Tampa Bay Power Of Attorney Lawyers
Creating one or more powers of attorney is crucial to a sound estate plan. These documents authorize your chosen agents to take certain steps on your behalf if you become incapacitated.
For those interested in a power of attorney in Tampa Bay, Florida, Lins Law Group, P.A., team can help set up the proper documentation. We are a father-and-son team of estate planning lawyers with more than 50 years of combined experience. Call for a free consultation.
Types Of Florida Powers Of Attorney
There are several different powers of attorney that can meet your needs. Examples include:
- Medical: Making medical decisions after incapacitation
- Legal: Taking important legal steps, such as filing documents or signing contracts
- Financial: Accessing bank accounts, paying taxes and handling property
- Durable: Remaining valid even after the principal becomes incapacitated
- Springing: Becoming effective when a specific event occurs, such as a physician certifying incapacity
Our estate planning lawyers can help you select the powers of attorney that best align with your family, lifestyle and financial situation.
Who Can Serve As A Power Of Attorney Agent?
Any competent adult in Florida may serve as your agent, but the key consideration is trust. You should choose someone who understands your wishes, is able and willing to serve and can manage the many responsibilities involved. The authority you give them depends on the type of power of attorney you create. One person can handle both financial and medical matters, or you can appoint different agents for each.
When you grant broad authority over many aspects of your affairs, it is considered a general power of attorney. When authority is limited to a specific task, it becomes a limited power of attorney.
Creating Powers Of Attorney In Florida
The first step is to draft power of attorney documentation identifying the agent and outlining what responsibilities they will have. Next, the principal must sign the document and the signing must be witnessed by two people and then notarized in order to be valid under Florida law.
Exploring Your Legal Options
As with all Florida estate planning documents, you should create your powers of attorney while you have sound testamentary capacity. This makes it important to consider your legal options early, and the experienced team at Lins Law Group, P.A., can help. Call 813-280-0082 or use the online contact form to schedule your free initial consultation today.