Wills dictate what happens after your death. Advanced directives dictate what happens while you are living–or shortly after your death in the case of the Appointment of Agent to Control Disposition of Remains. Advanced directives are what people often think of when they say they “need a Power of Attorney.” As the name suggests, these are documents prepared in ADVANCE of when they are needed to help your loved ones be able to handle your affairs. Although people usually only think about a Power of Attorney, there are more advanced directives that can be drafted to help plan for the future. I offer a package of advanced directives that can be catered to your needs.

Advanced directives that I assist in drafting include

  • Medical Power of Attorney
  • Medical Directives
  • Statutory Durable Power of Attorney
  • Self Designation of Guardian (over your person and/or estate)
  • Self Designation of Guardian for Minor Child (over their person and/or estate)
  • Appointment of Agent to Control Disposition of Remains
  • HIPAA Authorizations

When you come for a consultation, have an idea of which of these advanced directives you know that you want and who would be your first, second, and third choice people to serve in the role allowed by whichever advanced directives you choose. For each person have their name, date of birth, and contact information if possible. Also consider if there are people that you do not want to have serve in the role. 

I encourage you to think about things like what happens if someone is unwilling or unable to serve and how you would want as a back-up. For any medical directive that you are considering, think if there are any times where an exception might apply. 
 
SIMPLIFIED EXPLANATION OF THESE DOCUMENTS**

A Medical Power of Attorney states who makes medical decisions for you in the event you are unable to make decisions for yourself. 

A Medical Directive informs medical professionals of decisions that you want made if certain issues arise. Examples include if you do or do not want vaccines, do or do not want life support, do or do not want blood transfusions, and/or if you value quality or quantity of life.

A Statutory Durable Power of Attorney states who you want to make non-medical decisions. It can either be limited or broad. 

A Self Designation of Guardian can be used in a guardianship proceeding to inform the court who you do or do not wish to serve as your Guardian in the event that you are determined to need one. 

A Self Designation of Guardian of Minor Child can be used in a guardianship proceeding to inform the court who you do or do not wish to serve as your minor child’s guardian in the event that the court determines one is needed. 

An Appointment of Agent to Control Disposition of Remains determines who gets your body after your death and who determines whether to bury or cremate you. 

A HIPAA Authorization allows someone to obtain your medical information.

**There is more to these documents than the basic descriptions I have provided. If you are interested in learning more, you can schedule a consultation.