Planning for the Management of Your Affairs
If you were suddenly incapacitated in an accident or could no longer make sound decisions because of mental decline, your financial and legal interests would suffer. Without the proper documents, your spouse or children could not act on your behalf, or they would be forced to petition the court to take over your affairs.
A durable power of attorney anticipates these scenarios and appoints a trusted person to manage your affairs if you are not able to do so. The estate planning lawyers of Vergilis, Stenger, Roberts, Davis & Diamond, LLP, can help you establish powers of attorney on your terms so that you have peace of mind now about whatever the future may bring.
Experienced Legal Counsel for Creating New York Power of Attorney
Durable power of attorney (POA) authorizes an agent of your choosing (typically a family member or friend) to act in your stead regarding your financial obligations, investments and banking, transactions and business affairs, and other monetary or legal matters. We can help you choose a person who will capably and faithfully protect your interests.
Our experienced lawyers individualize these documents to your specific wishes and your circumstances. For example, power of attorney can be turned over while you are still of sound mind and body, or it can "spring" if and when you become incapacitated. You can give total control of your estate (general power of attorney) or only partial control over your affairs (limited power of attorney). You frame your desires and we put it into clear and binding legalese.
We can also help with a separate health care proxy (power of attorney for medical matters) and living will addressing end-of-life care.
Are Your Affairs in Order? Is Your Old Power of Attorney Up to Date?
The state of New York recently altered the statute on durable power of attorney. The change in law renders many old powers of attorney invalid or creates ambiguities.
- If you have powers of attorney in your existing estate plan, our knowledgeable lawyers can review the documents to determine if they need to be updated.
- If you do not have powers of attorney in place, we can help you create them as part of our comprehensive and affordable estate planning services.
We assist individuals and families throughout the Hudson Valley, with offices in Wappingers Falls, Poughkeepsie and Beacon. Contact us today to arrange a consultation with an experienced estate planning and trust administration lawyer.
