59-12-10. Coagents and successor agents.
(1)A principal may designate two or more persons to act as co-agents. If two or more persons are appointed as co-agents, and unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, the concurrence of a majority is required on all acts connected with the power of attorney. This restriction does not apply when any co-agent receives and receipts for property due the principal, when the concurrence of a majority cannot readily be obtained in the time reasonably available for emergency action necessary to act in the principal’s best interest, or when a co-agent has been delegated to act for others as provided in §59-12-23. Persons dealing with a co-agent if actually unaware that another has been appointed to serve or if advised by the agent with whom they deal that the agent has authority to act alone for any of the reasons mentioned herein, are fully protected as if the person with whom they dealt has been the sole agent.
(2)A principal may designate one or more successor agents to act if an agent resigns, dies, becomes incapacitated, is not qualified to serve, or declines to serve. A principal may grant authority to designate one or more successor agents to an agent or other person designated by name, office, or function. Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, a successor agent:
(a)Has the same authority granted to the original agent; and
(b)May not act until all predecessor agents have resigned, died, become incapacitated, are no longer qualified to serve, or have declined to serve.
(3)Except as otherwise provided in the power of attorney and subdivision (4), an agent that does not participate in or conceal a breach of fiduciary duty committed by another agent, including a predecessor agent, is not liable for the actions of the other agent.
(4)An agent that has actual knowledge of a breach or imminent breach of fiduciary duty by another agent shall notify the principal and, if the principal is incapacitated, take any action reasonably appropriate in the circumstances to safeguard the principal's best interest. An agent that fails to notify the principal or take action as required by this subdivision is liable for any reasonably foreseeable damages that could have been avoided if the agent had notified the principal or taken any action under this section.
Source: SL 2020, ch 214, § 10.
Structure South Dakota Codified Laws
Chapter 12 - Uniform Power Of Attorney Act
Section 59-12-1 - Definitions.
Section 59-12-2 - Applicability.
Section 59-12-3 - Durable power of attorney.
Section 59-12-4 - Execution of power of attorney.
Section 59-12-5 - Validity of power of attorney.
Section 59-12-6 - Meaning and effect of power of attorney.
Section 59-12-8 - When power of attorney is effective.
Section 59-12-9 - Termination of power of attorney or agent's authority.
Section 59-12-10 - Coagents and successor agents.
Section 59-12-11 - Reimbursement and compensation of agent.
Section 59-12-12 - Agent's acceptance.
Section 59-12-13 - Agent's duties.
Section 59-12-14 - Exoneration of agent.
Section 59-12-15 - Judicial relief.
Section 59-12-16 - Agent's liability.
Section 59-12-17 - Agent's resignation--Notice.
Section 59-12-18 - Acceptance of and reliance upon acknowledged power of attorney.
Section 59-12-19 - Liability for refusal to accept acknowledged power of attorney.
Section 59-12-20 - Principles of law and equity.
Section 59-12-21 - Laws applicable to financial institutions and entities.
Section 59-12-22 - Remedies under other law.
Section 59-12-23 - Authority that requires specific grant--Grant of general authority.
Section 59-12-24 - Incorporation of authority.
Section 59-12-25 - Construction of authority generally.
Section 59-12-26 - Real property.
Section 59-12-27 - Tangible personal property.
Section 59-12-28 - Stocks and bonds.
Section 59-12-29 - Commodities and options.
Section 59-12-30 - Banks and other financial institutions.
Section 59-12-31 - Operation of entity or business.
Section 59-12-32 - Insurance and annuities.
Section 59-12-33 - Estates, trusts, and other beneficial interests.
Section 59-12-34 - Claims and litigation.
Section 59-12-35 - Personal and family maintenance.
Section 59-12-36 - Benefits from governmental programs or civil or military service.
Section 59-12-37 - Retirement plans.
Section 59-12-40 - Effect on existing powers of attorney.
Section 59-12-41 - Statutory form--Power of attorney.