Why You Need a Heath Care Proxy
Whether you are 18 or 80, you need a health care proxy to designate someone to make medical decisions for you if become incapacitated and are unable to communicate for yourself. At the law firm of Avelino Nitkewicz LLP, we draft heath care proxies as a part of every estate-planning package that we create for our clients in Summit, New Providence, Madison and other communities in north-central New Jersey, New York and all of its surrounding suburbs.
In New Jersey and New York, a health care proxy also functions as a living will that lets family members and medical providers know what steps, if any, you want taken to preserve your life if you are in a terminal condition with no hope for recovery.
Avoiding Unintended Consequences
Everyone has heard of the case of Terri Schiavo, who was in a coma for 17 years while her husband and family members fought with each other over her care. If she had a health care proxy, her wishes would have been listed and there would never have been lengthy and expensive litigation.
For same-sex couples, a health care proxy can give you rights that you probably could not obtain by any other means. If you have no marital status, New Jersey courts are unlikely to recognize you as someone who is able to make health care decisions. Those decisions usually go to the family rather than to the unmarried partner.
Free Lawyer Consultation
For more information about health care proxies or to schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney at Avelino Nitkewicz LLP, call 888-334-7310 or fill out the contact form on this Web site.
