Question
As a trustee for my parents in their living trust, can I manage their affairs if they become unable to do so? Do I still need a power of attorney?
— Carol Gleason
Answer
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Expert Barbara Repa, a Caring.com senior editor, is an attorney, a journalist specializing in aging issues, and the author of WillMaker, software enabling consumers to write their own wills, health care directives, powers of attorney, and final arrangements.
Your role as trustee of the living trust is a big one, but it only authorizes you to manage the property in the trust should your parents become incapacitated.
You would still need to be appointed their agent in a durable power of attorney for finances to handle income likely to be outside the trust -- from pensions, Social Security and other sources and to pay their bills and maintain their bank accounts, for example.
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