Category Archives: Elder Law

Elder Law. Advanced directives. Power of attorney. Living will. Health care power of attorney. HIPPA. DNR. Long Term Care Insurance. Medicaid. Medicaid Penalty Period. Medallion Signature. Social Security Payee Representative.

Long Term Health Care–“..Number 1 issue…over the next decade.””

David Pitt of the Associated Press submitted an eye opening article for the San Jose Mercury News today–4/2/09.  It was a very clear warning about how the long term care costs will negatively impact the lives of most every retired American over the next decade. It’s great and easy reading. You’ll find the article at: http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_12051617?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com

What is a Medallion Signature on a Power of Attorney?

Brokerage accounts have special rules for your attorney-in-fact. If your attorney-in-fact needs to buy or sell stocks held in physical form or held in a brokerage account, your attorney-in-fact will need to add a medallion signature “guarantee” to your power of attorney form.

The Medallion Signature is a stamp provided by a financial institution guaranteeing to a transfer agent that the signature of your attorney-in-fact signature is actually his or her signature.  Requests to buy or sell stocks are reviewed by someone referred to as a Transfer Agent.  The Transfer Agent cannot authorize transactions requested by your attorney-in-fact without the Medallion Signature guarantee evident on the power of attorney form.

Your attorney-in-fact may need to locate a bank participating in the Medallion Signature program.  The bank should be one the attorney-in-fact does business with that is willing to guarantee their signature. The bank will place the medallion stamp on the power of attorney form.