Stuart, FL Estate Planning Attorneys

Helping clients create a living will and durable power of attorney throughout the Treasure Coast of Florida

Creating an estate plan and having an official will are important steps for people of any age – especially those with children or other dependents. But protecting yourself and your loved ones goes beyond a standard will or trust. What will happen to your finances if you become mentally or physically incapacitated? Who will make medical decisions for you?

The seasoned St. Lucie County estate planning lawyers at Treasure Coast Legal can assist you in creating the strategic legal documents necessary to protect you in the event you are alive but unable to make decisions for yourself. Two of the legal instruments available to you are the durable power of attorney and a living will.

St. Lucie County Durable Power of Attorney Law Firm

The durable power of attorney may be one of the most useful estate planning tools available. It allows you to appoint a person to act in your place (in other words, as the “principal”) for financial purposes if you become incapacitated. If you do not have a durable power of attorney in place and become mentally or physically incapacitated, the court may appoint a conservator or guardian to represent you and your interests.

When you appoint a power of attorney, you may make it limited or general. This allows you to put restrictions on the rights your power of attorney has. For instance, a limited power of attorney may give your designee the right to sign checks for you. However, a general power of attorney is comprehensive and essentially gives your “agent” or “attorney-in-fact” all of the powers and rights that you have.

Regardless of which option you choose, the person you name as your power of attorney should be someone you trust. And even then it may be a good idea to keep their powers limited and have them handle your affairs through a guardianship or conservatorship. An experienced estate planning lawyer like the attorneys at Treasure Coast Legal can explain all of your options in-depth and answer any questions you may have as they help you determine the appropriate capacity in which to name a durable power of attorney.

Skilled St. Lucie County Living Wills Attorney

A living will is a legal document that outlines the type of medical care you want, including your end-of-life preferences. It is used to express your wishes in the event you are incapacitated and unable to make your own decisions regarding your medical care. If you are getting older, have a serious or even terminal illness, or simply have strong feelings about the type of care you wish to receive at the end of your life, you may want to consider a living will. Without a living will, your family could be forced to make difficult decisions regarding your care. Making your preferences clear through a living will or other advance directive relieves them of this burden.

Contact Our St. Lucie County, FL Estate Planning Lawyers

Why leave your legal, financial or medical decisions in the hands of the courts or a trusted loved one who is unaware of your preferences? Let the dedicated Florida estate planning attorneys at Treasure Coast Legal create the power of attorney or living will that fits your needs. Contact us to speak with an accomplished St. Lucie County, FL estate planning attorney. Call us today at (772) 621-2898.