Broward County Power of Attorney

A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone to act on your behalf in certain situations. For example, you may need someone to manage your finances, property, or medical care if you become ill or incapacitated. You may also need someone to sign legal documents for you if you are out of state or otherwise unavailable for an extended period of time. A POA can give you peace of mind and protect your interests in case something happens to you. However, not all POAs are the same. There are different types of POAs that grant different levels of authority and take effect at different times. To learn more, read on and contact a dedicated Broward County power of attorney lawyer from The Probate Lawyers today.

Should I Hire a Lawyer to Draft a Power of Attorney?

Creating a POA is an important part of any estate plan. However, it can be a complex and confusing process. That’s why it’s advisable to consult a seasoned Broward County estate lawyer who can help you draft a POA that suits your needs and complies with Florida law. Fortunately, you are in the right place. The Probate Lawyers is here to help explain the different types of powers of attorney available to you, ensure your POA is clearly written and legally binding, and, if necessary, help you make amendments to any existing POA down the road.

Financial Powers of Attorney

A financial POA gives your agent the power to handle your money and property matters. This may include paying bills, filing taxes, managing investments, selling or buying real estate, and accessing your bank accounts.

You can choose to give your agent broad or limited authority over your finances. For example, you can specify which accounts or assets your agent can access, or for how long they can act for you. You can also choose when your POA becomes effective. There are two main options:

• A durable POA takes effect as soon as you sign it and remains valid even if you become incapacitated. This type of POA is useful if you want your agent to act for you immediately and continue to do so if you lose your ability to make decisions.
• A springing POA takes effect only if and when you become incapacitated. This type of POA is useful if you want your agent to act for you only in case of an emergency. However, you will need to define how your incapacity will be determined and who will make that decision.

Healthcare Powers of Attorney

A healthcare POA gives your agent the power to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to do so yourself. This may include consenting to or refusing treatment, choosing doctors or hospitals, accessing your medical records, and making end-of-life decisions.

You can choose to give your agent general or specific authority over your health care. For example, you can state your preferences regarding life-sustaining measures, organ donation, or palliative care. You can also choose when your POA becomes effective. Usually, a health care POA is a springing POA that takes effect only when you are incapacitated and unable to communicate.

Contact a Florida Power of Attorney Lawyer Today

If you are interested in creating a POA, contact The Probate Lawyers today for your initial consultation. We are experienced and knowledgeable estate planning attorneys who can help you protect yourself and your loved ones.