For any CALPERS retirees and caregivers of

RetiredTeacher

We have been married for 37 yrs, my husband has had several strokes and has VD. Luckily his memory is still intact, he is capable of carrying on a conversation, understanding and can make his own decisions, albeit slow with his processing speed. I have always handled finances, bills, investments,etc. I thought I had taken care of everything: we redid our trust last year including all our documents, contacted a cela to see about possible medi-cal eligibilty, researched Plan B, looked into future respite,etc. Today I found out CALPERS requires its own Special power of attorney form and the other POA documents will not suffice. The form needs to be downloaded, filled out, notarized and submitted so it can be on file in the future in the event he is not able to make decisions or communicate. They didn't want to talk to me on the phone today and I was told I was not allowed to even access his account online to put in a change of address or change our withholding tax. I was told he must type and push the keys himself! We will download the form and get it notified in the next few day and have it submitted. Just wanted to share this with anyone who may be in a similar position in California. I really thought I had it all covered…

Victoriaredux

https://www.chilinalaw.com/2016/06/calpers-requires-a-durable-power-of-attorney/

article a few years old , surprised your elder law attorney didn't draft a DPOA that comports with CalPers's requirements- maybe double check with your lawyer . It may be a CalPers misreading of your forms.

Good thing you caught this and can avoid conservatorship.