---
title: Who can act for you during incapacity and after death | Plan Before You Die
url: https://planbeforeyoudie.app/tools/who-can-act
source: Plan Before You Die
---

# Who can act for you

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau describes financial agents and court-appointed guardians as different routes for managing money. After death, estate and beneficiary rules apply, while agencies and online services keep separate permissions. Select your accounts and assets to compare who may act and which authority needs confirmation.

- Free. No account needed
- Official sources

## Who could act for the assets you have?

Your answers

Which accounts or assets do you have?

- Bank account in your name only

- Joint bank account

- Bank account with a payable-on-death beneficiary

- Retirement account with a beneficiary

- Brokerage account with transfer on death

- A home in your name

- A jointly owned home

- A car

- Life insurance

- Social Security benefits

- Medicare information

- Phone and email

- Password manager

Select all that apply. Do not enter names, account numbers, passwords or document details. Selecting an asset does not confirm anyone has authority.

## Which rules does this tool use?

| Account or asset | Today | If you cannot decide | After your death | Authority to confirm | Conditions and limits | Matching readiness checks | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|

| Bank account in your name only | **Who can act** You manage the account while you can decide. An authorized agent can handle banking even when the account stays in your name. | **Who can act** A financial agent can act if existing authority covers the account and remains effective during incapacity. A court appointment may be needed otherwise. | **Who can act** Power of attorney authority ends at death. Where funds belong to your estate, an executor or administrator commonly handles them under the applicable estate process. | **Check authority** Authority to confirm. Ask the bank who may transact if you cannot decide, and who can establish authority after death. Talk with a lawyer in your state. | **Conditions** An informal bill review or a trusted-contact listing does not itself give access to your money. **Conditions** The power of attorney and state law determine an agent's powers and when they begin. | **Standard check 2** [Each bank that would need your power of attorney has it on file.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Each%20bank%20that%20would%20need%20your%20power%20of%20attorney%20has%20it%20on%20file.) **Standard check 6** [Someone you trust knows every bank you use and which account pays each bill.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Someone%20you%20trust%20knows%20every%20bank%20you%20use%20and%20which%20account%20pays%20each%20bill.) **Free readiness check** [Review your wider preparations](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/tomorrow-test) | [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_msem_national_agents_guide.pdf); [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-power-of-attorney-poa-en-1149/); [U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau](https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/general-resources/news-alerts/alerts-bulletins/investor-bulletins-83); [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/i-would-like-to-be-able-to-have-my-friend-or-family-member-help-with-my-bill-paying-and-banking-what-are-my-options-en-1145/); [Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation](https://www.fdic.gov/financial-institution-employees-guide-deposit-insurance/single-accounts) |

| Joint bank account | **Who can act** Either joint checking account owner can usually withdraw money or close the account. Check your account agreement and state rules. | **Who can act** The other owner's ordinary transaction rights come from the account agreement. Confirm how the bank handles incapacity. Any separate agent's powers depend on existing authority. | **Who can act** With rights of survivorship, the money passes to the surviving owner or owners. With tenants in common, the deceased owner's share passes to their heirs under a will or state law. | **Check authority** Authority to confirm. Check the joint owner's transaction rights, the death-transfer terms and any separate authority needed for decisions the agreement does not cover. Talk with a lawyer in your state. | **Conditions** Joint ownership alone does not tell you which death-transfer rule applies. Check the account title and agreement. **Conditions** Power of attorney authority ends at death even when that person also has another role. | **Standard check 2** [Each bank that would need your power of attorney has it on file.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Each%20bank%20that%20would%20need%20your%20power%20of%20attorney%20has%20it%20on%20file.) **Standard check 6** [Someone you trust knows every bank you use and which account pays each bill.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Someone%20you%20trust%20knows%20every%20bank%20you%20use%20and%20which%20account%20pays%20each%20bill.) **Free readiness check** [Review your wider preparations](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/tomorrow-test) | [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_msem_national_agents_guide.pdf); [U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau](https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/general-resources/news-alerts/alerts-bulletins/investor-bulletins-83); [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-happens-if-i-have-a-joint-bank-account-with-someone-who-died-en-1101/); [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/a-joint-checking-account-owner-took-all-the-money-out-and-then-closed-the-account-without-my-agreement-can-they-do-that-en-1099/) |

