Leesburg Power of Attorney Lawyer

A Power of Attorney is an Important Part of an Estate Plan in Leesburg

At Marshall Law, our Leesburg power of attorney attorney has the knowledge, skills, and legal experience that you can rely on. If you have any specific questions or concerns about the power of attorney, we are here to help you navigate the legal process. You do not have to figure out everything on your own. A POA is a critically important estate planning document. If you do not have one set up, you are vulnerable. Our Leesburg, FL estate planning lawyer can help. Contact us today to set up a fully confidential, no obligation initial consultation. 

What is a Power of Attorney (POA)?

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that grants a trusted person the authority to act on your behalf in financial, legal, or medical matters. The person you appoint is called your “agent” or “attorney-in-fact.” It is a very important estate planning tool. 

The Lack of POA Leaves You Vulnerable

Although it can be uncomfortable to think about, incapacity planning is an important aspect of estate planning. There may come a time when you are not in a position to effectively manage your own financial, legal, and/or health affairs. That could be a temporary or permanent state. During life’s most challenging times, it is imperative that you have a proper plan in place. Without a valid POA, you have no one with legal authority to manage your affairs if you become incapacitated

Types of Power of Attorney in Florida

A power of attorney (POA) is not “one” thing in Florida. Under state law, there are actually a number of different types of POA. They can be used to achieve different purposes. Here is an overview of your options for setting up a POA in Florida: 

• Durable Power of Attorney: A durable power of attorney remains in effect even if the principal becomes incapacitated. In Florida, it is a type of POA that must include specific language stating that it survives the principal’s incapacity to be legally valid. If you are using POA as an estate planning tool, it should be a durable POA. 
• General Power of Attorney: A general power of attorney grants broad authority to the agent to handle a wide range of financial and legal matters. It is typically used for convenience. However, it is important to know that it becomes void if the principal becomes incapacitated unless it is made durable.
• Limited (Special) Power of Attorney: A limited power of attorney authorizes the agent to act on the principal’s behalf for a specific task or for a limited time. It is commonly used for transactions such as selling property or managing affairs during a temporary absence. It could be used as an estate planning tool, though a durable POA is more common. 
• Medical Power of Attorney  Health Care Surrogate): Finally, Florida law allows people to name a health care surrogate to make medical decisions if they are unable to do so. It is a type of POA that is essential for ensuring that your healthcare preferences are honored during periods of incapacity. 

John Marshall is a Top Leesburg Estate Planning Attorney

I am John Marshall, a Leesburg estate planning lawyer who has extensive experience helping clients set up the power of attorney. As a devoted advocate for the people and families that I work with, I always take the time to understand your situation and help you develop the plan of action that makes the most sense. You do not have to figure out everything on your own. With me as your Leesburg POA lawyer, you will get access to advocate who can: 

• Hear what you have to say and answer questions about your case; 
• Guide you through the POA paperwork; 
• Help you set up the POA that is right for your needs; and
• Work with you to create a more comprehensive estate plan.

Power of Attorney in Leesburg: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)