"Medical Power of Attorney" and "Advance Medical Directive" or "Living Will"

Who makes medical decisions for you if you, or your spouse, are unable to tell people what you want done? A “medical power of attorney” designates a person, or people, who you choose to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to express your wishes.

An Advance Medical Directive or Living Will allows you to leave specific instructions as to what you want done in specific situations. An Advance Medical Directive or Living Will will trump any decisions made by loved ones or by someone having a medical power of attorney. This is good if you are absolutely sure what you want done in a specific situation and you want no room for adjustment later. It's bad if you want your loved ones or by someone having a medical power of attorney to have the power to make decisions based upon the specifics of your situation.

We believe every adult should have at least one of these documents prepared and we normally prepare them for clients when we draft their will.