Durable Power of Attorney

The Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) allows you to appoint someone to handle important decisions about your finances, business, and legal matters in the case that you are incapable of doing so. This person is then called your “agent” or your “attorney-in-fact.” Without a Durable Power of Attorney the court will appoint someone to make these decisions for you.

 Power of Attorney for Health Care

Power of Attorney for Health Care, or Medical Power of Attorney, allows you to name some you trust to oversee your care and make medical decisions for you if you become unable.

A Health Care Surrogate Designation is a document in which the principal designates someone else to make health care decisions if the principal is unable to make those decisions. Unlike a Power of Attorney, a health care surrogate decision-maker has no authority to act until such time as the attending physician has determined the principal lacks the capacity to make informed health care decisions.

Durable Power of Attorney is an important part of the Estate Planning process, but it is only one piece. Though it assigns someone to take care of your financial, business, and legal affairs if at any time you become incapacitated, it does not apply after your death.

Filling out an on-line form regarding these important rights is not advisable.  Obtain legal counsel to help you craft a document that you are comfortable with and meets your needs.

Melissa O’Connor, P.A. can guide you through this process.  Our experience will help you not only draft a document you are comfortable with, but help you identify the most appropriate person to designate to be your agent at your time of most need.

Call 954-637-1300 or email us at [email protected]