Dedicated Spanaway Lawyers Prepare Healthcare Powers of Attorney for Clients
Responsive Washington State law firm provides effective legal support
A healthcare power of attorney allows individuals to assign a person to make medical decisions for them if they become incapacitated. Established in 2011, Strong International Law Group in Spanaway drafts these documents and assists with other estate planning needs for Washington State residents throughout the Pierce County area. Our knowledgeable attorneys have more than 27 years of combined legal experience.
What is the purpose of a healthcare power of attorney?
A healthcare power of attorney is a type of advance directive in which the principal names another individual to make medical decisions on the principal’s behalf if he or she becomes temporarily or permanently incapacitated through illness or an accident. It is an important part of estate planning because you never know when a serious illness or mentally or physically disabling accident may befall you. The person named to make decisions for you in a healthcare power of attorney is called your agent. Our attorneys can assist you in preparing a healthcare power of attorney.
Who should I name as my agent in a healthcare power of attorney?
In a healthcare power of attorney, you name someone to carry out your wishes and who is able and willing to do so. This person may be a family member or close friend. Whoever you name should be someone you trust and who clearly understands the responsibilities involved. You can also appoint alternates in case the main party is unavailable or becomes unwilling to make healthcare decisions. You can also change your agent in a healthcare power of attorney should you need or wish to do so. We can draft the document for you and provide a copy to your agent and any alternates.
How does a healthcare power of attorney become legal?
Under Washington State law, you must sign and date your healthcare power of attorney before a notary public or two witnesses who are not related to you by blood or marriage and who are not homecare or long-term care providers to you. In addition to a healthcare power of attorney, it is also a good idea to have a living will that states the life-sustaining and comfort procedures you do or do not want when death is imminent. You should also discuss your end-of-life wishes with your agent to help ensure they are carried out. We can counsel you about both of these documents.
Contact our efficient Spanaway estate planning law firm for a healthcare power of attorney
The experienced attorneys at Strong International Law Group in Spanaway draft healthcare power of attorney documents for individuals in Pierce County and nearby areas of Washington State. To schedule a free consultation, call our firm at 253-331-2889 or contact us online.
