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What should be in your health care power of attorney?

On Behalf of | May 4, 2023 | ESTATE PLANNING - Estate Administration & Probate

It can be difficult and emotional to make important decisions about your future. You may not want to think about what could happen if you face incapacitation for any reason, but it is critical to think about these things. By having a plan in place, you can feel confident that your interests are secure regardless of any physical challenges you are facing. One important part of creating a complete plan is having a health care power of attorney. 

In this document, you will have the opportunity to select a person who can act on your behalf in case of your incapacitation. This could happen due to illness or injury, but having a health care agent allows you to have more control in these difficult circumstances. It will be helpful to learn more about what should be in your health care power of attorney document and how you can plan for contingencies that may arise in the future. 

Important considerations for your power of attorney 

A health care power of attorney is a document that gives another specifically designated person the legal authority to make medical decisions on your behalf in case you cannot do so for yourself. You have the right to have the final say over what happens to your body in case of an unexpected medical event, and this is one way you can maintain that control. As you are drafting this important document, the following may be important and helpful considerations: 

  • This document empowers an individual to act on your behalf, speak with others about your condition and make important medical decisions for you. 
  • This is an immense responsibility, and your agent should be someone you trust to act in your best interests. 
  • You can change the designation of agent at any time and create a new health care power of attorney to reflect your changed circumstances. 

While you cannot predict what will happen in the future, creating this document can provide you with the ability to face the unknown with confidence. A health care power of attorney can be an important part of any estate plan. You will benefit from seeking the guidance of an experienced professional as you create a strategy that is suitable for your legal, medical and financial needs, both now and in the future.