, securities, or other financial account in a foreign country within the meaning of 31 CFR 1010.350.

(2) Notwithstanding a grant of authority to do an act described in subsection (1), unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, an agent who is not an ancestor, spouse, or descendant of the principal shall not exercise authority under a power of attorney to create in the agent, or in an individual to whom the agent owes a legal obligation of support, an interest in the principal's property, whether by gift, right of survivorship, beneficiary designation, disclaimer, or otherwise. The terms of a power of attorney may expand or narrow the class of agents permitted by this subsection to create in the agent, or in an individual to whom the agent owes a legal obligation of support, an interest in the principal's property.

(3) Subject to subsections (1), (2), (4), and (5), if a power of attorney grants to an agent authority to do all acts that a principal could do, the agent has the general authority described in sections 204 to 216.

(4) Unless the power of attorney provides otherwise, a grant of authority to make a gift is subject to section 217.

(5) Subject to subsections (1), (2), and (4), if the subjects over which authority is granted by a power of attorney are similar or overlap, the broadest authority controls.

(6) Authority granted in a power of attorney is exercisable with respect to property that the principal has when the power is executed or acquires later, whether or not the property is located in this state and whether or not the authority is exercised or the power is executed in this state.

(7) An act performed by an agent under a power of attorney has the same effect and inures to the benefit of and binds the principal and the principal's successors in interest as if the principal had performed the act.

Source: official Michigan text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan § 556.301

What does Michigan Compiled Laws § 556.301 cover?

Section 556.301 ("Express or specific grant of authority; grant of general authority.") 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 § 556.301?

A common citation format is "Michigan Compiled Laws § 556.301" (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 § 556.301 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.