For Families
Legal documents every family should know
Plain-language overview of powers of attorney, health care surrogates and living wills in Florida.
Common documents
- Durable power of attorney: lets a trusted person handle finances and legal matters.
- Designation of health care surrogate: names who makes medical decisions if your loved one can't.
- Living will: states wishes about life-prolonging care. The Florida Attorney General publishes a sample: Living will form (PDF).
- HIPAA authorization: lets doctors share information with named family members.
- Guardianship: a court process used when no documents exist and a person can't decide safely.
These documents must be signed while the person can understand them. An elder-law attorney can prepare and review them. Florida Bar lawyer referral: 1-800-342-8011.
General information only, not medical, legal or financial advice. Programs and amounts change; confirm with the official source or a qualified professional.