A durable power of attorney for health care – also known as health care directives – is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself.
This is important because it allows you to maintain control over your medical care, even if you are unable to express your wishes yourself. It also ensures that your loved ones will not have to make difficult decisions about your care without knowing your preferences.
At Marietta Estate Planning, we have helped clients from all over Georgia create health care directives. We would be happy to help you understand this document and appoint an agent who will best represent your wishes.
What is a health care directive in Georgia?
This legal document allows you to appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself.
This person is called your agent, and they should be someone who you know will make choices that reflect your wishes and best interests.
By appointing an agent, you can be assured that your medical decisions will be made in accordance with your preferences, even if you are unable to communicate them yourself.
Who can be my agent?
Your agent can be anyone over the age of 18 who you trust to make decisions in accordance with your wishes, and they do not have to be a relative.
It is important to have a discussion with your agent about your wishes for medical care before appointing them.
This will ensure that they understand your preferences and are prepared to make decisions on your behalf.
What powers does my agent have in Georgia?
Your agent will have the authority to make all medical decisions on your behalf, including decisions regarding:
- Treatment
- Surgeries
- End-of-life care
They will also be able to access your medical records and speak with your doctors about your condition.
You can specify any limitations or restrictions on your agent’s power in the health care directive or durable power of attorney for health care documents. For example, you may only want them to make decisions if you are incapacitated, or you may only want them to make decisions about certain types of treatment.
How do I appoint an agent in Georgia?
You can appoint an agent by signing a health care directive. This document must be signed in the presence of a notary public or witnesses.
Once the document is signed, it will take effect immediately unless you specify otherwise. You can revoke the power of attorney at any time by signing a new document or destroying the old one.
Contact Marietta Estate Planning in Georgia
It can be difficult to make decisions about medical care, especially if you are not sure what your preferences are. If you would like help creating a health care directive or have any questions about this document, we encourage you to contact us at Marietta Estate Planning.
We are here to help you understand your options and make sure that your preferences are represented. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
