All reverse mortgage applicants are required to attend the counseling session.
If an applicant lacks legal competency, the counseling session must be attended by an individual holding a power of attorney (POA) or a court-appointed conservatorship or guardianship. If a POA is signing on behalf of a competent borrower the borrower and the POA must attend the counseling session as well as sign the Counseling Certificate.
Many lenders will also require a non-borrower spouse receive the counseling. While not required, adult children and other family members, advisors, friends, or an attorney may attend at the borrower’s request.