What is a common requirement for a durable power of attorney's actions regarding a deceased person's affairs?

A durable power of attorney is a legal document that allows an individual to appoint someone else to manage their affairs if they become incapacitated. In the context of a deceased person's affairs, the durable power of attorney ceases to be effective upon the death of the principal (the person who created the power of attorney). However, if the power of attorney is still in effect prior to death, the agent (the person appointed) is expected to act in accordance with the principal's wishes as expressed while they were alive, including their desires regarding the management of affairs post-death.

This concept emphasizes the necessity for the agent to recognize and respect the values, instructions, and preferences laid out by the deceased, ensuring that actions taken reflect the decedent's intentions. Such fiduciary duty requires the agent to handle the decedent's affairs in a manner consistent with these expressed desires, especially regarding the distribution of assets or settling of debts.

Other options do not correctly align with the principles of a durable power of attorney. The requirement for court approval is not commonly needed for actions taken under a durable power of attorney before death. There is no strict timeline of two weeks after death for an agent to act, as the authority ceases upon death. Lastly, a durable power