Planning for End-of-Life Health Care
In the event that you’re unable to make decisions about your medical care, our San Luis Obispo healthcare power of attorney lawyer can give someone you trust the authority to make those decisions for you. As we age, it’s essential to plan for unexpected health issues that may arise.
At 805 Law Group, we understand the importance of protecting your health and well-being, and we’re here to help. Our California estate planning attorneys will work with you to create a customized plan that meets your specific needs. Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect yourself and your loved ones. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation and learn more about how we can help you achieve your estate planning goals.
What is a Healthcare Power of Attorney?
A healthcare power of attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint a trusted person to make end-of-life medical decisions for you if you’re unable to make them for yourself. Depending on where you live, this person can sometimes be called your healthcare agent, healthcare proxy, or attorney-in-fact. The person you appoint as your healthcare agent should be someone you trust and who understands your values and beliefs about medical care.
As you approach the later stages of your life, you may be concerned about the possibility of becoming incapacitated either temporarily or permanently. In addition to a living will, a healthcare power of attorney can help you make sure that your wishes are honored if you are unable to express them. Our San Luis Obispo healthcare power of attorney lawyer can explain how a healthcare POA fits into your estate plan.
What Does a Healthcare Power of Attorney Do?
A healthcare power of attorney allows you to appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so. Our San Luis Obispo healthcare power of attorney lawyer can help you understand the importance of having a POA as part of your estate plan.
Make Medical Decisions on Your Behalf
Your healthcare agent has the authority to make medical decisions about your treatment, including whether to agree to or refuse treatment plans, medications, medical care, and pain management.
Access Your Medical Records
Your healthcare proxy can access your medical records to make informed decisions about your medical care.
Communicate With Your Healthcare Providers
Your healthcare agent can communicate with your doctors and other healthcare providers to ensure that your medical wishes are being followed.
What are the Requirements for Creating a Healthcare Power of Attorney?
Creating a healthcare power of attorney in California requires following certain legal requirements. Our San Luis Obispo healthcare power of attorney lawyer can help you ensure that the document is legally valid. Here are the requirements:
Age
You must be at least 18 years old to create a healthcare power of attorney in California.
Capacity
You must be of sound mind when making your health care plan. You must have the capacity to understand the nature and consequences of creating a healthcare power of attorney. This means that you must be able to understand the decisions you’re making and the effects they may have.
Healthcare Agent
The document must also identify the person you’re appointing as your healthcare agent and state that they have the authority to make medical decisions on your behalf.
Signatures
The healthcare power of attorney must be in writing and must be signed by both the principal and the witnesses.
How Do I Make a Valid Health Care Power of Attorney?
Creating a healthcare power of attorney can give you peace of mind and ensure that your medical wishes are carried out. It’s important to note that while it’s possible to create a healthcare power of attorney on your own, it’s recommended to work with our San Luis healthcare power of attorney lawyer who can ensure that the document is legally valid and properly executed. Here are the steps to take:
Choose an Agent or Attorney-in-Fact
The first step is to choose someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re ever unable to do so yourself. Before selecting an agent, make sure to discuss what you would want to be done in the event of a medical emergency. It’s important to have a conversation with your agent about your medical wishes, including what treatments you do and do not want. This will ensure that your agent is aware of your desires and can make decisions that align with them.
Obtain the Necessary Forms
To make your wishes clear, you can use a second type of health care directive often called a health care declaration or living will. This is used to provide written health care instructions to your agent and health care providers. Many states like California, combine the durable power of attorney for health care and the health care declaration (living will) into a single form, commonly called an “advance health care directive“.
Sign and Notarize Your POA
You should finalize and sign your health care planning documents according to the requirements in California.
- Sign in front of a notary public, or
- Sign in the presence of two witnesses
Store the Document in a Safe Place
When you’re done creating the POA, give your healthcare agent a copy of the document, and store the original in a safe place that your loved ones can access in case of an emergency. You should also provide a copy to your healthcare provider and anyone else who may need to refer to it.
Why Do I Need a Healthcare Power of Attorney Lawyer in California?
What if you are unable to make healthcare decisions for yourself due to an injury or illness? In such a case, a healthcare power of attorney can help you express your decisions regarding treatment options in situations where you are unable to make such decisions.
By creating a healthcare power of attorney, you can take control of your medical care and ensure that your wishes are respected. Our San Luis healthcare power of attorney lawyers at 805 Law Group are committed to:
- Helping you create a healthcare POA in compliance with California law
- Ensuring your wishes for medical treatment are respected
- Helping you appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf
- Assisting you to avoid conflicts among family members who may have different opinions about your medical care
- Providing you peace of mind knowing that your medical wishes will be respected even if you’re unable to communicate them
Our estate planning law firm is here to help you plan for the future and ensure that your medical wishes are carried out. We are dedicated to providing personalized and compassionate legal services to clients throughout San Luis Obispo. Contact us now and schedule an initial consultation to learn more about your estate planning options.
Call Our San Luis Obispo Healthcare Power of Attorney Lawyer Now!
Creating a healthcare power of attorney can be a difficult and emotional process, but it’s essential for ensuring that your medical wishes are respected and that you have someone you trust making medical decisions on your behalf. By working with our San Luis Obispo healthcare power of attorney lawyers at 805 Law Group, you can have peace of mind knowing that your healthcare power of attorney is legally sound and meets your estate planning needs.
Don’t let conflicts among family members or uncertainty about your medical care create stress and anxiety. Creating a healthcare power of attorney is an important step in planning for the future, and it’s never too early to start. Let us guide you through the process with compassion so you can focus on your health and well-being.
Contact our estate planning law firm today to schedule an initial consultation and learn more about how we can help you create an estate plan that addresses your unique situation and provides the protections you need. We also offer the following services:
