• Power of Attorney under duress

While my father was on his death bed, my brother got the power of attorney of one of my father's properties transfered in his name. 
1. Is this transfer of the power of attorney valid?
2. If not, can a case be filed to prove that it was signed under duress?
3. What can be done to prevent my brother from selling off the property?
4. How can the other successors, including my mother (the wife) make any claims to the said property?
Asked 9 years ago in Property Law
Religion: Hindu

First answer received in 10 minutes.

Lawyers are available now to answer your questions.

3 Answers

1) on your father death power of attorney ceases

2) your brother cannot on basis of POA sell the property

3) if your father died intestate you have 1/3rd share in property

4) apply for letters of administration from district court in name of legal heirs of your father

5) if your brother is agreeable deed of family settlement can be entered into among the legal heirs for division of the properties

Ajay Sethi
Advocate, Mumbai
96796 Answers
7810 Consultations

1. Any POA executed under duress is illegal.

2. You can challenge the POA which your father executed on the ground that it was made under duress practiced by your brother.

3. To restrain your brother from selling the property you should immediately seek a stay order from the court.

4. You and your mother can together challenge the POA made by your deceased father. If the court allows your claim both of you will as legal heirs get an equal share in the property,

Ashish Davessar
Advocate, Jaipur
30763 Answers
972 Consultations

The power of attorney will not confer title of the property to the power agent. Your brother is a power agent only and not the owner of the property. Matter of fact, the power of attorney deed stands revoked or cancelled upon the death of the Principal. If he sells the property based on this deed, it is invalid and illegal. You may file a partition suit seeking your share in the intestate property of your father.

T Kalaiselvan
Advocate, Vellore
86997 Answers
2335 Consultations

Ask a Lawyer

Get legal answers from lawyers in 1 hour. It's quick, easy, and anonymous!
  Ask a lawyer