Can the named beneficiary also be appointed as attorney in fact and if so can they transfer real property into their own name prior to the death of the testator in order to avoid death taxes?

Yes. The beneficiary named in a testator's will may also be appointed as the testator's attorney-in-fact while the testator is living. The powers of the attorney-in-fact must be set forth in the Power of Attorney document. The power of the attorney-in-fact to transfer the real estate to self may be listed in the POA.

However, if there are other heirs-at-law, the transfer by the attorney-in-fact to self may be vulnerable to challenges upon the death of the testator. The parties should seek the advice of an attorney who specializes in probate who can review the situation and the desires of the testator. Documents could then be properly drafted to carry out the wishes of the testator and make certain that any actions of the attorney-in-fact are not vulnerable to challenges.