Many of our new clients have preexisting Durable Powers of Attorney (DPOAs) which were prepared by attorneys who are general practitioners, or which were found on the internet. Although they are “valid in all 50 states” (as the TV commercials say), most of them are statutory or general forms which do not grant the powers needed to protect seniors’ estates. If you want to accelerate eligibility for VA Aid & Attendance or Medicaid, your DPOA must contain an unlimited gift power (to transfer assets to your spouse or children if necessary). If you want to protect your assets through an Asset Protection Trust, your DPOA must contain the power to establish and fund trusts. Most “form” DPOAs lack those critical powers and can cause you to lose up to your entire estate in a long term care situation. The safer route is a Connecticut-specific DPOA prepared by an attorney who handles VA and Medicaid applications regularly, and therefore knows which powers the authorities look for.