Longwood Florida Power of Attorney Lawyers
Protect Your Wishes with a Power of Attorney: (321) 972-2445
Even if you are healthy and well at the time you create your estate plan, it is important to consider the possibility of a serious accident or health emergency leaving you incapacitated. Naming a power of attorney gives one person (known as the agent) the power to act on your behalf should you become unable to make decisions regarding your own life.
At the Law Offices of Brett D. Bevis we can help guide you through the process of naming a power of attorney. Our lawyers for powers of attorney can explain your various options.
Contact Levy & Associates, PA at (321) 972-2445 for reliable assistance.
What is a Power of Attorney?
A power of attorney (POA) is a document that gifts authority to another person. The creator of the power of attorney, or “principal,” allows a named “agent” to act on the principal’s behalf. The principal can choose exactly what types of decisions the agent can make based on the type of power of attorney established.
Power of attorney documents are intended to help the principal should they become unable to make decisions in some or all areas of their life. Without a power of attorney, decisions about one’s medical care or finances could be left in unfamiliar hands.
Financial vs. Healthcare Power of Attorney
As mentioned, there are a number of types of power of attorney documents. These documents grant different rights and different levels of control to the agent. Contact Bevis Law at (321) 972-2445 for assistance today.
Two common power of attorney documents include:
- Healthcare Power of Attorney: Allows someone you trust, also known as an agent, to make medical decisions on your behalf. Is also known as a Medical Power of Attorney or Designation of Health Care Surrogate in Florida.
- Financial Power of Attorney: Allows your chosen agent to make financial decisions and transactions for you. This type of PoA could allow for total control over your finances or more limited control, depending on your situation.
Duration and Termination of a Power of Attorney
Those creating powers of attorney should also consider how long the power of attorney will be in effect. A non-durable power of attorney is limited and only goes into effect if you become incapacitated. A durable power of attorney remains in effect.
In general, a power of attorney will terminate under the following circumstances:
- The death of the principal
- The revocation of the power of attorney by the principal
- The expiration or completion of the terms of the document
Courts can also make the decision to terminate a power of attorney if you as the principal are incapacitated and did not establish your wish to continue the power of attorney.
Requirements for a Power of Attorney in Florida
In the state of Florida, a power of attorney is only valid if it is signed by the principal and two witnesses to their signature. A notary must also validate the principal’s signature. Exceptions to this exist for military powers of attorney as well as powers of attorney established in another state.
While a power of attorney created out of state is exempt from the notary requirement, it will still be subject to Florida’s estate laws. Powers of attorney that cover real estate transactions can further complicate matters, as real estate in Florida is subject to specific laws.
Contact our Longwood Lawyers for Power of Attorney
If you’ve never thought about what would happen if you become incapacitated and unable to make decisions for yourself, now is the time to do so. A power of attorney is a key part of your estate plan and should be drawn with the assistance of a lawyer to take your specific situation into account.
At Bevis Law, our Longwood power of attorney lawyers can help you to understand these options. We can work together to decide which one is right for you and your family. Our Longwood lawyers work with clients throughout Seminole County and Central Florida.
Call us today at (321) 972-2445 or contact us online to discuss the designation of your powers of attorney.
