310 SE 8th St, Ocala, FL 34471 352-732-5900
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Power Of Attorney

Everyone Needs a Comprehensive Durable Power of Attorney

By Hello Local Support TeamDecember 4, 2018December 4, 2018 No comments yet

The benefits of a detailed, comprehensive power of attorney are numerous. Unfortunately, many powers of attorney are more general in nature and will cause more problems than they solve, especially for our senior population.

Here are just a few benefits of having a comprehensive power of attorney:

1. You choose the person (rather than a court) and avoid guardianship.

The person appointed under a power of attorney is an “agent” and the person doing the appointing is the “principal.”  Florida has a “durability” statute that allows principals to include a declaration that no power granted will become invalid upon the subsequent mental incapacity of the principal. The result is a “durable power of attorney.”  If someone has signed a durable power of attorney and is later incapacitated, the agent named can step into the shoes of the person and make important decisions. Otherwise, a guardianship is needed, which is very expensive. In guardianship, the court chooses who is appointed to make decisions and the court continues monitoring until the incapacitated dies.

2.  Family members can discuss wishes and have peace of mind.

One of the most important decisions in creating the power of attorney is who will serve as the agent. It must be someone honest and reliable.  This time is a good opportunity for the principal to discuss wishes with the family, particularly with the agent. Knowing this has been taken care of in advance is great comfort to families.

3. The more comprehensive the better.

Many people are frightened by a long document, but as people age, their needs change and their power of attorney should reflect that. Seniors have concerns about long-term care, applying for Medicaid and/or Veterans benefits to pay for care, as well as choosing proper care providers. A comprehensive power of attorney should include all powers required to do effective asset protection planning so that time and money are not lost.

4. Prevents questions about intent. 

A well-drafted power of attorney, along with other health care directives, can eliminate the need for family members to argue over a loved one’s wishes. The written document is excellent evidence of their intent and is difficult to dispute.

5. Allows agents to talk to others.

An agent under a power of attorney is often in the position of trying to manage bank accounts, engage professionals, and more. Without giving specific authority to the agent, many companies will refuse to disclose information or provide services. This can result in a great deal of frustration for the family and lost time and money.


Planning ahead is key.  A comprehensive power of attorney is essential; nobody can predict exactly which powers will be needed in the future. The goal is to have a document in place that empowers a succession of trustworthy agents to take care of the principal.  

The attorneys at Bullard & Mulkey, P.A. take great care to ensure you understand and have made thoughtful decisions about your power of attorney.

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Bullard & Mulkey, P.A.
Bullard & Mulkey, P.A.
4.6
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Cynthia Merkey
Cynthia Merkey
19:56 13 Aug 18
Very nice people. They answer your legal questions thoroughly and take care of business. The location is in an historic home now converted which is characteristic of many houses in this area.
Jayne Carroll
Jayne Carroll
22:16 31 Mar 18
I highly recommend Bullard and Mulkey. Bernhard Stalzer is amazing! He has helped me step by step to get a dear friend qualified for Medicaid. He knows his stuff and goes the extra mile. Do not hesitate to use this firm!!
Debra Jenkins
Debra Jenkins
10:56 27 Oct 17
Shannon and her staff were professional and prepared when I arrived. She answered all my questions and guided me through the decision making process to ensure my wishes were exactly what I wanted. I highly recommend Shannon Mulkey for your family's planning needs.
darla priest
darla priest
12:56 25 Oct 17
The moment I walked into Shannons office,she made me feel like I had known her for years.Shannon is caring, professional but most of all an expert in her field of law. I will continue to refer my friends,family and business associates to Shannon Mulkey.Shannon, you are a Gem!!
Deryk Shepherd
Deryk Shepherd
11:58 25 Oct 17
Shannon provides a level of interest and care that enables her to smoothly handle all of the details associated with your case smoothly.
Josh Hill
Josh Hill
18:04 25 Aug 17
Shannon is the example of integrity. The attention to detail was impeccable, and went above and beyond for my best friend. She treats everyone as if they were family.
stephanie Gonzalez
stephanie Gonzalez
17:08 17 Aug 17
Shannon THANK YOU so much for all you have done! Was in a terrible situation and you've helped us so much in such a stressful time.. you rock! So knowledgeable professional.. HIGHLY RECOMMEND !
Sarah James
Sarah James
21:10 16 Aug 17
Shannon was so very helpful in setting up all the needed documents for my growing family. We were able to get everything in line before we delivered our daughter and feel confident that given an unfortunate situation, we are completely prepared. I highly refer them!
Scott Kiefer
Scott Kiefer
18:14 16 Aug 17
I have referred several clients to Shannon Mulkey. She is a very knowledgeable attorney and a compassionate person. I highly recommend Shannon and her firm.
Carlo Knight
Carlo Knight
08:53 16 Aug 17
I must admit I haven't used Bullard & Mulkey services but I know Shannon personally, and she is one of the most dedicated and compassionate people I know as a person and in her profession. I highly recommend using Bullard & Mulkey. I've also heard good things about her from others who have used her services.
Mike O'Connor
Mike O'Connor
21:01 11 Aug 17
I have several active guardianship cases in which Shannon Mulkey represents me. Shannon and her staff are consummate professionals; correct, efficient and prompt. In the courtroom Shannon is astute and always well prepared. I highly recommend her.
Lona Hale
Lona Hale
12:47 08 Aug 17
As a professional Guardian for 15 plus years, I have worked with Shannon and other attorneys for many years. I find Shannon to be among the best. She provides quality service with attention to details. I recommend Shannon and the Bullard & Mulkey Law firm without hesitation!
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ABOUT BULLARD & MULKEY, P.A.

