Ohio § 1337.34

Full text of Ohio Ohio Revised Code § 1337.34, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 1337.34.

(A) Notwithstanding provisions in the power of attorney, an agent that has accepted appointment

shall do all of the following: (1) Act in accordance with the principal's reasonable expectations to the extent actually

known by the agent and, otherwise, in the principal's best interest; (2) Act in good faith; (3) Act only within the scope of authority granted in the power of attorney; (4) Attempt to preserve the principal's estate plan to the extent actually known by the

agent if preserving the plan is consistent with the principal's best interest based

on all relevant factors, including all of the following: (a) The value and nature of the principal's property; (b) The principal's foreseeable obligations and need for maintenance; (c) Minimization of taxes, including income, estate, inheritance, generation-skipping

transfer, and gift taxes; (d) Eligibility for a benefit, a program, or assistance under a statute or regulation. (B) Except as otherwise provided in the power of attorney, an agent that has accepted

appointment shall do all of the following: (1) Act loyally for the principal's benefit; (2) Act so as not to create a conflict of interest that impairs the agent's ability to

act impartially in the principal's best interest; (3) Act with the care, competence, and diligence ordinarily exercised by agents in similar

circumstances; (4) Keep a record of all receipts, disbursements, and transactions made on behalf of

the principal; (5) Cooperate with a person that has authority to make health-care decisions for the

principal to carry out the principal's reasonable expectations to the extent actually

known by the agent and, otherwise, act in the principal's best interest. (C) An agent that acts in good faith is not liable to any beneficiary of the principal's

estate plan for failure to preserve the plan. (D) An agent that acts with care, competence, and diligence for the best interest of

the principal is not liable solely because the agent also benefits from the act or

has an individual or conflicting interest in relation to the property or affairs of

the principal. (E) If an agent is selected by the principal because of special skills or expertise possessed

by the agent or in reliance on the agent's representation that the agent has special

skills or expertise, the special skills or expertise must be considered in determining

whether the agent has acted with care, competence, and diligence under the circumstances. (F) Absent a breach of duty to the principal, an agent is not liable if the value of

the principal's property declines. (G) An agent that exercises authority to delegate to another person the authority granted

by the principal or that engages another person on behalf of the principal is not

liable for an act, error of judgment, or default of that person if the agent exercises

care, competence, and diligence in selecting and monitoring the person. (H) Except as otherwise provided in the power of attorney, an agent is not required to

disclose receipts, disbursements, or transactions conducted on behalf of the principal

unless ordered by a court or requested by the principal, a guardian, a conservator,

another fiduciary acting for the principal, a governmental agency having authority

to protect the welfare of the principal, or, upon the death of the principal, by the

personal representative or successor in interest of the principal's estate.  If so requested, within thirty days the agent shall comply with the request or provide

a writing or other record substantiating why additional time is needed and shall comply

with the request within an additional thirty days.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio § 1337.34

What does Ohio Revised Code § 1337.34 cover?

Section 1337.34 is part of the Ohio Revised Code, the codified statutory law of Ohio. 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 Ohio § 1337.34?

A common citation format is "Ohio Revised Code § 1337.34" (Ohio). 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 Ohio law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Ohio official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Ohio attorney.

How does Ohio § 1337.34 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Ohio 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 Ohio.