LIFE CARE DOCUMENTS
What is a Durable Power of Attorney for Financial Management?
A Durable Power of Attorney for Financial Management is a document that allows you to appoint a person, known as an agent, to manage your property and finances for you, which is particularly important if you lose the ability to do this yourself. The term “durable” simply means that your agent can act on your behalf even if you lose capacity. If you do not have this document in place, the only way another person can fully manage your finances is to seek a court appointed guardianship over you, which can be a long and expensive process.
What is a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care?
A Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care is a document that allows you to appoint a person, known as an agent, to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to do it yourself. This document can also give instruction to your agent about the types of medical treatment that you may or may not want. If you do not have this document in place, state law dictates who would be authorized to make medical decisions for you, and this may not be someone you want making those decisions.
What is an Advanced Directive/Healthcare Directive/Living Will?
An Advanced Directive (also known as a Health Care Directive or Living Will) is a legal document that allows you to express your health care instructions ahead of time, particularly those at the end-of-life, should you become unable to voice your wishes. This document comes in to play only if you are in a permanent vegetative state or are terminal and wish to give direction on whether you would want to be kept alive through artificial means. Through creation of this document, you are able to relieve your loved ones of having to make these difficult decisions.