Including A Power Of Attorney In Your South Florida Estate Plan

My name is Nelson C. Keshen. I have dedicated my legal career and practice to providing comprehensive estate planning and probate services to individuals and families in South Florida. With an office in Miami, I have been assisting clients with their estate planning needs for over 40 years. While creating or revising your estate plan can feel overwhelming, I am here to provide legal guidance through every aspect. This includes assessing your needs, explaining and creating powers of attorney.

What Is A Power Of Attorney?

A power of attorney is a legal document. This tool designates someone to step in to act on your behalf in financial or medical matters if it becomes necessary. This person is known as your agent or attorney-in-fact. If you become unable to handle your affairs due to illness or injury, with a power of attorney, someone you trust is there to manage them for you. As your estate planning attorney, I can help you create powers of attorney that reflect your wishes and also protect your interests.

What Are The Different Types Of Powers Of Attorney, And What Does Each Allow?

There are several types of powers of attorney, each designed for specific situations:

• Durable power of attorney: A durable power of attorney remains effective even if you become incapacitated. In other words, your affairs can be managed without interruption.
• General power of attorney: A general power of attorney grants broad authority to your agent to handle a wide range of financial and legal matters.
• Limited power of attorney: A limited power of attorney specifies the exact powers you are granting to your agent. It also identifies a specific timeframe the agent can act on your behalf.
• Medical power of attorney: A medical power of attorney is also known as a health care proxy. A medical power of attorney often works with health care directives and allows your agent to make medical decisions on your behalf. 

As a South Florida power of attorney lawyer, I can help you determine which type of power of attorney best suits your needs.

Important Considerations When Designating A Power Of Attorney

When choosing someone to act as your agent, you should select someone you: 

• Trust implicitly
• Someone who is responsible
• Someone who understands your values and wishes 

Consider discussing your estate plan with them to make sure they are willing and able to take on the responsibility. I also advise my clients to consider family dynamics, geographical proximity and the potential for conflicts of interest when making this important decision.

Consult A Miami Power Of Attorney Lawyer

I am available to discuss your estate planning needs. Together, we can create powers of attorney that protect your interests. To schedule an initial consultation, you can call me at 305-517-3577 or send me a message through my website.