Life is unpredictable, and there may come a time when you are unable to manage your finances or make medical decisions for yourself. A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Without a POA in place, your family may face legal complications, delays, and costly court proceedings to gain control over your affairs.

At Elderly Care Law Firm, we help individuals and families create customized Power of Attorney documents to ensure their financial and medical needs are handled by someone they trust.

What is a Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows someone (called the agent or attorney-in-fact) to act on behalf of another person (the principal) in financial or medical matters. There are different types of POAs, including:

• Durable Power of Attorney – Remains in effect even if you become incapacitated
• Financial Power of Attorney – Gives someone authority over financial matters such as bank accounts, property, and bill payments
• Medical Power of Attorney (also known as a Health Care Surrogate) – Allows someone to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to do so
• Limited Power of Attorney – Grants authority for specific tasks or time periods, such as managing real estate transactions while you’re out of the country

Why is a Power of Attorney Important?

If you become incapacitated due to illness, injury, or aging, and do not have a Power of Attorney in place, your family may have to go to court to obtain guardianship before they can handle your affairs. This process can be:

• Expensive – Court proceedings and attorney fees can add up
• Time-consuming – It may take months before your loved ones can make decisions for you
• Emotionally stressful – Family members may disagree over who should be in charge

A Power of Attorney ensures that someone you trust is legally authorized to manage your affairs without delays or legal battles.

Does a Power of Attorney Expire?

In Florida, a Power of Attorney remains valid until revoked or until the principal passes away. However, certain types of POAs (such as limited POAs) expire after a set period.

Who Should Have a Power of Attorney?

Every adult should have a Power of Attorney, especially if they:

• Want to choose who makes decisions for them in case of incapacity
• Have a chronic illness or disability that may worsen over time
• Travel frequently and need someone to handle financial matters
• Are undergoing a high-risk surgery or medical treatment

A Power of Attorney is not just for seniors—even younger adults should have one in place to protect themselves in case of unexpected emergencies.

Can a Power of Attorney Be Revoked or Changed?

Yes! As long as you are mentally competent, you can revoke or update your Power of Attorney at any time. Reasons to update a POA include:

• A change in marital status (divorce, marriage)
• A change in financial situation or assets
• Moving to another state with different legal requirements
• The death or incapacity of your chosen agent

How Can an Attorney Help with a Power of Attorney?

Creating a legally valid Power of Attorney is essential to ensure it is recognized by banks, healthcare providers, and financial institutions. At Elderly Care Law Firm, we:

• Draft customized Power of Attorney documents based on your needs
• Ensure your POA complies with Florida law
• Provide guidance on choosing the right agent
• Help update or revoke outdated POAs

Without a Power of Attorney, your loved ones may face costly legal battles just to gain control of your affairs. Protect your future today—call Elderly Care Law Firm at (305) 836-4697 for a consultation.