Written by Benjamin Kingsley

Do you have questions about or need assistance with a power of attorney? Please click here to email us at contact@legalandme.com.

Do you need a power of attorney form? We make a do-it-yourself power of attorney: finance power of attorney or healthcare power of attorney.

A healthcare power of attorney, also known as a healthcare power of attorney, advance directive, or healthcare proxy, is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make healthcare decisions for you if you become incapacitated and unable to make those decisions yourself. This appointed person is called your healthcare agent or proxy.

The requirements for a valid healthcare power of attorney can vary significantly from state to state. Some key areas where state laws differ include:

– Whether the document must be signed in the presence of witnesses and/or notarized

– Whether there are restrictions on who can serve as your healthcare agent (e.g. excluding certain relatives or prohibiting your attending physician)

– Whether you can provide specific instructions about your wishes for end-of-life care or life-sustaining treatment

– Whether the document must be on a state-approved form or if a self-drafted document is acceptable

Because of these state law variations, it’s important to ensure your healthcare power of attorney complies with the laws of the state where you reside. An estate planning attorney in your state can advise you on the specific requirements and help you properly execute the document to make it legally valid.

Do you have questions about or need assistance with a power of attorney? Please click here to email us at contact@legalandme.com.

Do you need a power of attorney form? We make a do-it-yourself power of attorney: finance power of attorney or healthcare power of attorney.