Plan for the Decisions Someone May Need to Make for You.

A financial power of attorney can authorize another person to handle specified financial or property matters for you. The document’s language, timing, scope, and execution requirements matter, and the person you choose should understand the responsibility.

• Choose someone you trust to act carefully and communicate clearly
• Consider backup agents if your first choice cannot serve
• Review how authority fits with trusts, accounts, and business interests

Health care planning addresses who may communicate with medical providers and make health care decisions if you cannot make or communicate them yourself. Your wishes and the person’s understanding of them are both important.

Advance directives can record preferences about treatment and care. Incapacity planning may also include practical instructions, emergency contacts, digital access, and information that helps a decision-maker understand your values.

These documents are about more than end-of-life decisions. They can help your family navigate an injury, illness, or temporary period when you cannot act for yourself.

New York has its own rules and forms for powers of attorney and health care planning. A document from another state, an older form, or a generic online template may not address your current circumstances.

State-specific review is especially important after a move, marriage, divorce, diagnosis, major purchase, or change in the people you trust.