There are few things more important than developing a comprehensive plan for your future. Wills, trusts, and more all make up a well-rounded estate plan. Additionally, everyone should consider establishing an advance healthcare directive, such as a healthcare proxy, a living will, or both. Continue reading and contact the New York City wills, trusts & estates attorneys here at Zimmet Law Group, P.C. to learn more about these critical documents and how our legal team can assist you.
Zimmet Legal Group | Helping You Create Your Advance Healthcare Directive/Healthcare Proxy
A healthcare proxy is a type of advance healthcare directive, as is a living will. Essentially, an advance healthcare directive is a legal document that deals with making certain medical decisions on behalf of a person upon their incapacitation.
In a healthcare proxy, which is also known as a healthcare power of attorney, a person appoints an agent. The agent is then tasked with acting as the person’s healthcare representative if a situation arises that necessitates medical decisions being made on their behalf. For example, if a person is in a coma or is otherwise unable to decide on a course of action in terms of medical treatment due to incapacitation, the agent will make those decisions for them. Of course, the agent must be a trusted individual, such as a spouse, grown child, family member, or close friend.
On the other hand, a living will is a document that declares a person’s wishes for certain end-of-life treatments. For example, a person can declare they wish to be put on a ventilator or receive artificial nutrition/hydration if need be. A person may also detail whether they’d like their organs to be donated upon passing.
In many ways, these documents are related, which is why people will frequently create a combined directive with the assistance of an attorney. Doing so will appoint a healthcare proxy and declare your wishes for end-of-life medical treatment.
Contact Zimmet Legal Group, P.C.
Of course, no one wants to imagine the day when they are unable to make decisions concerning their future on their own. However, this is something that, unfortunately, happens to many people every year. This is why it’s best to simply prepare now, while you still can. Doing so may save you and your family from a great deal of confusion and give you all peace of mind, knowing a comprehensive plan is in place, should it ever become necessary. Contact Zimmet Law Group, P.C. today to schedule your initial consultation with our knowledgeable and compassionate legal team so we can help you craft an advance healthcare directive/healthcare proxy plan.
