Estate Planning in New Jersey? Should I Appoint a Health Care Surrogate?
When most people think about estate planning, the first thing that comes to mind is asset distribution. An estate plan can be used to help decide who gets what. However, that is only one aspect of estate planning. For seniors and soon-to-be seniors, health care is a very important part of overall estate planning. Appointing a health care surrogate (health care proxy) is often a great choice to protect yourself. Here, our New Jersey health care surrogate estate planning lawyer provides a guide to key things you should know about your rights and your options.
What is a Health Care Surrogate?
Also referred to as a health care proxy, a health care surrogate is a designated person who makes medical decisions on behalf of another person when they are unable to do so due to illness or incapacitation. It is a key estate planning tool. Notably, the role of a health care proxy is absolutely vital in circumstances in which a vulnerable person—such as an elderly parent or a disabled individual—has not specified their medical preferences or is unconscious.
Why a Health Care Proxy is a Valuable Estate Planning Tool
Planning for future health care needs—including the risk of incapacity—is an important aspect of estate planning. Indeed, every person who creates an estate plan in New Jersey should have a comprehensive system to protect their health and well-being in place. A health care surrogate can be an effective tool. Here are some of the most notable advantages:
- Decision-Making: It ensures that medical decisions will be made according to your preferences when you are unable to communicate your wishes yourself.
- Flexibility and Control: Unlike general POA, a health care proxy is specifically tailored to medical decisions. The focus gives you control over who can make such decisions.
- Avoid Legal Disputes: By clearly designating who will make decisions, a health care proxy can prevent legal disputes among family members about medical care.
- Ease of Modification: Life brings changes. As circumstances or your preferences change, you can easily revise your health care proxy.
How Do You Appoint a Health Care Surrogate in Your Estate Plan in New Jersey
To appoint a health care surrogate in your estate plan in New Jersey, you need to complete the proper estate planning document. The New Jersey Commission on Legal and Ethical Problems in the Delivery of Health Care provides a sample form that can be used to appoint a health care surrogate. You do not have to figure out everything on your own. A New Jersey estate planning lawyer with experience handling health care proxies can help.
Contact Our New Jersey Health Care Surrogate Attorney Today
At Poulos LoPiccolo PC, our New Jersey estate planning attorney has the skills and experience to help people handle health care surrogacy matters. If you have any questions about health care surrogates and estate planning, please do not hesitate to contact us today. With an office in Monmouth County, our firm handles estate planning issues all across New Jersey.
Source:
nj.gov/health/advancedirective/documents/proxy_directive.pdf
