durable power of attorney

The Legal Documents All College Students Need

In just a few months, our high school graduates will head off to college. We’ll make sure they have the text books they need, the right-sized dorm sheets, perhaps even a min-fridge. But what about the proper legal documents? Despite what many parents think, the law does not give you the authority to act on behalf of an adult child. It’s crucial for anyone 18 and older to have a durable power of attorney and designation of patient advocate in place. These documents allow the student to authorize someone else – you – to act on his or her behalf should the need arise.

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Estate Strategies: Michigan Snow Birds in Florida

As warm weather returns to Michigan, so too do our State’s snow birds. While in Florida, some of you may have purchased assets or developed relationships with health care professionals. Others of you may have pondered moving to Florida full time or considered investing in Florida real estate. As such, Spring is the perfect time to evaluate your life at the other end of the I-75 corridor and ensure that your current estate plan protects your interests in the Sunshine State.

One important issue to consider is whether you have the appropriate Power of Attorney (POA) documents in place. Most of you likely have a Michigan Durable Power of Attorney and/or a Patient Advocate Designation. However, do you also have the Florida equivalents of these important documents?

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Your Durable Power of Attorney may no longer be valid under new Michigan law

The Governor signed Enrolled Senate Bill 92 yesterday, which deals with new requirements for durable powers of attorney for finances. The law is PA 2012, No. 141. The new requirements do not apply to a durable power of attorney executed before October 1, 2012. However, if your durable power of attorney does not meet the new requirements, it would be wise to contact your attorney to execute a new one.

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Is Your College Student Protected?

While college students everywhere are getting ready to go back to school, one thing they may not be packing is a durable power of attorney. Every college student should have durable powers of attorney in place before they head off to school. In general, anyone over the age of 18 should have durable powers of attorney.

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