Section 4231.5 Of Article 2. Duties Of Attorneys-in-fact From California Probate Code >> Division 4.5. >> Part 2. >> Chapter 4. >> Article 2.
4231.5
. (a) If the attorney-in-fact breaches a duty pursuant to
this division, the attorney-in-fact is chargeable with any of the
following, as appropriate under the circumstances:
(1) Any loss or depreciation in value of the principal's property
resulting from the breach of duty, with interest.
(2) Any profit made by the attorney-in-fact through the breach of
duty, with interest.
(3) Any profit that would have accrued to the principal if the
loss of profit is the result of the breach of duty.
(b) If the attorney-in-fact has acted reasonably and in good faith
under the circumstances as known to the attorney-in-fact, the court,
in its discretion, may excuse the attorney-in-fact in whole or in
part from liability under subdivision (a) if it would be equitable to
do so.
(c) If a court finds that a person has in bad faith wrongfully
taken, concealed, or disposed of property that belongs to a principal
under a power of attorney, or has taken, concealed, or disposed of
property that belongs to a principal under a power of attorney by the
use of undue influence in bad faith or through the commission of
elder or dependent adult financial abuse, as defined in Section
15610.30 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, the person shall be
liable for twice the value of the property recovered by an action to
recover the property or for surcharge. In addition, except as
otherwise required by law, including Section 15657.5 of the Welfare
and Institutions Code, the person may, in the court's discretion, be
liable for reasonable attorney's fees and costs to the prevailing
party. The remedies provided in this section shall be in addition to
any other remedies available in law to the principal or any successor
in interest of the principal.