Hi everyone,

I just moved Mom from Texas to my house in Virginia. She has dementia and I have a power of attorney document which authorizes me to conduct her financial affairs. She gets checks from various sources so I thought I would just open a bank account for her here to deposit her checks using my power of attorney. I went to the bank and they said this is a no-go, that they won't open a new account for her based on the power of attorney, although if she had a pre-existing account with them they would allow me to access it using my POA. She has an account with a bank in Texas so I guess I can continue to deposit her checks there but that's pretty awkward, what with me in Virginia.

Have others faced this problem? And is there a solution?

Thanks,
jw

I did not have that problem because Mom and Dad's existing bank had a branch here which is actually also my bank. Some time ago Mom added my name to her account so I have had absolutely NO problem and don't even need to flash the POA.

Suggestion. Would they let you open an account and then also put your Mom's name on that account. It would accomplish the same purpose and would be worth looking into. You might want to deal her social security and any pension. I am not sure about pensions but I do understand her social security needs to be handled through them and the POA is not effective there. It might be advisable to do that while she can sign the appropriate papers. That is the next project for me to work on....

Find somebody at the bank that will work with you. There is a way to do this. Good luck!

Love, deb

Can you set up her Texas existing bank account online?

Then link that account to a new account and have them linked up to transfer money to start.

I can access her Texas bank account on-line, but the Texas bank does not have a branch here in Virginia. It makes depositing checks difficult, although I think bank-by-mail is an option.

Sure would be more convenient if I could open an account for her here in Virginia, though.

jw

That makes no sense to me...and if it were me I would find out why and talk to the bank manager and ask what legal document do you need to have to do this because I can't figure out what more legal you would need than the POA. Otherwise go to another bank and try there...not telling them what you just went through. Just tell them your mom has dementia and you have a POA ...keep it simple and just see what they say. However, I would also like to know what more you need. Do an update on this posting when you call them and see what more you need? Don't just give up get to the bottom of it. good luck!