Wills and Probate
Powers of Attorney General InformationTom2017-11-14T19:43:56-05:00
Staten Island Lawyer Drafts Powers of Attorney
Proxy power enables decisions for a loved one’s health and welfare
Whom would you trust to make decisions for you if you were unable to make them yourself? That question is the basis for power of attorney, a legal document that conveys decision-making authority to a capable individual of your choosing. Since 1997, William J. Newstad, Esq., Attorney and Counselor at Law has helped individuals in New York and New Jersey formally grant legal authority through a variety of instruments, including:
- Limited power of attorney — Authority granted in a specific area
- General power of attorney — Authority for all matters related to the grantor’s health and welfare
- Durable power of attorney — Authority that survives if the grantor is incapacitated or dies
- Healthcare proxy — Authority to decide matters related to the grantor’s medical care
When is it time to establish power of attorney?
The most common scenario is for an older adult to grant power of attorney to a responsible adult child, especially one in close geographic proximity. There are several events that might prompt this decision:
- Onset of forgetfulness — Seniors may find it advisable to have an adult child manage their finances, so that bills get paid in a timely fashion. Otherwise, they might incur late fees and have services interrupted.
- Diminished physical health — Seniors facing health challenges have the security of knowing someone they trust can oversee their affairs.
- Death of a spouse — A widow or widower needs the additional security of knowing a trusted loved one can act for them if necessary.
A grantor must have the capacity to execute power of attorney. Seniors who develop dementia quickly lose that capacity, making it necessary for their loved ones to petition the court for a guardianship or conservatorship. So, it’s prudent to execute a power of attorney even if you feel you don’t need one. We can draft powers of attorney that become enforceable only after a triggering event, such as hospitalization.
Personal attention to guide and support you through the process
Many seniors only agree to grant power of attorney after a series of disconcerting events prompts their children to demand it. At William J. Newstad, Esq., Attorney and Counselor at Law, we recommend frank discussions between seniors and their adult children before an emergency arises. If you have an older parent you’re concerned about, we’re happy to meet with the two of you in the comfort and privacy of our office. Talks regarding power of attorney can be very emotional; for both generations, it represents a profound shift in their relationship that requires a period of adjustment. We strive to handle these consultations with sensitivity and professionalism.
Contact a concerned Staten Island lawyer for powers of attorney in NY and NJ
William J. Newstad, Esq., Attorney and Counselor at Law educates seniors and their adult children about powers of attorney and drafts documents appropriate to their specific needs. To schedule a consultation in our Great Kills Town office, call 718.815.5800 or contact our office online.
718.815.5800
William J. Newstad, Attorney at Law is located in Staten Island, NY and serves clients in and around Staten Island, Breezy Point, Brooklyn, New York, Jamaica, Rockaway Park, Ridgewood, Maspeth, Long Island City, Howard Beach, Middle Village, Sunnyside, Woodhaven, Ozone Park, Woodside, Arverne, Elmhurst, Rego Park, Astoria, South Ozone Park, South Richmond Hill, Richmond Hill, Jackson Heights, Kew Gardens, Forest Hills, Corona, East Elmhurst, Inwood, Springfield Gardens, Bronx, Bronx County, Kings County, Nassau County, New York County, Orange County, Queens County, Richmond County, Rockland County, Suffolk County and Westchester County.