| Bank account with a payable-on-death beneficiary | **Who can act** You retain lifetime control of this revocable deposit arrangement. A beneficiary named only for payment after death receives that payment right. | **Who can act** The payable-on-death instruction concerns payment after death. Confirm separate authority for lifetime banking if you cannot decide. Existing financial authority must cover the account. | **Who can act** The bank's payable-on-death agreement directs the deposits to the named beneficiaries when you die. Ask the bank about its claim requirements. | **Check authority** Authority to confirm. Ask who can handle the account during incapacity, and whether the bank has the intended death beneficiary recorded. Talk with a lawyer in your state. | **Conditions** A death beneficiary and an agent have different roles. The agent's power of attorney authority ends at death. **Conditions** This row describes an informal revocable deposit arrangement, not an irrevocable trust. | **Standard check 2** [Each bank that would need your power of attorney has it on file.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Each%20bank%20that%20would%20need%20your%20power%20of%20attorney%20has%20it%20on%20file.) **Standard check 6** [Someone you trust knows every bank you use and which account pays each bill.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Someone%20you%20trust%20knows%20every%20bank%20you%20use%20and%20which%20account%20pays%20each%20bill.) **Free readiness check** [Review your wider preparations](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/tomorrow-test) | [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_msem_national_agents_guide.pdf); [U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau](https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/general-resources/news-alerts/alerts-bulletins/investor-bulletins-83); [Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation](https://www.fdic.gov/financial-institution-employees-guide-deposit-insurance/trust-accounts); [Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation](https://edie.fdic.gov/glossary.html); [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/i-would-like-to-be-able-to-have-my-friend-or-family-member-help-with-my-bill-paying-and-banking-what-are-my-options-en-1145/) |

| Retirement account with a beneficiary | **Who can act** You can manage your money while able to decide. A retirement beneficiary designation names who receives benefits after death under the plan's procedures. | **Who can act** A death-beneficiary designation does not itself provide lifetime investment authority. Confirm who has legal authority recognized for this account if you cannot decide. | **Who can act** The beneficiary usually receives plan death benefits under the plan's terms. Some plans require particular beneficiaries, and surviving-spouse protections can apply. | **Check authority** Authority to confirm. Ask the plan or custodian about lifetime financial authority and the beneficiary rules that apply to this account. Talk with a lawyer in your state. | **Conditions** The plan's terms, plan type and benefit-payment timing can affect surviving-spouse rights. **Conditions** Power of attorney powers depend on the document and state law, and end when you die. **Conditions** A health care power of attorney covers health care decisions rather than financial decisions. | **Standard check 7** [You checked the beneficiaries on your retirement accounts and life insurance in the last two years.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=You%20checked%20the%20beneficiaries%20on%20your%20retirement%20accounts%20and%20life%20insurance%20in%20the%20last%20two%20years.) **Free readiness check** [Review your wider preparations](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/tomorrow-test) | [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_msem_national_agents_guide.pdf); [U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau](https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/general-resources/news-alerts/alerts-bulletins/investor-bulletins-83); [Internal Revenue Service](https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-beneficiary); [Internal Revenue Service](https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-death) |

| Brokerage account with transfer on death | **Who can act** You can manage your money while able to decide. Transfer-on-death registration names a recipient for the securities after death. | **Who can act** Transfer on death addresses the death transfer. Buying or selling investments for you during life requires separate legal authority. | **Who can act** The designated recipient can receive the securities without probate under the transfer-on-death arrangement. The beneficiary must complete re-registration steps with the transfer agent. | **Check authority** Authority to confirm. Ask the brokerage who may act during incapacity and what the named recipient must do after death. Talk with a lawyer in your state. | **Conditions** State law governs registration. Brokerage firms may choose whether to offer transfer on death. **Conditions** The transfer agent typically requests a death certificate and an application for re-registration. **Conditions** A trusted contact does not have access to your money, and an agent's power of attorney authority ends at death. | **Standard check 8** [Each of your brokerage accounts has a trusted contact on file.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Each%20of%20your%20brokerage%20accounts%20has%20a%20trusted%20contact%20on%20file.) **Standard check 7** [You checked the beneficiaries on your retirement accounts and life insurance in the last two years.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=You%20checked%20the%20beneficiaries%20on%20your%20retirement%20accounts%20and%20life%20insurance%20in%20the%20last%20two%20years.) **Free readiness check** [Review your wider preparations](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/tomorrow-test) | [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_msem_national_agents_guide.pdf); [U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission](https://www.investor.gov/additional-resources/information/seniors/transferring-assets); [U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau](https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/general-resources/news-alerts/alerts-bulletins/investor-bulletins-83); [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/i-would-like-to-be-able-to-have-my-friend-or-family-member-help-with-my-bill-paying-and-banking-what-are-my-options-en-1145/) |

| A home in your name | **Who can act** You may manage your property while able. An agent may act only when authority is effective and covers the action under state law. | **Who can act** An effective financial POA agent may act within their powers. A court may appoint a guardian or conservator if needed. Ownership and state law still matter. | **Who can act** An authorized estate representative may act where the home belongs to the estate. Other ownership or transfer routes need state-law review. POA authority ends at death. | **Check authority** Confirm who has effective authority to act for the home and what state law allows. Talk with a lawyer in your state. | **Conditions** The recorded ownership and any trust or death-transfer arrangement need review. This selection does not establish who may sign. **Conditions** California example. A surviving spouse or domestic partner may have an ownership interest even when absent from the title. Other states need separate review. **Related guide** [What a power of attorney covers](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/glossary/power-of-attorney) | **Standard check 4** [Someone you trust knows where your deed, titles and insurance policies are.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Someone%20you%20trust%20knows%20where%20your%20deed%2C%20titles%20and%20insurance%20policies%20are.) **Standard check 5** [Your family has your lawyer's name and number.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Your%20family%20has%20your%20lawyer%27s%20name%20and%20number.) **Free readiness check** [Review your wider preparations](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/tomorrow-test) | [California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General](https://oag.ca.gov/consumers/general/estate-finance); [Judicial Council of California](https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/probate/inventory-estimate-value); [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-power-of-attorney-poa-en-1149/); [Federal Trade Commission](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/debts-and-deceased-relatives); [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_msem_national_guardians_guide.pdf); [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_msem_national_agents_guide.pdf); [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_national_trustees_guide.pdf) |

