Get Advice on Powers of Attorney from an Experienced Estate Planning Lawyer

More than 40 years of helping people craft strong powers of attorney in Sarasota and Bradenton, Florida

As we age, we may become unable to manage our financial affairs. A power of attorney is an agreement under which you as the “principal” provide a certain amount of authority to another person, referred to as the “agent.” The agent can handle your financial matters and deal with banks and other financial institutions and others to whom you may owe money. The duties of the agent are defined by the document, which can be written as broadly or narrowly as you see fit. At Lyons, Beaudry & Harrison, P.A. in Sarasota County, our skilled attorneys draft these powers of attorney documents based on your unique needs and wishes.

The various types of powers of attorney

There are a number of different options when setting up a power of attorney, and the right one for you may depend on your situation, assets and potential heirs. Regardless, it remains a critical part of establishing estate plans. The different types of these arrangements, usually set up with a healthcare directive and living will, include the following:

• Limited power of attorney. This agreement gives the agent power to undertake specific and limited actions on your behalf, such as selling a house or vehicle.
• General power of attorney. This is a much broader agreement that allows the agent to perform a variety of legal acts on your behalf. The agent’s exact responsibilities must be carefully outlined in the document.
• Durable power of attorney. Unlike most legal agreements, a durable power of attorney remains effective even if the principal who created it becomes incapacitated. The agreement must still clearly define the agent’s responsibilities.

What is the process of setting up a power of attorney?

A power of attorney agreement is a complex and powerful legal tool that should be created by a knowledgeable lawyer. The agreement must be signed by the principal and two witnesses, and it needs to be notarized to be valid. Our Sarasota County attorneys help you draft a power of attorney agreement that gives you peace of mind for your future.

Make an appointment with a Florida power of attorney lawyer today

Before creating a power of attorney document, contact the lawyers at Lyons, Beaudry & Harrison. You can reach us by phone at 941-444-6407 or contact us online. Our offices are located on Main Street in Sarasota.