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[ No Comments ] Posted on 05.18.10 under CAR ACCIDENTS, CHILDREN, Power of Attorney, SAFETY, Uncategorized, WILLS AND ESTATES
Every parent has had at least one person say “they grow up before you know it”. This is true in many ways. Very few people would say an 18 year old is an adult. However, for purposes of Florida law they are an adult. More importantly, the parent no longer has the right to any information about the child– even if they still live at home. If your child is hurt in an accident, the parent has no right to information and no right to participate in any decision regarding the child.
The only way a parent can assist the child is if the child has executed powers of attorney. No one wants to think of their child being hurt or incapacitated, but preparation is the best you can do for your child. Every person over age 18, regardless of financial circumstances, needs a durable power of attorney and medical power of attorney. With Summer at the doorstep and kids heading off to school and jobs (often out of state), the time to act is now.
Tracy Troutman Cheek at Billings, Morgan & Boatwright offers a special Power of Attorney package for young adults that costs only $100. Call Tracy at 407-679-9900 for an appointment.
[ No Comments ] Posted on 09.03.09 under CAR ACCIDENTS, CATASTROPHIC INJURIES, DAMAGE CONTROL, MOTORCYCLES, PROBATE LITIGATION, WILLS AND ESTATES
Everyone faces risks every day of their life. Some risks are small and some large. The risk of injury while riding a motorcycle unfortunately has increased over the last few years. If you were severely injured and could not handle your own affairs, what would you do? To a limited extent a spouse can manage your affairs, but what if you are single? A parent or sibling or child does not have an automatic right in Florida to step in and handle things.
What you can do is prepare Powers of Attorney and designate who will help you if you are incapacitated. We recommend that every adult have three important documents. First, everyone needs a Durable Power of Attorney. This allows someone chosen by you to handle all of your financial affairs. They can pay bills, manage money and represent your interests. Second, each person should have a Medical Power of Attorney. A medical power permits someone chosen by you to make your medical decisions if you are unable to do so. They can talk with doctors, move you to another hospital, and even deal with health insurance if necessary. Finally, every person needs a living will. The living will lets everyone know your wishes if you have a terminal illness or have suffered a massive brain injury and cannot live without machines.
What happens if you do not have these documents and the unthinkable happens? In Florida, a guardianship must be obtained from the court. Guardianships cost thousands of dollars versus a couple of hundred for Powers of Attorney. With a little planning, you can be covered.
[ No Comments ] Posted on 07.06.08 under ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES, CAR ACCIDENTS, CATASTROPHIC INJURIES, DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS CLAIMS, PROBATE LITIGATION, PROPERTY ACCIDENTS, TRUCKING ACCIDENTS, WILLS AND ESTATES, WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIMS
Information coming soon