| A jointly owned home | **Who can act** You may still manage your property while able. Review the deed and each person's authority. Any agent is limited by the document and state law. | **Who can act** An effective agent or court-appointed guardian may act for your interest within their powers. This check does not establish a co-owner's signing authority. | **Who can act** A surviving owner may act if the ownership gives them that right. An authorized estate representative may handle an estate share. Confirm the deed and state law. | **Check authority** Confirm each owner's rights and any authority to act for your interest. Talk with a lawyer in your state. | **Conditions** California example. Joint-tenancy property passes to the other owner after a death. This example does not establish the rights in your deed. **Conditions** Other joint ownership, trust ownership and estate routes need separate review. An agent's POA authority ends at death. **Related guide** [What an estate includes](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/glossary/estate) | **Standard check 4** [Someone you trust knows where your deed, titles and insurance policies are.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Someone%20you%20trust%20knows%20where%20your%20deed%2C%20titles%20and%20insurance%20policies%20are.) **Standard check 5** [Your family has your lawyer's name and number.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Your%20family%20has%20your%20lawyer%27s%20name%20and%20number.) **Free readiness check** [Review your wider preparations](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/tomorrow-test) | [Judicial Council of California](https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/probate/inventory-estimate-value); [California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General](https://oag.ca.gov/consumers/general/estate-finance); [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-power-of-attorney-poa-en-1149/); [Federal Trade Commission](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/debts-and-deceased-relatives); [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_msem_national_guardians_guide.pdf); [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_msem_national_agents_guide.pdf); [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_national_trustees_guide.pdf) |

| A car | **Who can act** You may manage your property while able. An agent can act only when authority is effective and covers the transaction under state law. | **Who can act** An effective financial POA agent or court-appointed guardian may act within their legal powers. Confirm authority for the vehicle transaction. | **Who can act** An authorized estate representative or another person entitled under state title rules may handle the transfer. Contact the state motor vehicle office. POA authority ends at death. | **Check authority** Confirm who can sign for the vehicle and what the state motor vehicle office accepts. Talk with a lawyer in your state if authority is unclear. | **Conditions** California example. A designated TOD beneficiary may receive vehicle ownership after the owner dies. This does not establish availability or requirements in another state. **Conditions** A trustee's authority concerns property in the trust. Any different title or authority needs separate review. **Related guide** [What a power of attorney covers](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/glossary/power-of-attorney) | **Standard check 4** [Someone you trust knows where your deed, titles and insurance policies are.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Someone%20you%20trust%20knows%20where%20your%20deed%2C%20titles%20and%20insurance%20policies%20are.) **Standard check 5** [Your family has your lawyer's name and number.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Your%20family%20has%20your%20lawyer%27s%20name%20and%20number.) **Free readiness check** [Review your wider preparations](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/tomorrow-test) | [California Department of Motor Vehicles](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/vehicle-industry-registration-procedures-manual-2/transfers/transfer-on-death-tod-beneficiary/); [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-power-of-attorney-poa-en-1149/); [Federal Trade Commission](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/debts-and-deceased-relatives); [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_msem_national_guardians_guide.pdf); [USAGov](https://www.usa.gov/report-a-death); [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_msem_national_agents_guide.pdf); [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_national_trustees_guide.pdf) |

| Life insurance | **Who can act** The policy owner controls policy rights and is usually the insured person. An irrevocable beneficiary can have a lifetime interest and consent rights over beneficiary changes. | **Who can act** If the policy owner cannot decide, confirm who has authority for the required policy action. An agent may handle insurance only within the powers granted. | **Who can act** If the insured dies while the policy is in effect, the policy pays a death benefit to its beneficiaries. The insured and policy owner are not always the same person. | **Check authority** Authority to confirm. Ask the insurer who owns the policy, who may act for that owner and whether beneficiary consent limits the requested action. Talk with a lawyer in your state. | **Conditions** A beneficiary's rights depend on the policy. Do not assume every beneficiary can control the policy or that every beneficiary has no lifetime rights. **Conditions** An irrevocable beneficiary's consent can be needed before the policy owner changes that designation. **Conditions** Power of attorney authority ends when its maker dies. A death benefit concerns the insured person's death. | **Standard check 7** [You checked the beneficiaries on your retirement accounts and life insurance in the last two years.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=You%20checked%20the%20beneficiaries%20on%20your%20retirement%20accounts%20and%20life%20insurance%20in%20the%20last%20two%20years.) **Free readiness check** [Review your wider preparations](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/tomorrow-test) | [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_msem_national_agents_guide.pdf); [U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau](https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/general-resources/news-alerts/alerts-bulletins/investor-bulletins-83); [National Association of Insurance Commissioners](https://content.naic.org/article/consumer-insight-what-know-about-life-insurance-beneficiaries); [National Association of Insurance Commissioners](https://content.naic.org/glossary-insurance-terms); [California Department of Insurance](https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/07-life/life-ins-guide.cfm) |

