As we all navigate through this coronavirus pandemic, our primary goals are to make sure we’re as prepared as we can be to protect ourselves. During this time, our law firm remains committed to making sure our current and new clients are well protected when it comes to their estate planning. It’s really important right now that you have powers of attorney in place for your health care and finances.
During a time like this, it’s best to be prepared just in case you become even temporarily unable to make decisions for yourself due to an illness.
Health Care Proxy
In Massachusetts, a medical POA is known as a health care proxy. You choose a person you trust to make medical decisions for you should you become unable to do so. In Massachusetts, your spouse, adult child, or friend don’t automatically have the legal authority to make health decisions on your behalf unless they’re your health care proxy.
Financial Power of Attorney
A financial power of attorney lets a person you name make financial decisions on your behalf. They could perform tasks like paying your bills so you can continue to get the services you need and managing property you own.
Without durable powers of attorney, a family member would have to petition the probate court to be appointed your guardian or conservator to get that legal authority to act for you when it comes to your health care and financial matters. That legal process takes time and costs money.
If you already have these power of attorney documents, review them to make sure they’re up to date. If you don’t have them, it’s time to get them in place.
Please contact us at your earliest convenience. We’re offering free initial consultations by phone and video conferencing. Updating or creating these documents is a relatively quick and easy process. Contact us at 617.299.6976 or mkarr@maheritagelawcenter.com to make your free appointment today.
