What does a universal agent have to provide to their client?

A universal agent holds broad authority to act on behalf of the client in a wide range of matters, often encompassing multiple areas of the client's needs and interests. This agent is expected to provide reasonable care in their actions and decisions. Reasonable care refers to the standard of care that is expected of a professional, ensuring that the universal agent takes appropriate steps to protect the client's interests in all dealings. This includes being diligent, competent, and acting in the best interest of the client while exercising good judgment.

While significant financial advice, exclusive representation, and confidentiality agreements may be elements of the relationship between an agent and their client, they are not mandatory requirements that define the duty of a universal agent in the same way that providing reasonable care does. Reasonable care serves as the foundational standard of conduct for agents, guiding them to make decisions that help safeguard the client's assets and well-being in various scenarios.