Inside the Bar
Powers of attorney title added to consumer pamphlet series
With health care decisions receiving recent media attention, the
State Bar announces the latest addition to its consumer pamphlet series
- Powers of Attorney: The Duties of an Agent. The pamphlet
answers questions about the reasons for naming an agent, how to select
an agent, and agents' roles and duties.
"Several years ago the Consumer Information & Protection
Committee learned that some people who were serving as agents were
making mistakes - some of them serious - because they did not know what
they could and could not do," says committee Chair John Wilcox. "The
committee undertook a project to write a booklet because it could not
find any simple published guidelines for people serving as agents.
"Originally published as part of a 26-page handbook, Powers of
Attorney and Trusts: Duties and rights as agents and trustees,
that
also dealt with the duties of a trustee, the powers of attorney
material
is now offered in a less expensive pamphlet format to encourage wider
distribution by lawyers," says Wilcox.
The consumer pamphlet series covers 19 legal issues that many people
eventually face. Each pamphlet answers commonly asked questions,
defines
concepts and basic terms in plain English, and describes the need for,
and role of, an attorney in dealing with the issue. The pamphlets
communicate basic information - and gain the appreciation of
clients and the public for the attorneys who distribute them. The
series
is designed to be displayed in law offices, distributed during
community
presentations, or donated to community resource centers.
Attorneys can customize the back of the pamphlets with their firm
name, address, and phone number - an ideal, low-cost marketing tool.
Attorneys also can license online versions for display-only in PDF
format on their Web sites.
Pamphlets are available in packets of 50. The cost of one packet is
$18; 2-10 packets are $15 each; 11 or more packets are $13 each. Six-
and nine-pocket display racks also are available.
Lifeplanning guide. A Gift to Your Family:
Planning Ahead
for Future Health Needs is another popular resource. Since 1999,
more than 150,000 guides have been distributed to the general public.
This comprehensive end-of-life planning guide educates the public about
issues surrounding advance directives, such as powers of attorney for
health care, living wills, and other issues such as organ and tissue
donation. Print copies are available for $1 for members, plus tax,
shipping, and handling. Volume discounts are available. Single copies
can be downloaded at www.legalexplorer.com/resources/resourses.asp.
To order any of these publications or to view a sample PDF format,
visit www.wisbar.org, select the
"Seminars, Books & Products" tab, and choose "Consumer Resources."
Orders also can be placed by calling the State Bar at (800) 728-7788 or
(608) 257-3838.
Inside the Bar
