My elderly mother is sitting in a hospital not doing very well. A long time ago she gave me a durable general power of attorney to handle all her affairs as she became unable to. She does not have a Will. I have used this POA on several occasions but with her permission. I do not know how to handle a safety deposit box that she has rented in her name. The box has her valuables along with cash. The POA clearly gives me the right to drill out any safety box rented in her name. Do I have the right to march into the establishment where she rented the box, with POA in hand, and ask to have the box drilled and empty its contents ? I'm trying to prevent this case from going to probate court at all costs. I was told that my POA will be invalid if the principal passes away. Can I take legal action against the establishment if I am not allowed access to the box , even though I have the POA and my mother is unable to communicate ? Thank you.