Power of Attorney

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Who Will Handle Your Finances If You Can’t?

A Power of Attorney (POA) lets you choose someone to act on your behalf if you ever become unable to handle your finances. It’s one of the most important documents in any estate plan—and one of the easiest to overlook. We help individuals across New York City and the Greater Hudson Valley draft strong, legally valid POAs that work when they’re needed most.

What a Power of Attorney Does

A POA gives your chosen agent the legal authority to manage your:

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Bank accounts & bill payments
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Real estate transactions
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Investment decisions
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Tax filings & insurance matters
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Legal claims & business interests

You decide how much authority to give—and when it begins.


Types of Powers of Attorney in New York

  • Durable Power of Attorney – Takes effect immediately and stays in effect even if you become incapacitated. Most common type in estate planning.


  • Springing Power of Attorney – Only goes into effect if a specific event occurs (usually a doctor certifying you’re incapacitated).



  • Limited Power of Attorney – Gives authority for a specific task or time period, like selling a house while you’re out of the country.

We’ll help you choose the right version and explain how to keep it legally compliant under New York’s current laws.

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Why It’s So Important

Without a valid POA, your loved ones may need to go to court to gain control of your finances through a guardianship proceeding—a time-consuming and expensive process. A POA gives you control now so you don’t lose it later.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who should I choose as my agent?

    Someone you trust completely. Many people choose a spouse, adult child, sibling, or close friend. The person should be organized, responsible, and able to act in your best interest.

  • Can I name more than one agent?

    Yes. You can appoint co-agents to act together or separately. You can also name a backup agent in case your first choice can’t serve.

  • Can I still make decisions after signing a POA?

    Yes. As long as you’re mentally capable, you remain in control. A POA simply gives your agent the authority to act if needed—it doesn’t take your rights away.

  • Can I revoke or change my POA later?

    Absolutely. As long as you’re of sound mind, you can update or cancel your POA at any time.

Protect Your Future—Starting Today

A Power of Attorney ensures someone you trust is in place to handle things if life takes an unexpected turn. We’ll help you put it in writing, make it official, and explain how it fits into your overall estate plan. Contact us to get started.

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