Legal Guidance To Get A Power Of Attorney In Orlando
A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that gives an individual or entity the authority to act on behalf of another person in case of incapacitation or inability to make decisions independently. In 2011, the regulations guiding POA laws in Florida changed to include additional requirements such as a mandatory statutory form. Therefore, enlisting legal guidance is crucial, as a simple mistake could invalidate the document.
The Kaplan Firm has substantial experience with estate planning. Our founder, attorney Mary Kaplan, knows there are no one-size-fits-all solutions. That is why she personalizes her approach to clients in Orlando, Florida. She can also ensure your POA complies with all legal requirements and accurately reflects your intentions.
Reasons You Need A Florida Power Of Attorney
Legal guidance can help you understand the scope of your powers as an attorney-in-fact or the rights and responsibilities you are granting to someone else. This can help prevent misunderstandings and conflicts down the road.
Here are a few things a power of attorney can do:
- Oversee financial decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated
- Assist with all financial and legal matters, including paying bills and taxes, cashing checks, selling assets, and communicating with banks and legal institutions
- Protect your business assets and investments, and coordinate with Medicaid insurance
- Protect against guardianship and conservatorship
You can create and execute a power of attorney form in Florida with the correct legal guidance.
Benefits And Drawbacks Of Advance Directives
Advance directives, such as a living will or health care surrogate designation, are essential tools for expressing your health care wishes if you become unable to do so. They allow you to maintain control over your medical decisions and relieve your loved ones of the burden of making those choices during a stressful time.
Benefits of advance directives:
- Ensuring your wishes are honored: Advance directives guarantee your health care preferences are followed, even if you cannot communicate them.
- Reducing family burden: They relieve your family of the difficult task of making medical decisions on your behalf, potentially during an emotionally charged situation.
- Providing peace of mind: Knowing your health care wishes are documented provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
Drawbacks of advance directives:
- Limited scope: Advance directives may not cover every possible medical situation, leaving some decisions to your health care surrogate or medical professionals.
- Potential for misinterpretation: If not drafted clearly, your wishes may be misinterpreted, leading to unintended consequences.
- Need for updates: Your preferences may change over time, requiring you to update your advance directives periodically.
To ensure your advance directives are effective and accurately reflect your wishes, it’s crucial to:
- Discuss your preferences with your loved ones and health care providers
- Clearly document your wishes in writing
- Review and update your directives as needed
- Share your directives with your health care providers and loved ones
- Store your directives in a safe and accessible location
Our skilled estate planning attorneys can help you determine when you need an advance directive and how to move forward.
Effective Power Of Attorney For Peace Of Mind
The Kaplan Firm‘s Mary Kaplan is a former certified financial planner, and she can provide the legal guidance you need. She will take the time to explain what you need and why based on your specific needs, helping you make informed decisions aligned with your current situation and future goals.
If you want to ensure your affairs are managed as you wish, call 407-863-6175 or contact us online today for compassionate help in creating a Florida power of attorney.
