The Vermont Statutes Online

Title 14 : Decedents Estates and Fiduciary Relations

Chapter 127 : Vermont Uniform Power of Attorney Act

Subchapter 002 : AUTHORITY

• § 4042. Claims and litigation

  Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to claims and litigation authorizes the agent to:

  (1) assert and maintain before a court or administrative agency a claim, claim for relief, cause of action, counterclaim, offset, recoupment, or defense, including an action to recover property or other thing of value, recover damages sustained by the principal, eliminate or modify tax liability, or seek an injunction, specific performance, or other relief;

  (2) bring an action to determine adverse claims or intervene or otherwise participate in litigation;

  (3) seek an attachment, garnishment, order of arrest, or other preliminary, provisional, or intermediate relief and use an available procedure to effect or satisfy a judgment, order, or decree;

  (4) make or accept a tender, offer of judgment, or admission of facts; submit a controversy on an agreed statement of facts; consent to examination; and bind the principal in litigation;

  (5) submit to alternative dispute resolution, settle, and propose or accept a compromise;

  (6) waive the issuance and service of process upon the principal; accept service of process; appear for the principal; designate persons upon which process directed to the principal may be served; execute and file or deliver stipulations on the principal’s behalf; verify pleadings; seek appellate review; procure and give surety and indemnity bonds; contract and pay for the preparation and printing of records and briefs; and receive, execute, and file or deliver a consent, waiver, release, confession of judgment, satisfaction of judgment, notice, agreement, or other instrument in connection with the prosecution, settlement, or defense of a claim or litigation;

  (7) act for the principal with respect to bankruptcy or insolvency, whether voluntary or involuntary, concerning the principal or some other person, or with respect to a reorganization, receivership, or application for the appointment of a receiver or trustee that affects an interest of the principal in property or other thing of value;

  (8) pay a judgment, award, or order against the principal or a settlement made in connection with a claim or litigation; and

  (9) receive money or other thing of value paid in settlement of or as proceeds of a claim or litigation. (Added 2023, No. 60, § 1, eff. July 1, 2023.)