This is an interesting question that attorneys Spring Hill FL often receive from clients and the general public. The most accurate answer is, while all lawyers do act as attorneys in matters of the law, not all attorneys are lawyers. The term “attorney” is simply another word for “representative,” as in “power of attorney.” It simply denotes a person, either a lawyer, trustee, proxy or designated family member who has been granted the legal right or responsibility to act in another person’s name and interest.
Getting and granting power of attorney usually requires the services of a lawyer. The type of lawyer you would hire for such a purpose would depend upon the circumstances. For example, shareholders in a company who are unable or willing to attend shareholder meetings can legally designate a third party, or proxy, to attend and vote in their place. A tax or family lawyer can readily help individuals and organizations, public and private, in setting up a trust. This involves appointing individuals who can literally be “trusted” (hence their title) to oversee and manage the assets in a responsible manner.
A More Common Scenario
Most individuals contact an attorney in Family Law when the Power of Attorney is to be given to one or more family members. This can happen for any number of reasons; complying with the terms of a deceased family’s wishes, or what to do should another family member become incapacitated. As you might guess, the legal issues here are highly complex.
Planning Ahead
Legal problems are often like medical ailments: they are best treated or addressed in the early stages. We may not wish to think about such things, and they don’t make for happy family conversations. Attorneys practicing Family Law bring both compassion for all involved as well as outside, professional perspective, facilitating the granting of the Power of Attorney if and when the time comes.