HD 997 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act clarifying a right of a durable power of attorney

This bill (HD 997) clarifies legal authority for creating trusts using a durable power of attorney. It adds two key definitions to Massachusetts law: "durable power of attorney" (a written legal document designating someone to act for you) and "settlor's agent" (a person authorized by that document to create a trust on your behalf, following specific rules). The bill updates trust creation rules to explicitly include "settlor's agent" alongside the settlor themselves in sections governing trust creation and management. This directly affects individuals using durable powers of attorney to manage or establish trusts for others, ensuring their agents have clear legal authority under the defined procedures.
Bill status Introduction 0 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor