Did you know there is no process for verifying if an elder’s Power Of Attorney documents were actually created with the elder/senior’s input? There is also no agency that enters these extremely powerful documents into a database, checks signatures, or confirms notary seals. Unlike many transactional documents that are applied for and/or filed with the Clerk of Court, there is no requirement to file a Power Of Attorney.
Much less powerful, all marriage licenses are required to be filed with the Clerk of County Court: yet I can’t recall the last time I read about exploitation or misuse of authority under this document. This happens far too often in cases of elder abuse through Power of Attorney misappropriation.
Florida Statutes:
741.09 Record of license and certificate. —The county court judge and clerk of the circuit court shall keep a correct record of all marriage licenses issued, with the names of the parties and the date of issuing, and upon the return of the license and certificate shall enter therein the name of the person solemnizing the marriage and the date of marriage.
So, why doesn’t our state government, Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA), or our court system exercise safeguarding of elder’s Power Of Attorney documents when this process could so easily be implemented? No one has a good answer. This needs to change. Notices, deeds, licenses, and waivers that are required to be filed with the Clerk of Court are not more important than the protection of human life and civil rights.
While all the details of change may not present themselves immediately, all change must start somewhere, and we’re glad you’re here to help.
Thank you so much for your signature to our Petition, “PREVENT Florida’s Elder Abuse: Grant Verification Process for Power Of Attorney.” Your support acts as a voice for the voiceless.
Please pass this email on, or easily share the link below to your social media platform by a simply copy/paste.
Together, we can prevent abuse and exploitation to our senior/elder population. Together, we can make a change.
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If you suspect or have knowledge of Eder Abuse and/or Elder Exploitation, please contact below to report online or by phone:
To report online – go to the DCF web site at https://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/abuse-hotline/report-online.shtml
To report by phone – call Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873). Press 2 to report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of a vulnerable adult. This toll free number is available 24/7. TTY (Telephone Device for the Deaf): 1-800-955-8771. To report via fax, please print and complete the DCF fax reporting form with details and fax to 1-800-914-0004.