Bullard & Mulkey, P.A. is a two attorney firm with one office in Ocala, Florida right on SE 8th Street. We take pride in offering personal legal services in a comfortable setting.

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Address: 310 SE 8th St, Ocala, FL 34471
Phone: (352) 732-5900

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Academy Of Florida Elder Law Attorneys

National Academy of Elder Law Attorney Member

Elder Counsel Member - Probate Attorney

Google Reviews Rating

Google Rating
4.6
Bullard & Mulkey, P.A.
Bullard & Mulkey, P.A.
4.6
Kelly French
Kelly French
22:37 18 Apr 17
Lona Hale
Lona Hale
12:47 08 Aug 17
As a professional Guardian for 15 plus years, I have worked with Shannon and other attorneys for many years. I find Shannon to be among the best. She provides quality service with attention to details. I recommend Shannon and the Bullard & Mulkey Law firm without hesitation!
Mike O'Connor
Mike O'Connor
21:01 11 Aug 17
I have several active guardianship cases in which Shannon Mulkey represents me. Shannon and her staff are consummate professionals; correct, efficient and prompt. In the courtroom Shannon is astute and always well prepared. I highly recommend her.
Carlo Knight
Carlo Knight
08:53 16 Aug 17
I must admit I haven't used Bullard & Mulkey services but I know Shannon personally, and she is one of the most dedicated and compassionate people I know as a person and in her profession. I highly recommend using Bullard & Mulkey. I've also heard good things about her from others who have used her services.
Scott Kiefer
Scott Kiefer
18:14 16 Aug 17
I have referred several clients to Shannon Mulkey. She is a very knowledgeable attorney and a compassionate person. I highly recommend Shannon and her firm.
Sarah James
Sarah James
21:10 16 Aug 17
Shannon was so very helpful in setting up all the needed documents for my growing family. We were able to get everything in line before we delivered our daughter and feel confident that given an unfortunate situation, we are completely prepared. I highly refer them!
stephanie Gonzalez
stephanie Gonzalez
17:08 17 Aug 17
Shannon THANK YOU so much for all you have done! Was in a terrible situation and you've helped us so much in such a stressful time.. you rock! So knowledgeable professional.. HIGHLY RECOMMEND !
Josh Hill
Josh Hill
18:04 25 Aug 17
Shannon is the example of integrity. The attention to detail was impeccable, and went above and beyond for my best friend. She treats everyone as if they were family.
darla priest
darla priest
12:56 25 Oct 17
The moment I walked into Shannons office,she made me feel like I had known her for years.Shannon is caring, professional but most of all an expert in her field of law. I will continue to refer my friends,family and business associates to Shannon Mulkey. Shannon, you are a Gem!!
Debra Jenkins
Debra Jenkins
10:56 27 Oct 17
Shannon and her staff were professional and prepared when I arrived. She answered all my questions and guided me through the decision making process to ensure my wishes were exactly what I wanted. I highly recommend Shannon Mulkey for your family's planning needs.
Jayne Carroll
Jayne Carroll
22:16 31 Mar 18
I highly recommend Bullard and Mulkey. Bernhard Stalzer is amazing! He has helped me step by step to get a dear friend qualified for Medicaid. He knows his stuff and goes the extra mile. Do not hesitate to use this firm!!
Cynthia Merkey
Cynthia Merkey
19:56 13 Aug 18
Very nice people. They answer your legal questions thoroughly and take care of business. The location is in an historic home now converted which is characteristic of many houses in this area.
Deryk Shepherd
Deryk Shepherd
11:58 25 Oct 17
Shannon provides a level of interest and care that enables her to smoothly handle all of the details associated with your case smoothly.
Mayara Castilho
Mayara Castilho
15:29 15 Jul 20
Had a phone a appointment with them, ended up never getting a call i had to call for the appointment once i got a hold of them he started to rush me off the phone because he had “another appointment “ coming up. Customer service is absolutely trash with this place. He was rude and a slick mouth! Worst experience ever!
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