This question deserves a careful answer, because the wrong move here can lead to lawsuits, family conflict, or even criminal charges. Can you, as someone’s Power of Attorney, move their money to yourself? The default answer is a firm no.
The core duty: their interest, never yours
An agent under a Power of Attorney is a fiduciary — legally required to act only in the principal’s best interest. Transferring the principal’s money to yourself is called self-dealing, and it’s exactly what fiduciary duty forbids. It doesn’t matter if you’re the one doing all the work, if you “know they’d want you to have it,” or if you plan to pay it back. Without clear authority, moving their money to yourself is a breach.
The narrow exceptions
There are limited situations where it can be allowed — but they’re specific:
- The document expressly permits it. Some Powers of Attorney grant limited gifting powers, sometimes even to the agent. If so, it must still be done in the principal’s interest and within any limits stated.
- Legitimate reimbursement. If you paid the principal’s expenses out of your own pocket, you can generally repay yourself — *if* you have receipts and a clear record showing it was their expense, not yours.
- Reasonable compensation, only if the document or state law allows an agent to be paid, and at a reasonable rate.
Even in these cases, document everything and consider getting a professional’s sign-off first.
How to protect yourself
- Keep the money separate. Never mix the principal’s funds with your own.
- Keep records of everything — every transaction, receipt, and reason. Good records are your defense if anyone ever questions you. See recordkeeping for a Power of Attorney.
- When in doubt, don’t — and ask an attorney before acting.
If you’re watching someone *else* who holds a Power of Attorney move money to themselves, that can be a warning sign — learn the red flags of financial abuse.
Serving honestly and keeping clean records is the whole job. The POA Caregiver Program walks through the money side in detail, so you never have to guess where the line is.
_This article is plain-English education, not legal advice. Power of Attorney law varies by state, and reading it does not create an attorney–client relationship. For guidance on your specific situation, talk with a licensed attorney in your state._