Decide if a healthcare or medical power of attorney is necessary. A healthcare or medical power of attorney gives your agent the right to make medical decisions on your behalf. These decisions might include choosing the facility to treat you, authorizing surgeries and medical procedures, and allowing treatment as recommended by medical professionals. A medical power of attorney only goes into effect when you are incapacitated due to your medical condition and unable to make decisions about your medical care on your own.[7]
You have to decide the role each vehicle will serve in your estate. One basic choice is to own most assets in your name and determine their distribution through your will. The alternative is to have a revocable living trust own most of your assets and have the terms of the trust agreement determine how assets are distributed. The best choice for one person might not be best for another.
A will is a legal document created to provide instructions on how an individual’s property and custody of minor children, if any, should be handled after death. The individual expresses their wishes through the document and names a trustee or executor that they trust to fulfill their stated intentions. The will also indicates whether a trust should be created after death. Depending on the estate owner’s intentions, a trust can go into effect during their lifetime (living trust) or after their death (testamentary trust).
Florida Department of Elder Affairs: The DOEA is a helpful resource on a variety of issues relating to aging. The general jurisdiction, mission and purpose of the department are found in Chapter 430 of the Florida Statutes. The DOEA maintains the Elder Helpline, a statewide toll-free number 1-800-96ELDER, as well as a website located at http://elderaffairs.state.fl.us/index.php . The department also co-sponsors publication of the “Older Floridians Handbook.”
The Law Office of Adam I. Skolnik, P.A. has built a reputation on delivering excellence in broad-based legal services for individuals and businesses in the communities throughout the South Florida area. Integrating a wealth of experience with legal know-how, our firm is dedicated to fighting for our clients in and out of the courtroom. While we make every effort to find practical solutions and avoid the expense of litigation, when necessary to protect your best interests and meet your objectives, we are always prepared to go to trial. After graduating with honors from the University of Florida, Attorney Adam I. Skolnik attended Brooklyn ... View Profile
