Rachael Ray gave husband John Cusimano her power of attorney decades before suspected health issues
LAKE LUZERNE, NEW YORK: Rachael Ray reportedly filed papers in the court to give her power of attorney to her husband John Cusimano, years before concerns for her health and well-being began to arise.
Ray looked different as well as seemed to be slurring her speech on her recent episodes of ‘Rachael Ray in Tuscany’.
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The businesswoman and Cusimano have been married since September 2005, and Ray gave him her power of attorney months before they tied the knot, The Sun reported.
The document submitted to the court stated, “The powers you grant below continue to be effective should you become disabled or incompetent. Caution: This is an important document.”
Rachael Ray’s husband can make ‘real estate transactions’ decisions on her behalf
It also noted, “It gives the person whom you designate (your agent) broad powers to handle your property during your lifetime, which may include powers to mortgage, sell, or otherwise dispose of any real or personal property without advance notice to you or approval by you.”
“These powers will continue to exist even after you become disabled or incompetent,” the legal paper read. It added, “This document does not authorize anyone to make medical or other health care decisions. You may execute a health care proxy to do this.”
However, the news outlet mentioned that Ray only gave Cusimano power for her “real estate transactions” on July 19, 2005. But no authority on other dealings, like business operating transactions, banking transactions, and estate transactions were given.
The document was put on record with the court in December 2005.
Lawyer says giving power of attorney is ‘not common’
Beverly Hills attorney Adam Michael Sacks explained the reason behind Ray’s step.
He shared, “It is something that would be done if you are sick. The power of attorney can make certain decisions. There are certain things you have to sign if you own a house that needs to be sold and you’re, for example, in a coma.”
“Attorney means someone who acts for you. If I am your attorney, I can go to court and act for you. He would make the decision if she’s unable to,” the lawyer noted.
Sacks also stated, “It’s not common. One of the reasons is when you know you have a problem like you’re sick or getting older. It has to be someone you completely trust, like a spouse. You would have them make decisions as though it were you.”
He, however, also mentioned that apart from health reasons, there can be other explanations. “I’m a chef, I can't deal with money, I trust my husband or lawyer, he can take care of it,” he added.
Rachael Ray revealed her lawyer husband ‘works' with her
The 56-year-old professional cook had earlier revealed on an episode of her podcast called ‘I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead’ that she trusts her lawyer husband with the legal aspects of her career.
Ray said, “One of the things that has been essential to my life and my success, over the years, has been the partner that I chose. I love my husband John. And John works with me and has built our business and our brand together.”
“Husband and I didn’t get married until very late in life, 37 and 38 years old. It was very important to me that I marry him because I thought this person could be a true partner in what I believe in,” she added.
Ray also asserted, “We balance each other in a weird way. We allow each other to be open to different worlds.”
