Careful planning often makes a critical difference in the administration of an estate. With proper planning, the decedent's wishes for the disposition of his or her property can be done efficiently and effectively. Potential tax liabilities can be reduced or even eliminated. Lawsuits and court proceedings arising from estates can often be anticipated and prevented. Involving an attorney in both estate planning and administration can result in significant savings to the estate, in time, effort and expenses.

Effective January 1, 1997, New York State has adopted statutory forms for "Nondurable, Durable and Springing" Powers of Attorney. That means that the State Legislature has written model forms for Powers of Attorney, and that New Yorkers can rely on these statutory "short forms" as being legal.

Because a Power of Attorney is such an important legal instrument, the careful consumer should consult a lawyer who can:

• Provide legal and other advice about the powers that are appropriate to be delegated to your Agent;
• Provide counsel on the choice of an Agent;
• Outline the Agent's legal fiduciary obligations while acting under a Power of Attorney; and
• Ensure that the Power of Attorney is properly executed and meets all legal requirements

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