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Elder Law Attorneys – Creating Peace of Mind for All Generations

Power of Attorney

Experienced Power of Attorney Lawyer in Florida

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?

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) 564-6606 for a consultation.

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Sherrie Lim

Client Services Coordinator

Sherrie Ann Lim brings over twelve years of customer service experience and a strong background in team leadership and client support. Although she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy, her career path led her to the dynamic world of the contact center industry, where she discovered a deep passion for service, communication, and operational excellence. 

Sherrie is known for her perseverance, enthusiasm, and confident sense of responsibility. She consistently delivers high-quality results, efficiently managing tasks while remaining flexible to the evolving needs of her clients. Her commitment to continuous improvement and excellence positions her as a trusted ally for businesses seeking proactive and reliable virtual support. 

Drawing from her college background, Sherrie has a deeper understanding of the physical and emotional needs associated with aging, making her especially attuned to the importance of compassionate and informed care for the elderly. She recognizes that elder care isn’t just about physical support, it also involves emotional presence, patience, and clear communication. Her strong appreciation for family ties fuels her commitment to helping clients manage the intricacies of elder care with empathy and attentiveness, ensuring that elderly loved ones feel respected, safe, and truly cared for. 

 

She loves taking care of her family during her rest days and free time, finding joy in the simple yet meaningful routines of home life. Whether it’s preparing home-cooked meals, baking sweet treats for her kids, or tackling household projects, Sherrie finds fulfillment in creating a nurturing and organized environment for her family. Whenever time and opportunity allow, she also enjoys traveling with her family, exploring new places, creating lasting memories, and embracing experiences that strengthen their bond and bring joy into their lives. 

Fun Fact: Sherrie’s two kids were born on the exact same date—two years apart! 

May Cruz

Client Services Coordinator

May began her community service career with the Philippine Department of Health as a Computer Operator, providing vital technical support to healthcare workers across island provinces and helping to bridge technology gaps in remote medical settings. Her commitment to service extended beyond her official duties—she also volunteered in medical missions, assisting indigenous communities and contributing to the delivery of essential healthcare with empathy and cultural sensitivity. 

Continuing her dedication to public service, May later worked at a law firm as a Disability Service Coordinator, assisting military veterans in navigating disability services. She brought empathy, compassion, and heart to the role, ensuring that each veteran felt heard, respected, and supported throughout the process. 

With a unique blend of technical expertise and human-centered care, May remains deeply committed to using her skills to uplift underserved and vulnerable communities. 

Fun Fact: Despite not knowing how to swim, May is a certified open water diver. Her adventurous spirit and determination push her beyond her comfort zone—both in life and under the sea.