| Social Security benefits | **Who can act** SSA presumes an adult capable of managing benefits and gathers evidence before deciding a payee is needed. | **Who can act** SSA appoints a representative payee when benefit management is needed. A power of attorney, joint account or claims-representative appointment does not replace that appointment. | **Who can act** A payee's saved benefits become estate property. A claims-representative appointment may continue in a pending case under SSA's stated conditions. | **Check authority** Confirm any actual SSA payee appointment. A future-payee choice alone does not authorize benefit management. | **Conditions** Claims representation and management of benefit payments are different permissions. **Conditions** Advance designation names possible future payees. It is not a payee appointment. **Related guide** [Compare agency permissions](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/who-can-act-with-each-agency) | **Standard check 9** [You've told Social Security who should manage your benefits if you ever need help.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=You%27ve%20told%20Social%20Security%20who%20should%20manage%20your%20benefits%20if%20you%20ever%20need%20help.) **Free readiness check** [Review your wider preparations](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/tomorrow-test) | [Social Security Administration](https://www.ssa.gov/payee/advance_designation.htm?tl=2); [Social Security Administration](https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/links/0203910060); [Social Security Administration](https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203910025); [Social Security Administration](https://www.ssa.gov/payee/faqrep.htm); [Social Security Administration](https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.16/handbook-1622.html) |

| Medicare information | **Who can act** The person with Medicare may authorize disclosure of specified health information to a named person or organization. Duration and revocation rules apply. | **Who can act** A personal representative may sign the disclosure authorization with paperwork showing the relevant legal authority. The permission concerns sharing information. | **Who can act** A request for a deceased beneficiary's records needs legal documentation proving the requester's right to that information. This row does not establish whether an earlier consent continues. | **Check authority** Confirm Medicare's disclosure permission and any paperwork proving a personal representative's authority. Talk with a lawyer in your state. | **Conditions** This row concerns permission to share information. Ask Medicare about the specific task and the authority it accepts. **Related guide** [Medicare permission to share information](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/medicare-form) | **Standard check 12** [Medicare has your written permission, on form CMS-10106, to talk with someone you choose.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Medicare%20has%20your%20written%20permission%2C%20on%20form%20CMS-10106%2C%20to%20talk%20with%20someone%20you%20choose.) **Free readiness check** [Review your wider preparations](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/tomorrow-test) | [Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services](https://www.cms.gov/medicare/cms-forms/cms-forms/downloads/cms10106.pdf) |

| Phone and email | **Who can act** Gmail lets you appoint an email delegate. Verizon postpaid lets the Account Owner appoint an Account Manager. Each permission has provider limits. | **Who can act** Confirm existing permissions with each provider. For U.S. Microsoft personal accounts, a valid subpoena or court order must be formally served before Microsoft considers releasing an incapacitated user's information. Release can still be refused. | **Who can act** Google may release a deceased user's account content after review but does not provide login details. Apple Legacy Contacts can request selected data with the required key and death documents. Verizon separates death procedures by account role. | **Check authority** Authority to confirm. Ask each provider which access route applies. If a legal document or court order is needed, talk with a lawyer in your state. | **Conditions** These examples cover the named services only. Check your own provider's current rules and previously granted permissions. **Conditions** Google's Inactive Account Manager acts after the chosen period of inactivity and shares selected data. It is a different route from current email delegation. **Conditions** Apple Legacy Contact excludes iCloud Keychain passwords and passkeys. **Conditions** Apple cannot remove a device's passcode lock without erasing the device. A cloud-data request does not remove that technical limit. **Related guide** [Review your digital legacy plan](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/phones/digital-legacy) | **Standard check 16** [Apple Legacy Contact or Google Inactive Account Manager is set up, if you use them.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Apple%20Legacy%20Contact%20or%20Google%20Inactive%20Account%20Manager%20is%20set%20up%2C%20if%20you%20use%20them.) **Standard check 18** [Your family knows your phone carrier and whose name the account is in.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Your%20family%20knows%20your%20phone%20carrier%20and%20whose%20name%20the%20account%20is%20in.) **Free readiness check** [Review your wider preparations](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/tomorrow-test) | [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-us/102431); [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-us/102631); [Google](https://support.google.com/mail/answer/138350?hl=en); [Google](https://support.google.com/accounts/troubleshooter/6357590?hl=en); [Google](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/3036546?hl=en); [Microsoft](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/accounts-billing/manage/accessing-outlook-com-onedrive-and-other-microsoft-services-when-someone-has-died); [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_msem_national_agents_guide.pdf); [Verizon](https://www.verizon.com/support/deceased-account-handling/); [Verizon](https://www.verizon.com/support/assign-account-manager-roles-faqs/) |

