New Jersey estate planning attorney Christine Matus (https://matuslaw.com/do-i-need-a-health-care-proxy/) of The Matus Law Group has released a crucial article titled “Do I Need a Health Care Proxy?” This comprehensive piece sheds light on the importance of having a healthcare proxy, a legal document that appoints someone to make critical medical decisions on one’s behalf during life-threatening emergencies.
In the article, New Jersey estate planning attorney Christine Matus emphasizes the significance of being prepared for unforeseen medical situations. “Once we become adults, nobody has the right to speak for us,” Matus explains. “However, there may be times in our lives when having someone to make important decisions for us is critical. A healthcare proxy ensures that your medical wishes are respected when you can’t advocate for yourself.”
New Jersey estate planning attorney Christine Matus also highlights that while it is possible to create a health care proxy without legal assistance, seeking guidance from an experienced attorney can provide clarity and confidence. “At The Matus Law Group, we help clients navigate the complexities of healthcare proxy documents and other critical aspects of estate planning. We understand the importance of making informed decisions about your medical care,” Matus adds.
The article elaborates on the essential components of advance directives, which include a living will and a health care proxy. While a living will provides specific instructions about one’s care, especially in end-of-life situations, a health care proxy designates a trusted individual to make broader medical decisions. Without a healthcare proxy, the courts may intervene to make these crucial decisions.
A health care proxy, also known as a medical power of attorney, grants a designated person the authority to make medical decisions if the individual is incapacitated. This role involves responsibilities such as making decisions about medical tests, medications, surgical procedures, life-support treatments, pain management, and the location of medical treatment. The proxy can also pursue legal measures to support the individual’s healthcare rights and manage benefits from Medicare, Medicaid, or other programs.
Christine Matus emphasizes the importance of having a thorough discussion with the chosen proxy to ensure they understand the individual’s wishes. “Your proxy must understand what your wishes are in certain scenarios,” she advises. “What would you want done if you were diagnosed with a terminal illness and not expected to recover? What if you suffered a coma and were not expected to improve? These are crucial matters to discuss.”
The article also clarifies the differences between a Health Care Proxy and a Medical Power of Attorney (MPOA). While both documents appoint a trusted individual to make medical decisions, an MPOA can encompass a broader range of decisions beyond medical care, depending on the powers granted within the document. Understanding these distinctions can significantly impact decision-making processes.
For those considering establishing a health care proxy, Matus encourages consulting with a legal professional to ensure that their wishes are clearly documented and respected. “Having a health care proxy is just one important component of a comprehensive estate plan,” she states. “If you have any questions about health care proxies, advance directives, or any other aspects of planning for your estate’s future, the experienced lawyers at The Matus Law Group are here to help.”
Christine Matus’s article serves as a vital resource for individuals looking to secure their medical care preferences and ensure peace of mind for themselves and their loved ones. To read the full article or to learn more about health care proxies and estate planning, visit The Matus Law Group’s website or contact their office to schedule a consultation.
About The Matus Law Group:
The Matus Law Group is a dedicated team of attorneys based in New Jersey, committed to providing comprehensive estate planning services. With a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding estate planning, the firm assists clients in making informed decisions to protect their assets and ensure their wishes are honored. The Matus Law Group offers personalized legal support for health care proxies, wills, trusts, and other essential estate planning documents.
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