New Jersey Estate Planning Attorney Christine Matus Discusses Becoming a Health Care Proxy

New Jersey estate planning attorney Christine Matus releases a new article (https://matuslaw.com/how-do-you-become-someones-health-care-proxy-in-new-jersey/) explaining how someone can become someone else’s healthcare proxy. The lawyer mentions that a healthcare proxy is a legal form authorizing someone to make important decisions for them if they are not able to do so.

“Although most of us don’t like to think about it, there may come a time when we can’t make crucial medical decisions for ourselves. Unfortunately, research shows that only approximately one in three adults in the United States have legally designated a health care proxy. Although you may think that your loved ones know what you would want should you ever be in this position, that is not always the case, especially when it comes to end-of-life matters,” says the New Jersey estate planning attorney.

The lawyer mentions that in emergency situations, healthcare professionals will do what they can to save a patient. However, after that, other important decisions will have to be made. The state will have to appoint a guardian to make these decisions if the patient or their family members will not be able to do so.

Attorney Christine Matus explains that a power of attorney document can be as specific as how an individual wants it to be. A healthcare proxy will be able to make a wide variety of decisions on the patient’s behalf. If a person becomes incapacitated, a healthcare proxy will decide what medical care and treatments they will receive, which doctors will provide that care, Where they receive care in the way of long-term care, and who takes care of their daily care on an ongoing basis.

According to attorney Matus, “A health care proxy can be as broad or specific as the person making it wants. Unfortunately, lack of specificity can lead to disagreements between the agent and other family members regarding important health care matters. A health care proxy must be able to coordinate with the individual making the financial decisions and there may be times when these individuals disagree.”

Lastly, the estate planning attorney adds that it is important to seek the help of an experienced lawyer when an individual is dealing with matters such as being someone’s healthcare proxy. Having a skilled lawyer will be helpful when it comes to checking pitfalls and ensuring that someone’s wishes are carried out according to how they wanted them to be.

About the Matus Law Group

The Matus Law Group has a team of estate planning attorneys who are committed to helping families and individuals in real estate transactions in New Jersey and New York. Through a team approach, they work hard to help their clients with their estate planning needs. Call The Matus Law Group today at (732) 785-4453.