Wesley Chapel Powers of Attorney
Sometimes there comes a point in our lives at which we can no longer make decisions in our own best interest. Whether the underlying condition is dementia, Alzheimer’s, or a serious medical emergency that results in incapacitation, a legal document called a power of attorney can bring peace and ease of mind to your loved ones, your medical providers, and yourself. Power of attorney is just one aspect of estate planning that, as undesirable as it is to think about, is of vital importance to your future self, as well as your estate and your loved ones. There are two types of power of attorney—financial/legal and medical. Depending on your specific needs and wishes, our Wesley Chapel powers of attorney law firm here at The Law Office of Laurie R. Chane can help you draft such documents to protect yourself and your loved ones by naming a power of attorney of your choosing.
General Power of Attorney
Power of attorney gives the person you name to handle your business affairs, sign checks, pay your taxes, and make other financial decisions on your behalf. According to The Florida Bar, some uses of a durable power of attorney include:
- Allowing another person to access bank accounts;
- Handling financial decisions on behalf of the principal;
- Selling property such as a house or car;
- Signing legal documents on behalf of the principal;
- Making financial gifts;
- Creating trusts; and
- More.
Medical Power of Attorney
A medical power of attorney gives a trusted person the authority to make medical decisions for you if you become incapacitated, or are unable to speak for yourself. That individual will have full legal decision making ability if you suffer a heart attack, stroke, or other medical emergency that renders you unconscious or unable to speak. This takes any guesswork out of the equation, assuming you have discussed various scenarios with your trusted loved one, who is usually a spouse or adult child.
Who Can Be a Power of Attorney?
Florida Statute 709.2105 states that for an agent to be considered a durable power of attorney they must be either a person over the age of 18 years old or a financial institution that has trust powers, has business in Florida, and is authorized to conduct trust business in Florida. Generally, a power of attorney is someone very close to you—a spouse, adult child, or other close family member, colleague, or friend. The person must be someone you trust to make decisions that you would want to be made for you if you were unable to make them yourself.
Contact a Wesley Chapel Powers of Attorney Law Firm Today
The Wesley Chapel powers of attorney lawyers at The Law Office of Laurie R. Chane can help you determine if a power of attorney would be the right decision for you, write up the legal document, and assist you with any later adjustments you would like to make regarding the powers of attorney. Call us today at 352-567-0055 to schedule a meeting.
