Two weeks ago I received a letter from “M.E.” whose husband had become incapacitated. She wanted to sell the house and found out the law required both spouses to sign for the sale of the homestead. Fortunately, M.E. had been named as agent in her husband’s durable power of attorney and could sign for him as agent. Last week, “R.C.” wrote to say she was in the same situation but had not been named as agent, so the column discussed court-based options for her to gain the necess

Dear Mr. Premack: I just read your answer to M.E., who wants to sell the homestead after her husband had a stroke. He can’t sign, and you told her how to use the power of attorney to accomplish the sale. My husband is in the same situation though he has Alzheimer’s disease. I want to sell the house because he is in a nursing home and I don’t need all this space. But he never signed a power of attorney. Is there any other way that I can sell the house regardless of the fact th

Dear Mr. Premack: My husband had a major stroke last month. He is getting better in rehab but may be there for weeks more. We are joint on all our bank accounts and I’m able to pay the bills but other issues are coming up. I don’t think I can bring him home, and want us both to move to assisted living. I want to sell the house, but am being told that I can’t sell without his signature. He is still confused and is unable to sign his name. Can I use the power of attorney for th