Florida Durable Power of Attorney Law Firm Provides Positive Solutions

Estate Planning Lawyers Offer Services to Clients Throughout North Central Florida

A durable power of attorney allows for the appointment of an agent to handle specific health, legal, and financial responsibilities should the Grantor (principal) be unable to do so. Most people designate their spouse, a child or other trusted friend or advisor as their durable power of attorney or as a successor.

There are two types of power of attorney:

• Power of attorney for healthcare: gives an agent the authority to make health care decisions on behalf of the principal
• Power of attorney for finances: gives an agent the authority to make legal and financial decisions on behalf of the principal.
  Families should consider preparing a durable power of attorney long before the principal becomes incapacitated, since at the time of the signing, the principal must possess capacity to execute the document.

A durable power of attorney is essential because if a person becomes incapacitated or incompetent without such a document, family and friends will not be able to make many important financial decisions, pay bills, or make healthcare decisions on behalf of the principal with out prior court approval or guardianship proceeding. A POA can be written so that the appointment takes place immediately, or will go into effect when the principal becomes unable to conduct his own affairs. Until that point, the Grantor can continue to make decisions on their own.

If you need help creating a durable power of attorney in Ocala, Beverly Hills, or The Villages, Florida, Dean & Dean, LLP focuses on estate planning, probate, and real estate matters throughout Marion, Sumter, Citrus, and Lake counties. Contact us online or call (352) 368-2800 to schedule an initial consultation with one of our attorneys today.