SB 537 - The amendments to the durable power of attorney law of Missouri enacted in 1997 are effective August 28, 1997. An exception is made for powers of attorney executed prior to January 1, 1999. In those cases, the laws in effect prior to August 28, 1997, shall apply if such prior laws shall be more favorable to construing said powers of attorney to be durable or grant a power sought to be exercised by the attorney-in-fact.

The act further provides that a trustee shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for services. This may include fees that take into account the administration of both income and principal. This provision applies to all testamentary and inter-vivos trusts upon and after the effective date of this section; it shall not apply to the extent of any inconsistency between the provisions of this section and the provisions of the will or trust instrument.

JOAN GUMMELS