Miami Power of Attorney Lawyer

Powers of attorney are critical documents that everyone should create to give them peace of mind, knowing that their assets and medical needs will be taken care of, should they ever be unable to handle those issues on their own. Contact a Miami power of attorney lawyer here at the Law Offices of Gonzalo Funes, PA to learn more about how we can help.

Why Do I Need a Miami Power of Attorney Lawyer?

When creating a power of attorney, two things are critical: appointing a person you wholeheartedly trust to act as your agent, and hiring a seasoned estate planning lawyer who can competently craft your power of attorney. Failing to check both of these boxes may put the validity and efficacy of the document in jeopardy.

Common Types of Powers of Attorney

As you can imagine, there are various types of powers of attorney that an individual can create, though perhaps the two most common types of powers of attorney are as follows:

• Financial power of attorney: A financial power of attorney will give a trusted individual (known as the agent) the right to make certain key financial decisions on your behalf while you are unable to do so on your own. These decisions can include managing your bank account, handling your tax returns, managing your business (if applicable), and more.
• Healthcare power of attorney: A healthcare power of attorney will give the agent you appoint the right to make certain medical decisions on your behalf, should you be unable to do so on your own.

You should note that both of these powers of attorney can either be “durable” or “non-durable.” When you sign a non-durable power of attorney, the agent will have the legal right to make certain decisions on your behalf, though this power of attorney will generally end when/if you become incapacitated. On the other hand, a durable power of attorney will take effect as soon as you become incapacitated, giving the agent the legal right to begin making certain critical financial and medical decisions on your behalf.

Living Wills

A living will is something that many people write up to document their wishes for life-sustaining treatments if they are ever in a terminal condition, such as a vegetative state. In this case, some people would prefer to be kept alive, while others would wish not to be placed on ventilators or feeding tubes if those treatments would only ultimately prolong death. Of course, nobody ever wants to imagine such a thing happening, drafting a living will while you are still capable can ensure that your wishes are carried out, should such a situation ever arise.

When Should You Update Your Power of Attorney

Life changes quickly, and it is a good idea to review or update your power of attorney after major events such as remarriage, divorce, the sale of a home, a move to another state, new health concerns, or a change in the person you want to serve as your agent. Revoking or replacing a prior document must be done correctly, and your attorney can guide you through that process.

Contact Our Miami, FL Power of Attorney Lawyer

Powers of attorney and living wills are very important documents that should be a part of every estate plan, and our firm is here to help you create one. Contact the Law Offices of Gonzalo Funes, PA today so we can get started.