An often overlooked but critically important cog in the wheel of an effective estate plan is the durable financial power of attorney. I say “overlooked” because the durable financial power of attorney is not typically considered to be one of the big-ticket estate planning items. While it often happens that, after the death of a loved one or just before departing on a trip overseas, a person finds the fleeting motivation to contact an estate planning attorney. Usually it is with an eye toward preparing an Advance Medical Directive (otherwise known as a living will) and a Last Will and Testament. The importance of having a living will and a Last Will and Testament (and other documents in some cases) has been previously discussed in this forum and cannot be emphasized or overstated enough, yet it is also crucial for an individual to make sure that his or her property and finances are properly managed and protected during his or her lifetime. The durable financial power of attorney protects one in the event he or she cannot make financial decisions for him or herself.