Florida Powers of Attorney
Real Estate, Financial and Health Care Decisions
A Florida Power of Attorney is a legal document that transfers authority from one person to another. The document grants that person the right to act in some way on behalf of the maker of the Power of Attorney. The nature of the authority granted by a Power of Attorney can be broad or limited to very specific acts. In Florida, there are two types of Powers of Attorney’s that we recommend for all of our clients (for clients needing assistance with a real estate matter only, then we only recommend a limited real estate power of attorney). There is the Florida Medical Power of Attorney and a Florida Power of Attorney for financial matters.
Examples of the uses of the Florida Power of Attorney:
- Give another person the right to sell a house, car or personal property on behalf of the Power of Attorney Maker;
- Allow another person to sign a contract for the maker of the Power of Attorney;
- Grant another person authority to make decisions involving healthcare, financial transactions and the signing of legal documents;
- Grant another person the right to obtain medical records.
- Grant another person the right to apply for public assistance benefits
- Grant another person the right to make gifts
Power of Attorney Abuse
One source of litigation surrounding these documents relates to abuse. Abuse of a Power of Attorney can include:
- fraud
- self dealing
- embezzlement
- unlawful gifting
- depletion of an estate
- changing beneficiary designations on life insurance or annuities
- opening bank accounts with joint title or pay on death provisions in favor of the agent.
Like most Florida estate plan documents, a Power of Attorney is a complicated legal document and there are many issues with their preparation and use. The good news is, that most experienced Florida attorneys will not charge more than $350.00 for the preparation of a basic power of attorney. However, prices may vary depending on the level of complication for a particular matter.
If you are considering a Power of Attorney as a part of your estate plan, it is advisable to contact an experienced Florida real estate or estate planning attorney. If you would like to find out more information about a Florida power of attorney, please contact Larry Tolchinsky today for a free consultation.
Larry prepares powers of attorney for clients located in Hallandale, Hollywood, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Weston, Davie, North Miami Beach, Dania Beach and all other cities in Miami-Dade and Broward County.
Get Help From an Attorney Experienced With Powers of Attorney
Contact Larry to find out how he can help you. You can contact him by phone at 954-458-8655 or by e-mail through this web site to schedule an appointment and learn more about a Florida Power of Attorney.
Want to Know More?
To learn more from Larry and to see all of the probate matters he can help with, read his Probate Lawyer page.
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