Norristown Estate Planning Lawyer
Protect Against the Unexpected and Gain Peace of Mind
Proper estate planning can ensure that you and your loved ones are fully protected in the event something unexpected occurs — an accident, unexpected illness, injury or death. Because the estate planning process can be complex, it is extremely important to consider retaining the services of a knowledgeable and experienced attorney who will guide you through the creation of the necessary legal instruments.
At the Law Office of Eric J. Cox, in Montgomery County, I can help you establish a health care power of attorney or other medical directive in accordance with Pennsylvania law. These directives can bring you much needed peace of mind from knowing that your wishes regarding health care and other matters will be honored.
Pennsylvania Advanced Health Care Directives
You have a right to make your own decisions regarding what kind of medical treatment you do or do not want to receive. However, if your intentions are not conveyed to the appropriate people in a legally appropriate manner, by law your wishes cannot be followed. I thoroughly explain advanced health care directives to clients so that they can make informed decisions and create sound documents that ensure their exact intentions are clear.
A thorough estate plan may contain a durable health care power of attorney, a living will, or both.
- Durable health care power of attorney: A durable health care power of attorney allows you to designate a person to make important health care decisions on your behalf in the event that you become incapacitated. Language in the document can clearly state that the health care power of attorney only becomes effective once a doctor has established that you lack capacity due to injury, illness or another condition. Unlike a guardianship (where the individual would need to seek appointment through a court proceeding after you are incapacitated), a power attorney grants immediate authority once you are incapacitated.
- Living will: A living will allows you to express what kind of medical treatment you would or would not like to receive in the event that you are permanently unconscious or otherwise in an end-of-life medical condition. A living will can only be honored once a doctor has identified that you are in such a position.
I understand that it can be difficult to deal with issues involving a time where you may lack the capacity to make decisions for yourself or where you are at the end of life. However, ignoring these issues does not make it any easier — in fact, it only makes it worse for your family.
With over 30 years of experience helping Pennsylvania individuals and families, I can help you work through these delicate issues and get the appropriate documentation in place — providing you and your family with peace of mind.
Contact me, attorney Eric J. Cox, in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, to discuss powers of attorney, living wills or other advanced health care directives. Call 484-534-2495.
