72-31-347. 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.
History: En. Sec. 11, Ch. 580, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 124, Ch. 494, L. 1993; Sec. 72-31-211, MCA 1991; redes. 72-31-232 by Code Commissioner, 1993; amd. Sec. 38, Ch. 109, L. 2011; Sec. 72-31-232, MCA 2009; redes. 72-31-347 by Code Commissioner, 2011.
Structure Montana Code Annotated
Title 72. Estates, Trusts, and Fiduciary Relationships
Chapter 31. Miscellaneous Provisions Relating to Fiduciaries
Part 3. Uniform Power of Attorney Act
72-31-304. Power of attorney is durable
72-31-305. Execution of power of attorney
72-31-306. Validity of power of attorney
72-31-307. Meaning and effect of power of attorney
72-31-308. Nomination of conservator or guardian -- relation of agent to court-appointed fiduciary
72-31-309. When power of attorney effective
72-31-310. Termination of power of attorney or agent's authority
72-31-311. through 72-31-315 reserved
72-31-316. Coagents or successor agents
72-31-317. Reimbursement and compensation of agent
72-31-320. Exoneration of agent
72-31-323. Agent's resignation -- notice
72-31-324. Acceptance of and reliance upon acknowledged power of attorney
72-31-325. Liability for refusal to accept acknowledged power of attorney
72-31-326. Principles of law and equity
72-31-327. Laws applicable to financial institutions and entities
72-31-328. Remedies under other law
72-31-329. through 72-31-335 reserved
72-31-336. Authority that requires specific grant -- grant of general authority
72-31-337. Incorporation of authority
72-31-338. Construction of authority generally
72-31-340. Tangible personal property
72-31-342. Commodities and options
72-31-343. Banks and other financial institutions
72-31-344. Operation of entity or business
72-31-345. Insurance and annuities
72-31-346. Estates, trusts, and other beneficial interests
72-31-347. Claims and litigation
72-31-348. Personal and family maintenance
72-31-349. Benefits from governmental programs or civil or military service
72-31-353. Statutory form power of attorney
72-31-354. Agent's certification
72-31-355. through 72-31-364 reserved
72-31-365. Uniformity of application and construction
72-31-366. Relation to Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act