A California Power of Attorney for Health Care allows you to assign someone to make medical decisions according to your wishes in the event that you are no longer able to speak for yourself. Most people name a spouse, close friend, or relative who knows them well.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when making a California Power of Attorney for Health Care assignment:
· Name an alternate in case your first choice in unavailable.
· The person must be a “competent adult” according to California law.
· Consider someone can be quickly contacted in an emergency; somebody in a different time zone or who travels a lot may not be a good choice.
· Make sure you trust your choice to carry out your wishes and that the person’s beliefs align with yours.
· Choose someone who is assertive enough to make sure your directives are followed; they may need to stand up to reluctant medical staff or relatives who do not want to follow your wishes.
A California Power of Attorney for Health Care should be used in conjunction with a Living Will. This legal document details your wishes in specific circumstances — for example, it can allow or prohibit life-prolonging treatments if you have a terminal or irreversible end stage condition or are in a persistent vegetative state.
The Flanigan Law Group provides Southern California residents with personal attention for estate planning, administration and litigation legal services. When disputes between families, arise, they are very successful in resolving legal estate issues quickly and efficiently while preserving financial and emotional resources. Contact the Flanigan Law Group at 949-450-0042.