How Not to Sign Documents for Your Parents

Very often, adult children find themselves in the position of signing documents on behalf of their parents.  This could take the form of signing a parent into a hospital or nursing home, signing a Medicare notice, signing the lease at an assisted living, etc.

When signing documents for a parent, do not sign just your own name.  On most documents, that makes you the financially responsible party!

ALWAYS sign this way: your name, comma, your role.

For example: “Alexis Levitt, POA for Cpt. Jack Sparrow” or “Alexis Levitt, POA” or “Alexis Levitt, HCP”, etc.

Signing your own name can open you personally to unwanted liabilities.  Always remember that you are not signing as yourself, but as an assistant to your parent.