Power of Attorney (POA)
A durable power of attorney (POA) document allows you to designate someone to serve as your agent to have general authority in making financial decisions on your behalf. This document is effective immediately upon execution. "Durable" means that it remains in effect even if you become incapacitated. "Incapacity" is your inability to take the necessary actions to obtain, administer and dispose of your real and personal property.
Sweeping changes have taken place with the new Durable Power of Attorney statute in Florida, which went into effect on October 1, 2011, and it applies to all power of attorneys regardless of when they were executed.
While there are several other changes that were made to the new POA statute, the following highlights a few of the important ones.
No More Springing POA: Under the existing statute, a "springing" POA takes effect only when you lose capacity, as certified by your primary physician. Under the new POA statute, the POA is effective immediately once it's signed regardless of future incapacity.
Co-Agents Act Independently: Under the existing POA statute, if you designate two or more agents to act on your behalf, unless the POA provides otherwise, the co-agent must act together. Under the new POA statute, each co-agent named may exercise his or her authority independently. Of course, if you want joint action, then the POA must state your intentions.
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"Thank you, Ed Wollman and Team."Ed Wollman had been my father's attorney for years and reviewed his documents with him faithfully every five years. Before my dad went into Hospice, Ed and his team were a great source of information and comfort during a difficult time. After his passing it was made easier navigating closing the estate with his team and words of encouragement. The value of knowing that everything was handled in the courts was a huge relief. Thank you, Ed Wollman and Team.- Lilla P.
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"Very professional and trustworthy."Helps to navigate through tough decisions and speaks in laymen terms for those of us who are not educated in the financial and legal world. I would refer Ed Wollman to everyone. He’s my favorite lawyer, ever! Jo-Ann Hendrickx has been more than an asset to the firm, she wears many hats and glides through all of them with ease. She is always available for us, and we are grateful for her concscience effort to help us in any way possible. We Love Her!- Michelle C.
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"The office of Wollman Gehrke & Associates does an excellent job in a professional manner. Jo-Ann Hendrickx is an asset to the firm with her friendly manner and depth of knowledge."The office of Wollman Gehrke & Associates does an excellent job in a professional manner. Jo-Ann Hendrickx is an asset to the firm with her friendly manner and depth of knowledge.- Amy Havig
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"I highly recommend them!"Ed Wollman and his team are very knowledgeable attorneys who handle their clients with great care. The office manager, Jo-Ann Hendrickx is a true asset to the firm as she is dedicated, hard working and always looking out for everyone's best interests.- Kim R.
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"Ed Wollman and his team did a wonderful job with our estate planning. He took the time to make my family and I feel comfortable throughout the process. We are very grateful."Ed Wollman and his team did a wonderful job with our estate planning. He took the time to make my family and I feel comfortable throughout the process. We are very grateful.- Goldie James
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"They went above and beyond"The most professional and understanding organization, especially during these troubling times. They went above and beyond to to hurdle through many roadblocks to resolve my family’s affairs.- Tom R.
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"Ruthanne (my wife) and I worked with Ed Wollman on our estate plans - he was wonderful! Ed explained everything in a manner we could understand and followed through until we signed the documents. He's been available to answer any questions we had."Ruthanne (my wife) and I worked with Ed Wollman on our estate plans - he was wonderful! Ed explained everything in a manner we could understand and followed through until we signed the documents. He's been available to answer any questions we had. I certainly recommend Wollman, Gehrke & Associates!- Ken Ginsberg
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"We highly recommend their expertise."The office is very professional and easy to work with. Every aspect of our planning was explained in layman's terms with some humor. Our revised trust plus all documents written by them.- Douglass P.