| Password manager | **Who can act** Confirm your manager's available controls. For example, RoboForm Premium lets you choose an emergency contact and waiting period. You can revoke that access. | **Who can act** A supported route depends on prior setup. In RoboForm, a contact who accepted the invitation can request your data. If you do not reject or respond before the configured timeout expires, the contact receives access. | **Who can act** RoboForm expressly supports configured emergency access after death. The contact and timeout process still applies. This example does not establish the rules for another password manager. | **Check authority** Authority to confirm. Check your manager's supported emergency setup and its limits. Confirm legal authority separately before making transactions in an account listed in a vault. Talk with a lawyer in your state. | **Conditions** RoboForm's grant feature requires a Premium account with an active subscription. Free and Premium users can receive emergency access. **Conditions** A financial agent's power-of-attorney authority ends at death. A password manager's data-access process is separate. **Conditions** Apple Legacy Contact excludes iCloud Keychain passwords and passkeys. It is not a password-vault access route. **Related guide** [Review password manager access options](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/tools/password-manager-emergency-access) | **Standard check 17** [If your password manager offers emergency access, someone you trust has it.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=If%20your%20password%20manager%20offers%20emergency%20access%2C%20someone%20you%20trust%20has%20it.) **Standard check 20** [Your plan holds no passwords.](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard#:~:text=Your%20plan%20holds%20no%20passwords.) **Free readiness check** [Review your wider preparations](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/tomorrow-test) | [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-us/102631); [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_msem_national_agents_guide.pdf); [RoboForm](https://help.roboform.com/hc/en-us/articles/115005664827-What-is-Emergency-Access-and-how-does-it-work) |

[Compare agency permissions](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/guides/who-can-act-with-each-agency)

## What should you confirm about authority?

### Does this find missing legal paperwork?

No. It records asset types. It does not interpret documents, decide ownership or prove authority. Each conditional check names what to confirm and links to matching readiness checks.

### Can a beneficiary act while I am alive?

Naming a beneficiary does not automatically grant account-management authority. Rights depend on the asset and terms. An irrevocable life insurance beneficiary may have lifetime consent rights, which differ from general policy-management authority.

### Does joint ownership settle who can act?

No. Account terms, recorded ownership and state law matter. Joint ownership does not establish every signing right or automatically settle what happens after a death.

### When should I repeat this check?

Return when ownership, beneficiaries, authority or provider arrangements change. Recheck when the cited guidance changes. The calendar download offers a voluntary source review, not a legal deadline.

### Can I use this with a parent?

Yes. Choose the assets they have. Review the conditions together when possible. The tool does not access anyone's accounts or ask for passwords, account numbers or medical details.

## How does this tool work?
- **What it does**

Compare who may act for your accounts before and after death.

- **How it decides**

Select the accounts or assets you have. The reference shows conditional authority for today, incapacity and after death. Every selected row keeps its conditions, official sources and matching readiness checks. It does not treat an unchecked asset as missing or turn a selection into proof of authority. Without scripts, use the full reference below.

- **Your answers**

Your answers stay in this browser. Anonymous tool-use counts contain no answers. A copied link includes your answers in its fragment. Share links and downloads only with people you choose.

- **What it is based on**

It uses [CFPB consumer guidance](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/managing-someone-elses-money/), official agency instructions and the provider sources linked in each row. State examples are labeled. Agency conditions come from our agency permissions matrix. We recheck official rules at least yearly and changing provider features on their recorded review schedule. We recheck each official source at least once a year and update this page when one changes.

- **What it doesn't do**

The checker does not decide capacity, ownership, inheritance, document validity or provider acceptance. It does not draft, choose or fill legal documents, recommend a financial product or grant access. Where law decides authority, talk with a lawyer in your state. A calendar item is a voluntary source review, not a filing deadline. It covers the United States. This is general information, not legal, medical or financial advice.

