Power of Attorney in Palm Bay, Florida

Find the right Power of Attorney attorney in Palm Bay, FL

In Palm Bay, Florida, power of attorney is an arrangement in which one person (the principal) gives another (the attorney-in-fact) the ability to act on the principal's behalf in specific situations, and under specific conditions. Power of attorney might be granted for any number of reasons, but it is most frequently set up to allow the attorney-in-fact to make financial and medical decisions on the principal's behalf in the event that the principal becomes incapacitated.

Any power-of-attorney arrangement creates the possibility that the attorney-in-fact will abuse the power he or she has been granted, and it's simply not feasible to completely eliminate this possibility. It can be minimized, however, by giving the attorney the bare minimum amount of authority needed to carry out your wishes, and making your wishes known in writing (with copies held by at least one other person) well in advance. When granting power of attorney, you can usually grant as much authority as you want, so you need to be very careful, and only give this legal authority to somebody you know and trust. Also, you should consider your circumstances and objectives when determining what type of power to grant.

For example, if you have very specific desires for your end-of-life care, but are worried that you won't be able to express your wishes when the time comes, you can grant someone power of attorney in advance, so they'll be able to ensure that your wishes are carried out, if necessary. You should draft an agreement giving the attorney-in-fact power of attorney only in the event that you truly become incapacitated. Presumably, if you are able to make and express your own medical decisions, you'll want to do it yourself.

In Palm Bay, Florida, you can probably find pre-printed forms at office supply stores available for purchase. They already have the basic terms of a power-of-attorney agreement written, and just require the parties to fill in the blanks with names, dates, and a few other details.

Types of Power of Attorney Arrangements in Palm Bay, Florida

In Palm Bay, Florida, power of attorney can take three general forms. They are as follows:

1. Limited power of attorney - this is the most limited form of power of attorney. It lets the attorney-in-fact exercise his or her power once, and in only one instance (laid out by the principal, of course). This is typically used in business deals, if it is not convenient for the actual party to a deal to be physically present for the signing of some documents, it can be done through an attorney-in-fact. You simply need to give them the power to sign the paperwork on your behalf, and it will be just as binding as if you had signed the documents yourself.

2. Durable power of attorney - unlike limited power of attorney, discussed above, this does not automatically expire, though the principal can end it at any time. It is typically not limited to a single transaction, either. Rather, it covers a broader subject matter, though it still has limits. For example, you could give someone durable power of attorney to make medical decisions for you, but they would only be permitted to act in that context.

3. Springing power of attorney - under this arrangement, the attorney-in-fact does not get power of attorney until the happening of some stated event. The specified event is typically the incapacity or disability of the principal, though it can be virtually any event you wish. You should be aware, however, that it is not always clear when the principal has become sufficiently "disabled" for the power of attorney to take effect. This question sometimes has to be determined by a court, which can be costly and time-consuming.

Can a Palm Bay, Florida Lawyer Help?

While setting up power of attorney in Palm Bay, Florida can be simple, there are some cases in which it will inevitably be complicated. In such cases, the process will be much easier if you have a knowledgeable attorney to help you along the way.

Talk to a Wills, Trusts & Estates Law Attorney now!

Life in Palm Bay

Palm Bay, Florida is the largest city in Brevard County. Its population is approximately 101,000 as of a 2008 Census estimate.

The earliest European settlers to arrive in the area now known as Palm Bay showed up in 1850, building homes along Turkey Creek. By the late 1800s, there was a lumber mill, a packing house, orange groves, and several other industries in Palm Bay. However, growth was quite slow during that period. This changed in 1894, with the arrival of the railroad in Palm Bay.

Modernly, Palm Bay's economy is largely based around tourism. Because it is right on the Atlantic coast, and enjoys a warm, subtropical climate, it is popular among visitors, as well as people who wish to relocate, particularly retirees.

Palm Bay is also home to the Turkey Creek Sanctuary, a small nature preserve that showcases Florida's natural beauty. It is home to many native wildlife species, turtles, alligators, and dozens of types of birds. It has trails for hiking, bicycling, and jogging. The eponymous creek is an important breeding area for both freshwater and saltwater fish.

If you live in Palm Bay, Florida, and need an attorney, chances are good that you'll be able to find one. There are plenty of Palm Bay, Florida attorneys who can help you with whatever legal issues you may be facing.

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