ESTATE DOCUMENTS
Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care/Health Care Proxy
By: Deborah L. O'Neill, Esq.
DiFruscia Law Offices
A Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care also known as a Health Care Proxy is a document wherein you designate someone to make substitute decisions regarding your heath care wishes and medical care or end-of-life decisions in the event you are unable to make or communicate them for yourself.
The appointment of a Health Care Agent is of great importance. Did you know that if you become medically incapacitated and do not have a Health Care Agent nobody can make decisions about your care...not your spouse, your children or your parents? Costly guardianship proceedings could be required for decisions regarding your medical treatment if you are incapacitated.
Your Health Care Agent should be someone who you trust and who you know will be able to express your wishes when you cannot, someone who knows what you want and is strong enough to carry out your wishes under what may be very stressful conditions. Your Agent should live close enough to be available when needed.
A Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care/Health Care Proxy allows you to have a voice even when you are unable to speak for yourself.
We are happy to answer questions about the appointment of a Health Care Agent or any other questions. Please call us at 978-687-1777 or email me at doneill@difruscialaw.com anytime.
We are pleased to announce that our office will be producing a new cable television show beginning on January 20, 2011. The name of the show is "The Law, You, and a Good Lawyer." It will be airing on the Windham Cable channel beginning in February. For more information, please contact Kelly Loughlin at (603) 434-0300.