## Where do these facts come from?

| Fact | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| A request for a deceased Medicare beneficiary's records needs legal documentation establishing the requester's authority. | [Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Actual current official page or PDF retrieved October 22, 2026. Original response, headers and extraction retained.)](https://www.cms.gov/medicare/cms-forms/cms-forms/downloads/cms10106.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The Medicare authorization can state a time period or indefinite disclosure, subject to state limits and revocation. | [Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Actual current official page or PDF retrieved October 22, 2026. Original response, headers and extraction retained.)](https://www.cms.gov/medicare/cms-forms/cms-forms/downloads/cms10106.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| A personal representative signing CMS-10106 must attach paperwork showing authority to act for the person. | [Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Actual current official page or PDF retrieved October 22, 2026. Original response, headers and extraction retained.)](https://www.cms.gov/medicare/cms-forms/cms-forms/downloads/cms10106.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| The person may change or revoke the Medicare disclosure authorization in writing, subject to information already released. | [Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Actual current official page or PDF retrieved October 22, 2026. Original response, headers and extraction retained.)](https://www.cms.gov/medicare/cms-forms/cms-forms/downloads/cms10106.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| CMS-10106 gives 1-800-MEDICARE permission to share the specified personal health information with someone else. | [Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Actual current official page or PDF retrieved October 22, 2026. Original response, headers and extraction retained.)](https://www.cms.gov/medicare/cms-forms/cms-forms/downloads/cms10106.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Advance designation is neither a payee appointment nor a power of attorney. | [Social Security Administration (Actual official page checked October 22, 2026)](https://www.ssa.gov/payee/advance_designation.htm?tl=2) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Advance designation lets a capable adult or emancipated minor name up to three possible future SSA payees. | [Social Security Administration (Actual official page checked October 22, 2026)](https://www.ssa.gov/payee/advance_designation.htm?tl=2) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| A claims representative's appointment continues after the claimant dies while the case is pending, subject to SSA termination and substitute-party rules. | [Social Security Administration (POMS GN 03910.060E, effective December 6, 2024, current batch October 2, 2026)](https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/links/0203910060) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| An appointed representative acts on a pending SSA case and can obtain case information, submit evidence and appear in proceedings. | [Social Security Administration (POMS GN 03910.025, effective April 13, 2026)](https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203910025) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| SSA presumes an adult can manage benefits and gathers evidence before deciding a representative payee is needed. | [Social Security Administration](https://www.ssa.gov/payee/faqrep.htm) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| When the beneficiary dies, conserved SSA benefits belong to the estate and pass to its legal representative or follow probate-court instructions. | [Social Security Administration (SSA Handbook 1622, last revised February 13,2009, current official page checked October 22, 2026)](https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.16/handbook-1622.html) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| SSA appoints a payee to receive and manage benefits for someone who cannot manage or direct their management. | [Social Security Administration](https://www.ssa.gov/payee/faqrep.htm) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| A power of attorney, joint bank account or authorized-representative status does not authorize someone to manage Social Security or SSI benefits. | [Social Security Administration](https://www.ssa.gov/payee/faqrep.htm) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Apple cannot remove a device's passcode lock without erasing the device. | [Apple (Current official support guidance)](https://support.apple.com/en-us/102431) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Apple Legacy Contact excludes iCloud Keychain payment information, passwords and passkeys. | [Apple (current official source)](https://support.apple.com/en-us/102631) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Apple Legacy Contact grants a chosen person a request route for certain Apple Account data after death. | [Apple (current official source)](https://support.apple.com/en-us/102631) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Apple requires the generated access key and death documentation for a Legacy Contact access request. | [Apple (current official source)](https://support.apple.com/en-us/102631) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| A Gmail delegate can read, send and delete email but cannot change the owner's password. | [Google (Current Gmail Help article)](https://support.google.com/mail/answer/138350?hl=en) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Gmail delegation grants email-management permission rather than access to sensitive Google Account settings. | [Google (Current Gmail Help article)](https://support.google.com/mail/answer/138350?hl=en) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Google may release a deceased user's account content in some circumstances after careful review. | [Google (Current official support guidance)](https://support.google.com/accounts/troubleshooter/6357590?hl=en) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Google Inactive Account Manager can designate someone to receive selected data after death or inactivity. | [Google (current official source)](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/3036546?hl=en) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Google only triggers the configured Inactive Account Manager plan after a period of account inactivity. | [Google (current official source)](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/3036546?hl=en) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Google does not provide passwords or other login details for a deceased user's account. | [Google (Current official support guidance)](https://support.google.com/accounts/troubleshooter/6357590?hl=en) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Microsoft requires formal service of a valid subpoena or court order before considering deceased or incapacitated personal-account information requests. | [Microsoft (Current official support guidance)](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/accounts-billing/manage/accessing-outlook-com-onedrive-and-other-microsoft-services-when-someone-has-died) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| A Microsoft personal-account data request can be refused even after a subpoena or court order. | [Microsoft (Current official support guidance)](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/accounts-billing/manage/accessing-outlook-com-onedrive-and-other-microsoft-services-when-someone-has-died) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| CFPB says a financial agent's authority ends when the principal dies. | [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Current official download or page opened October 22, 2026)](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_msem_national_agents_guide.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| A financial agent's authority is limited by the power of attorney and state law. | [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Current official download or page opened October 22, 2026)](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_msem_national_agents_guide.