When people think about planning for the future, they often consider what they will leave to their family members after they pass away. They might draft a will or even a trust to make sure that their property and money are distributed to their loved ones in the precise manner that they choose.
Unfortunately, many individuals do not consider what happens if they become unable to make medical decisions for themselves. A properly drafted medical power of attorney in Orange County should be a part of every person’s estate plan. It allows you to select a trusted individual to make critical decisions about your healthcare if you become incapacitated.
An experienced POA attorney could assist you in drafting a document that serves your interests. Call Amity Law Group today to schedule a meeting.
How Medical Powers of Attorney Are Unique
A power of attorney gives a person or entity the power to act in some capacity over another party’s life. Medical and durable powers of attorney involve an agent stepping in when a principal cannot act for themselves.
Although both types involve giving someone decision-making authority over another person’s life, a medical power of attorney is different because it deals with health-related decisions.
A medical power of attorney, sometimes known as a healthcare proxy, allows an agent to make decisions about an individual’s physical and emotional well-being when they cannot. An Orange County lawyer could determine when a medical power of attorney may be appropriate.
When a Medical Power of Attorney Becomes Effective
Because a medical power of attorney does not activate until a principal becomes incapacitated, it does not necessarily remove their decision-making authority or forfeit their rights regarding healthcare.
If a principal can make decisions for themselves, they do not need their agent to make a choice on their behalf. A medical power of attorney does not take effect until a doctor deems the principal permanently or temporarily unable to make decisions or communicate their wishes due to a medical condition.
A trusted professional at Amity Law Group could explain the legal advantages of creating a medical power of attorney during the estate planning process.
What Does a Medical Power of Attorney Cover?
A medical power of attorney can cover a wide range of issues related to a principal’s medical needs as part of a healthcare directive plan. The person chosen to act as the agent or healthcare proxy can make decisions regarding many different vital medical matters, including the following:
- Medical procedures and treatments
- Hospitalization
- Nursing and hospice home care
- Psychological care
- End-of-life decisions, such as whether to perform extraordinary life-saving measures or to donate organs after death
A seasoned power of attorney lawyer in Orange County could meet with a client to discuss their preferences about important medical matters and draft a document that conveys their wishes.
Work With an Orange County Legal Professional to Draft a Medical Power of Attorney
Having a medical power of attorney in Orange County provides you with the peace of mind that your medical preferences will be followed and respected, even if you cannot convey those wishes at some point.
A reliable estate planning attorney could protect your medical choices and look out for your well-being. Schedule an initial consultation with the determined legal team at Amity Law Group today.
