Durable Power of Attorney: Protecting Your Decisions and Your Assets in Central Florida
At Marissa Petillo Law, we believe that true peace of mind comes from knowing that someone you trust can step in to help manage your affairs if you become unable to do so yourself. While many people focus on what happens after they pass away, thoughtful estate planning also addresses the possibility of incapacity during your lifetime.
If you were to become unexpectedly ill or injured, who could help manage your financial and legal affairs? A properly prepared Durable Power of Attorney allows you to designate someone you trust to act on your behalf within the authority you grant them. Having this planning in place can help provide continuity and may reduce the need for court involvement if you later become unable to manage your affairs.
Based in Winter Garden, Marissa Petillo Law provides personalized estate planning guidance to families throughout Central Florida, including Windermere, Clermont, and The Villages. We help you create a plan that reflects your circumstances, your priorities, and the people you trust to help when you need it most.
What Is a Florida Durable Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows you, as the principal, to authorize another person, known as your agent, to act on your behalf. A Durable Power of Attorney is designed to remain effective even if you later become incapacitated, subject to the terms of the document and Florida law.
The authority given to your agent depends on the powers specifically granted in your Power of Attorney. Depending on your circumstances, those powers may include authority to help manage financial, property, business, and other legal matters during your lifetime.
Financial Management
Depending on the authority granted, your agent may help manage bank accounts, pay bills, oversee investments, and handle other financial matters.
Real Estate
Your agent may be authorized to manage, buy, sell, lease, or otherwise handle real property on your behalf.
Business Operations
If authorized, your agent may help manage business interests and handle business matters during your lifetime.
Legal & Tax Matters
Your agent may be authorized to handle certain legal, tax, insurance, and administrative matters on your behalf.
Why Florida Families Need a Professionally Drafted POA
Florida has specific statutory requirements governing Powers of Attorney under Chapter 709 of the Florida Statutes. In addition to the general execution requirements, certain powers must be specifically granted in the Power of Attorney rather than assumed from broad language.
A carefully prepared Power of Attorney can help ensure that the authority you intend to give your agent is clearly documented and properly executed under Florida law. This can be especially important when your agent may need to work with financial institutions, real estate professionals, government agencies, or other organizations on your behalf.
By working with Marissa Petillo Law, you gain:
Proper Execution
We help ensure your Power of Attorney is properly signed, witnessed, and notarized in accordance with Florida law.
Tailored Authority
We customize the powers granted to your agent based on your circumstances, priorities, and the authority you want to provide.
Incapacity Planning
A properly prepared Durable Power of Attorney can help your chosen agent manage your affairs if you become unable to do so yourself.
A Heart-Centered Approach to Planning
We understand that thinking about incapacity can feel uncomfortable. As a boutique firm, we take the time to listen to your concerns, explain your options in plain English, and help you make decisions with greater confidence.
Whether you are a young parent in Horizon West thinking ahead for your family or a retiree in The Villages looking to organize your affairs, we provide thoughtful, personalized guidance based on your circumstances, priorities, and goals.
Part of Your Comprehensive Estate Plan
A Durable Power of Attorney can work alongside your Revocable Living Trust and healthcare directives as part of a comprehensive estate plan. Each document serves a different purpose, helping address different aspects of managing your financial affairs, assets, and healthcare decisions during your lifetime.
| Document Type | Primary Purpose |
|---|---|
| Durable Power of Attorney | Authorizes a trusted agent to handle financial and legal matters on your behalf during your lifetime. |
| Healthcare Surrogate | Designates a person to make healthcare decisions for you when you are unable to make or communicate those decisions yourself. |
| Living Will | Documents your wishes concerning life-prolonging procedures in the circumstances addressed by Florida law. |
Ready to Plan With Peace of Mind?
A Durable Power of Attorney can be an important part of planning for the unexpected. Schedule a Peace of Mind Planning Session today to discuss your circumstances, your goals, and how a Durable Power of Attorney may fit into your comprehensive estate plan.
Marissa Petillo Law
Serving individuals and families in Winter Garden, Windermere, Horizon West, Ocoee, Clermont, The Villages, Lady Lake, Leesburg, Wildwood, and surrounding Central Florida communities.
Call or Text: (407) 219-9107