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| An accepted RoboForm emergency contact can request data and receives access if the owner does not reject before the timeout. | [RoboForm (Current official help checked October 23, 2026)](https://help.roboform.com/hc/en-us/articles/115005664827-What-is-Emergency-Access-and-how-does-it-work) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| RoboForm Emergency Access requires the owner to select an emergency contact and timeout period. | [RoboForm (Current official help checked October 23, 2026)](https://help.roboform.com/hc/en-us/articles/115005664827-What-is-Emergency-Access-and-how-does-it-work) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| RoboForm supports configured emergency access for death or incapacity and lets the owner revoke it. | [RoboForm (Current official help checked October 23, 2026)](https://help.roboform.com/hc/en-us/articles/115005664827-What-is-Emergency-Access-and-how-does-it-work) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Granting RoboForm Emergency Access requires a Premium account with an active subscription. | [RoboForm (Current official help checked October 23, 2026)](https://help.roboform.com/hc/en-us/articles/115005664827-What-is-Emergency-Access-and-how-does-it-work) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Both free and Premium RoboForm users can receive emergency access. | [RoboForm (Current official help checked October 23, 2026)](https://help.roboform.com/hc/en-us/articles/115005664827-What-is-Emergency-Access-and-how-does-it-work) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| CFPB says state laws vary and an agent should ask a lawyer about questions concerning duties. | [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Current official download or page opened October 22, 2026)](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_msem_national_agents_guide.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Verizon's death instructions distinguish what each account role can do with a mobile line or device. | [Verizon (current official source)](https://www.verizon.com/support/deceased-account-handling/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Only Verizon's Account Owner can appoint an Account Manager, and that role is unavailable for prepaid accounts. | [Verizon (current official source)](https://www.verizon.com/support/assign-account-manager-roles-faqs/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| An agent's power of attorney authority ends when the person who granted it dies. | [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Current official download or page opened October 22, 2026)](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_msem_national_agents_guide.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| An agent may handle insurance and investments only within the powers written in the power of attorney. | [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Current official download or page opened October 22, 2026)](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_msem_national_agents_guide.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| An agent's authority depends on the power of attorney and state law. | [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Current official download or page opened October 22, 2026)](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_msem_national_agents_guide.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| A power of attorney may take effect immediately or only when its maker can no longer decide. | [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Current official download or page opened October 22, 2026)](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_msem_national_agents_guide.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Transfer-on-death registration can transfer securities directly to the named recipient after death without probate. | [U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (Current official page checked October 22, 2026)](https://www.investor.gov/additional-resources/information/seniors/transferring-assets) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| A transfer-on-death beneficiary must complete the securities re-registration steps. | [U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (Current official page checked October 22, 2026)](https://www.investor.gov/additional-resources/information/seniors/transferring-assets) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| State law governs securities registration and a brokerage firm may choose whether to offer transfer-on-death registration. | [U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (Current official page checked October 22, 2026)](https://www.investor.gov/additional-resources/information/seniors/transferring-assets) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Without advance authority, incapacity may require a court-appointed guardian. | [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Current official download or page opened October 22, 2026)](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-power-of-attorney-poa-en-1149/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| A durable financial power of attorney can authorize an agent to make financial decisions during incapacity. | [U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Updated July 8, 2026)](https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/general-resources/news-alerts/alerts-bulletins/investor-bulletins-83) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| A health care power of attorney covers health care decisions rather than financial decisions. | [U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Updated July 8, 2026)](https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/general-resources/news-alerts/alerts-bulletins/investor-bulletins-83) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Informal help reviewing bills does not itself authorize account transactions. | [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Last reviewed June 27, 2023; current official page opened October 22, 2026)](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/i-would-like-to-be-able-to-have-my-friend-or-family-member-help-with-my-bill-paying-and-banking-what-are-my-options-en-1145/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Life insurance pays a death benefit to beneficiaries when the insured dies while the policy is in effect. | [National Association of Insurance Commissioners (October 12, 2026)](https://content.naic.org/article/consumer-insight-what-know-about-life-insurance-beneficiaries) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| An irrevocable life insurance beneficiary can have a lifetime vested interest and consent rights over a beneficiary change. | [National Association of Insurance Commissioners (Current official glossary and searched definition opened October 22, 2026)](https://content.naic.org/glossary-insurance-terms) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| A life insurance policy's rights belong to its owner, who is usually the insured person. | [California Department of Insurance (Revised March 2018; current official guide opened October 22, 2026)](https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/07-life/life-ins-guide.cfm) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Buying or selling investments for someone else requires legal authority. | [U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Updated July 8, 2026)](https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/general-resources/news-alerts/alerts-bulletins/investor-bulletins-83) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| A joint account's survivorship or tenants-in-common terms determine who receives a deceased owner's share. | [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Last reviewed August 28, 2026)](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-happens-if-i-have-a-joint-bank-account-with-someone-who-died-en-1101/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Either joint checking account owner can usually withdraw money or close the account, subject to the agreement and state law. | [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Last reviewed December 18, 2024; current official page opened October 22, 2026)](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/a-joint-checking-account-owner-took-all-the-money-out-and-then-closed-the-account-without-my-agreement-can-they-do-that-en-1099/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Signing a durable financial power of attorney does not stop someone from managing their money while able to decide. | [U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Updated July 8, 2026)](https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/general-resources/news-alerts/alerts-bulletins/investor-bulletins-83) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| A payable-on-death account directs the bank to transfer deposits to named beneficiaries when the owner dies. | [Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (Current coverage rules effective April 1, 2024; official page checked October 22, 