What Is a Healthcare Power of Attorney & Why Do I Need One?

A Healthcare Power of Attorney (HPOA) is a legal document in which you appoint a person to manage your medical affairs when you cannot do so for yourself. While many people believe that a Will is the most important estate planning document, documents such as a Healthcare Power of Attorney, Living Will, and Power of Attorney are equally important.

The Healthcare Power of Attorney helps people who cannot communicate to express their wishes regarding their medical care and treatment. The person appointed on the HPOA as your “agent” will know you and understand what types of treatment you want, and what types of medical care you do not want. An HPOA can speak with your doctors to ensure that they provide only the treatments you want. Your HPOA does not have to be a relative, although one can be designated. It may also be a friend, partner, relative, or colleague. You are free to choose anybody, provided you trust them and feel that they are competent to make these important, often life and death, decisions.

Why You Should Prepare a Healthcare Power of Attorney

There are many reasons to have a Healthcare Power of Attorney:

• To assure that a person you trust will be making medical decisions for you if you are unable to do so.
• To prevent decisions about your medical care from being made by a doctor, judge, or court that does not know you and your wishes.
• To give clarity and closure to loved ones, and prevent any disagreements among family members and close friends.
• To reduce the emotional toll on family and friends.

We Offer Peace of Mind with Our “Pay Once, Revise for Life Estate Planning Program”

With our “Pay Once, Revise for Life Estate Planning Program,” you only pay a fee once – when you initially draft and sign your estate planning documents. We never charge for revisions, so you can feel comfortable calling us to make changes at any time, and know that the meter won’t be running.

If you would like to meet with our office or have any other questions, give us a call at (610) 446-3457, click here to send an email, or fill out the form below.