St. Petersburg Health Care Surrogate Attorney
While it is something no one wants to think about, there may come a time in your life when you are unable to make important decisions about the health care you receive. To make sure your wishes are fulfilled, it is important to designate a health care surrogate that can make these decisions for you. The person you appoint as your health care surrogate requires careful thought and planning, as they may one day have a significant impact on your quality of life. Below, our St. Petersburg health care surrogate attorney outlines what you need to know.
Why Include a Health Care Surrogate in Your Estate Plan?
It is important to include a health care surrogate form within your estate plan. This document will designate the exact person you want to make healthcare decisions for you in the event that you cannot do so yourself. The health care surrogate will make these decisions if you are ever incapacitated or require end-of-life treatment. If you have not designated a health care surrogate and you are ever deemed incompetent, state law will dictate who can make these decisions for you.
State law outlines an order of priority when determining which relatives will make decisions for you. The order according to Florida law may not always be in your best interests. For example, a brother you have never gotten along with may be appointed as your health care surrogate. Additionally, if you have a partner but you are not married to them, they will also have no legal authority to be your health care surrogate.
How to Draft a Health Care Surrogate in Florida
An experienced attorney can help you designate a health care surrogate. Working with a lawyer is always important when drafting any document that pertains to you, your property, or your health to ensure it is accurate, clear, and precise. You can designate a health care surrogate using a form, which requires your signature as well as those of two witnesses.
The witnesses cannot be named as your surrogate and at least one cannot be your spouse or a blood relative. You and the witnesses must also sign the document in the presence of a notary. You should also name an alternate in the event that the original surrogate is unable to act as your proxy.
Choosing your health care surrogate requires very careful thought. You should be able to trust them with your life because someday, you may have to. You should know that your surrogate will make decisions that are in your best interests and that align with your wishes. It is also important to speak to your surrogate so they are fully aware of what you want.
Our Health Care Surrogate Attorney in St. Petersburg Can Help with Your Case
If you need to speak to a St. Petersburg health care surrogate attorney about designating a proxy, David Toback can provide the sound legal advice you need. Call us now at 813-252-7529 or chat with us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more.
