Speaking For You In Critical Moments: Powers Of Attorney And Health Care Directives

Estate planning, when properly done, can be the ultimate act of thoughtfulness. Filing power of attorney documents and health care directives gives you full control over what happens to you and your estate when you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself.

Mary Ebb Law can help you draft power of attorney documents, health care directives and other estate planning documents for yourself or a loved one. Planning ahead for emergency or end-of-life situations will take the stress of off your family during what is sure to be a difficult time. Our firm is based in White Bear Lake, and serves Roseville and other locations within Ramsey County, as well as the greater Twin Cities area.

What Instructions Can Go In A Power Of Attorney Document?

Power of attorney documents can cover financial or health care decisions. They allow you to name an agent to act on your behalf (also known as an “attorney of fact”). You may put detailed instructions for some commonly encountered situations in your document, although it is not possible to cover every possibility. Your agent is prohibited from contradicting the terms named in your power of attorney document.

If you have extremely detailed instructions you would like to communicate regarding your health, you may wish to have a lawyer create an advance health care directive (covered in the next section) for you.

In Case Of Emergency: Health Care Directives And Treatment Decisions

Advance health care directives provide specific instructions related to end-of-life care and treatment. Some of the items you may address in this document include:

  • Types of treatment you do or do not want given to you
  • Instructions on artificial nutrition and hydration
  • Care instructions if you are pregnant
  • Where you would like to receive care
  • Donation of organs and tissues, and funeral arrangements

A health care directive in Minnesota cannot request care outside of standard medical treatment or assisted suicide.

Start The Planning Process Today

Life can be uncertain. Mary Ebb Law can help you put your wishes for your care and treatment into a legally valid document. Contact us today by calling 651-323-2236 or using our contact form to schedule an appointment.