An IRA customer is out of the country and cannot come into close out his IRA. We need his signature on the distribution form. His wife brought in a letter signed by husband (not notarized)authorizing his wife to act on his behalf. We did not accept the letter. The wife came in the next day with a "General Power of Attorney (with Durable Provision" dated 2005 to close the IRA. We had asked that her husband fax or e-mail a signed copy of the distribution form but apparently he has no access to FAX or e-mail. We would make the check out to only the husband but they have joint accounts that she can deposit it into. Are we able to release his IRA funds - what liability would there be to the bank? Thank you!

You need the advise of your legal counsel.