Did you know a Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal instrument that grants an individual the authority to act on behalf of another person in various matters, including financial and healthcare decisions? In the context of marriage, it’s common for couples to wonder whether a spouse power of attorney is automatically granted over the spouse’s affairs or if they have to complete legal planning. In Florida, as in many other states, the concept of an “automatic” power of attorney for spouses is a misconception that needs clarification. Were you aware that a Florida power of attorney is a legal document that authorizes one person to act on behalf of another person? The person who is acting is usually referred to as the “agent” or “attorney-in-fact” while the person creating the document is the “principal.” This authority can be broad or limited, covering financial, legal, healthcare, and other specific matters. This Florida estate planning tool allows the agent to make decisions and take actions as outlined in the document, but it’s important to note that a Florida power of attorney does not grant the agent the status of a co-owner or a spouse with automatic decision-making powers. Did you realize that in Florida, marriage itself does not automatically confer spouse power of attorney rights upon a spouse? While marriage does establish a legal relationship with certain inherent rights and responsibilities, it does not grant automatic authority over the financial and healthcare decisions of a spouse. Spouses who wish to have this authority must explicitly create a power of attorney document. This becomes especially important if you want your spouse to be able to have the authority to manage financial matters on your behalf. These financial tasks can include, but not be limited to, tasks such as handling bank accounts, paying bills, managing investments, and even selling property. Without a power of attorney, a spouse has no inherent right to access or control the other spouse’s financial affairs. Are you mindful that another important planning consideration focuses on durability? You may have heard the term “durable” power of attorney. A Florida durable power of attorney remains valid even if the principal becomes incapacitated. It is particularly important for situations where the principal may be unable to make decisions due to illness, incapacity, or injury. Do you want to avoid potential complications and uncertainties in the future? Then individuals need to plan by creating a comprehensive Florida power of attorney with their experienced Florida estate planning attorney. This is especially important for spouses who want to ensure that their partner can act on their behalf if the need arises. Waiting until a crisis occurs could lead to legal and logistical challenges as one must have the capacity to create this document, making an already difficult situation even more stressful. In summary, a spouse does not automatically possess a power of attorney over their partner’s affairs solely due to marriage. Individuals must understand that the Florida power of attorney is a separate legal document that must be established intentionally. By proactively creating the appropriate power of attorney documents with their experienced Florida estate planning attorney, couples can ensure they are prepared for unforeseen circumstances and that their wishes will be respected and carried out by their chosen agent. Your durable power of attorney is a powerful and important tool to add to your estate planning arsenal. We know this article may raise more questions than it answers. Our estate planning law firm takes a very different approach from what you might have come to expect. Our goal is to create lifelong relationships with each of our clients and to guide and manage your legacy for the rest of your life. Please contact our offices in Stuart and in Palm City to learn more. Law Offices of John Mangan, PAPalm City-Stuart, FLCALL: 1 (772) 218-0480 Do you question the need for attorney guidance with so many online resources? Because laws and regulations are complex, and because every person has a lot at risk, more people than ever are seeking professional guidance from an experienced, knowledgeable source. That helps explain the rapid growth of our firm. Whether you happened upon this website by accident or are one of the many referrals we receive from a nearly 15-year collection of satisfied clients, our staff can provide customized estate planning guidance for you. Call us. Our number: 1 (772) 218-0480 Written by: John Mangan, JD, MBA
