Montana Code Annotated
Part 3. Uniform Power of Attorney Act
72-31-325. Liability for refusal to accept acknowledged power of attorney

72-31-325. Liability for refusal to accept acknowledged power of attorney. (1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (2):
(a) a person shall either accept an acknowledged power of attorney or request a certification, a translation, or an opinion of counsel under 72-31-324(4) no later than 7 business days after presentation of the power of attorney for acceptance;
(b) if a person requests a certification, a translation, or an opinion of counsel under 72-31-324(4), the person shall accept the power of attorney no later than 5 business days after receipt of the certification, translation, or opinion of counsel; and
(c) a person may not require an additional or different form of power of attorney for authority granted in the power of attorney presented.
(2) A person is not required to accept an acknowledged power of attorney if:
(a) the person is not otherwise required to engage in a transaction with the principal in the same circumstances;
(b) engaging in a transaction with the agent or the principal in the same circumstances would be inconsistent with federal law;
(c) the person has actual knowledge of the termination of the agent's authority or of the power of attorney before exercise of the power;
(d) a request for a certification, a translation, or an opinion of counsel under 72-31-324(4) is refused;
(e) the person in good faith believes that the power is not valid or that the agent does not have the authority to perform the act requested, whether or not a certification, a translation, or an opinion of counsel under 72-31-324(4) has been requested or provided; or
(f) the person makes or has actual knowledge that another person has made a report to the local office of the department of public health and human services stating a good faith belief that the principal may be subject to physical or financial abuse, neglect, exploitation, or abandonment by the agent or a person acting for or with the agent.
(3) A person that refuses in violation of this section to accept an acknowledged power of attorney is subject to:
(a) a court order mandating acceptance of the power of attorney; and
(b) liability for reasonable attorney fees and costs incurred in any action or proceeding that confirms the validity of the power of attorney or mandates acceptance of the power of attorney.
History: En. Sec. 19, Ch. 109, L. 2011.

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