Why You Need A Healthcare Power of Attorney
May 7,2010 / By: Mark S. Eghrari, Estate Planning Attorney / Category: Estate Plans, Power of AttorneyIf you’re concerned about the possibility of becoming disabled or incapacitated, you’ve probably considered creating a Living Will. This crucial document allows you to stipulate your wishes in the event that you’re no longer able to make decisions about your own healthcare.
But , what if your Living Will doesn’t specifically address your situation? How can you let your doctors know what you want them to do?
This is where a healthcare power of attorney comes in handy. Also referred to as a healthcare proxy or a medical directive, this type of power of attorney gives authorization to someone of your choosing to act on your behalf and make healthcare decisions for you.
Acting in conjunction with your Living Will, the healthcare proxy covers a much broader range of possibilities regarding your future well-being. This document ensures that someone will always be acting in your best interest – they’ll be able to consider new treatments and weigh the various outcomes, all the while keeping your beliefs and wishes in perspective.
Of course, creating a healthcare directive can be a little complicated, if you have never prepared one before and requires more expertise than a do-it-yourself form can provide. Instead, you should always consult an experienced estate planning attorney to ensure that all your concerns are addressed.
Mark S. Eghrari & Associates, PLLC is a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.
