When Should I Prepare a Medical Power of Attorney?

 Posted on April 13, 2022 in Powers of Attorney

Many people, especially when they are young, regard estate planning and the preparation of a living will as something that can wait or something that is only for older or infirm individuals. The reality is that medical emergencies can happen at any time. When a medical crisis strikes, your loved ones may be unsure about the level of care and lifesaving treatment that you may want. Each person should have a living will or advance health care directive, which can clearly specify their desired medical care and gives decision-making power to a person they choose through a medical power of attorney. The attorneys of Law Office of David Schechet will work to prepare documents that address each client's specific needs.

Benefits of a Medical Power of Attorney in California

When you grant someone power of attorney, you are giving them the legal right to make decisions in your name. Powers of attorney can cover financial management, legal and business matters, and medical care. While some, like a financial power of attorney, can take effect at any time of your choosing, a medical power of attorney typically only takes effect when you are incapacitated and unable to make decisions about your medical care and treatment.

The person you give the power of attorney should be someone you trust, such as a spouse, child, brother or sister, parent, or trusted friend since they will have the ability to make the same decisions about your health care that you would have yourself. This can include decisions on whether you should undergo surgery, medication, and treatment your doctors should provide, and which health care providers should be responsible for your care. To guide the person through your preferred treatments, you will prepare a living will or advanced health care directive. This document explains your preferences for care, treatment, and if necessary, which life-sustaining procedures you would like performed including ventilation, feeding, dialysis, and resuscitation. For end-of-life decisions, your living will can also contain a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order and a Physician's Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST), which will avoid the person with the power of attorney from having to make these decisions without your guidance.

Call a California Estate Planning Attorney

Medical Power of Attorney should be part of any estate planning process since medical emergencies can happen at any time. When you work with the Law Office of David Schechet, we will make sure that your estate and incapacity plans are written to be enforceable and clearly follow your wishes. Our skilled Los Angeles estate planning lawyers are ready to help plan your future. Call us at 800-282-4731 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://oag.ca.gov/consumers/general/care