For many people, an important part of estate planning is setting up powers of attorney (POAs). An example of this is a medical POA, which involves potential future medical decisions.
You set up the medical POA and name someone to act as your agent, If you’re incapacitated and unable to speak for yourself, then the agent you name is legally authorized to communicate with your medical team and advocate for your wishes as detailed in your advance directive.
So how do you find the right person to fill this important role? Here are some things to consider:
They should live nearby
Start off by considering people in your local area. If an emergency arises, how quickly can they get to the hospital? If you have one adult child who lives near you and one in another state, your decision may be clear.
They should know you and your wishes
Next, you need someone who is well-informed when it comes to the types of medical decisions that you would make. You need to have an in-depth conversation with them about treatment options and potential complications. You also want someone who isn’t easily intimidated and who can take in information in a chaotic situation and make decisions accordingly.
They should be willing to take on this responsibility
The final part of the conversation is just asking them if they’re willing to take on this role. Remember, your agent may have to make crucial decisions like whether or not to keep you on life support. This is not something that is easy for anyone to do, especially for family members.
If you consider these three areas, you can find the right agent for you. Then it’s time to take the proper legal steps to set up your documents. Having experienced legal guidance is crucial to helping ensure that they’re legally valid and meet your needs.