2026)](https://www.fdic.gov/financial-institution-employees-guide-deposit-insurance/trust-accounts) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| For a revocable trust deposit, the owner retains lifetime control and names beneficiaries to receive assets after death. | [Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (Current official glossary checked October 22, 2026)](https://edie.fdic.gov/glossary.html) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| A retirement beneficiary receives benefits after the owner dies under the plan's designation procedures and required-beneficiary rules. | [Internal Revenue Service (Current official page checked October 22, 2026; beneficiary definition only, not its older RMD discussion)](https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-beneficiary) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Retirement plan death benefits are usually paid to the designated beneficiary in a form allowed by the plan. | [Internal Revenue Service (Current official page checked October 22, 2026)](https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-death) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| ERISA surviving-spouse protections depend on the plan and when benefit payments begin. | [Internal Revenue Service (Current official page checked October 22, 2026)](https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-death) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| A bank account can stay in one person's name while an agent under a power of attorney handles authorized banking. | [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Last reviewed June 27, 2023; current official page opened October 22, 2026)](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/i-would-like-to-be-able-to-have-my-friend-or-family-member-help-with-my-bill-paying-and-banking-what-are-my-options-en-1145/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| An executor or administrator commonly collects and manages a deceased depositor's estate funds. | [Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (Current official page checked October 22, 2026)](https://www.fdic.gov/financial-institution-employees-guide-deposit-insurance/single-accounts) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| A trusted contact receives certain alerts but does not have access to the account holder's money. | [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Last reviewed June 27, 2023; current official page opened October 22, 2026)](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/i-would-like-to-be-able-to-have-my-friend-or-family-member-help-with-my-bill-paying-and-banking-what-are-my-options-en-1145/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| California permits vehicle ownership to transfer to the designated TOD beneficiary after the registered owner dies. | [California Department of Motor Vehicles (Current official download or page opened October 22, 2026)](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/vehicle-industry-registration-procedures-manual-2/transfers/transfer-on-death-tod-beneficiary/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| California courts describe joint tenancy as equal ownership that passes to the other owner after one owner dies. | [Judicial Council of California (Current official download or page opened October 22, 2026)](https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/probate/inventory-estimate-value) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| California identifies certain joint ownership and death-transfer arrangements as possible routes outside estate distribution. | [California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General (Current official download or page opened October 22, 2026)](https://oag.ca.gov/consumers/general/estate-finance) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| California courts tell survivors to review ownership records, beneficiaries and the way property is held. | [Judicial Council of California (Current official download or page opened October 22, 2026)](https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/probate/inventory-estimate-value) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| In California, an unlisted surviving spouse or domestic partner may still own property depending on marital-property classification. | [Judicial Council of California (Current official download or page opened October 22, 2026)](https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/probate/inventory-estimate-value) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Without an advance power of attorney, a family member or friend may need court appointment after incapacity. | [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Current official download or page opened October 22, 2026)](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-power-of-attorney-poa-en-1149/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| A durable financial power of attorney continues to be effective after incapacity. | [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Current official download or page opened October 22, 2026)](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-power-of-attorney-poa-en-1149/) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Estate authority may come from court appointment or another process allowed by state law. | [Federal Trade Commission (current official page; preserved document revision where stated)](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/debts-and-deceased-relatives) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| A court-appointed guardian of property receives power to make some or all property decisions for the protected person. | [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Current official download or page opened October 22, 2026)](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_msem_national_guardians_guide.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| A property guardian's powers depend on state law and the appointing court order. | [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Current official download or page opened October 22, 2026)](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_msem_national_guardians_guide.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| USAGov directs survivors to the state motor vehicle office to transfer a deceased person's vehicle title. | [USAGov (Current official download or page opened October 22, 2026)](https://www.usa.gov/report-a-death) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| A person who can still make decisions may continue managing their property after signing a power of attorney. | [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Current official download or page opened October 22, 2026)](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_msem_national_agents_guide.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| An agent's authority under a power of attorney ends when the principal dies. | [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Current official download or page opened October 22, 2026)](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_msem_national_agents_guide.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| A power of attorney may become effective immediately or only when the person can no longer decide. | [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Current official download or page opened October 22, 2026)](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_msem_national_agents_guide.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| A financial agent can act only within the power of attorney and state law. | [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Current official download or page opened October 22, 2026)](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_msem_national_agents_guide.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| State laws vary, and an agent with questions about legal duties should talk to a lawyer. | [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Current official download or page opened October 22, 2026)](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_msem_national_agents_guide.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| A trustee does not have authority over property outside the trust. | [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Current official download or page opened October 22, 2026)](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_national_trustees_guide.pdf) | Oct 22, 2026 |

Facts approved by the [Plan Before You Die editor](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/editorial-policy).

This tool is general information, not legal advice. Plan Before You Die isn't connected with Medicare or the U.S. government. Something wrong here? Tell us.