You Can Plan for the Unexpected
Planning for the future includes more than just financial planning. It is also important to provide for health care. The laws surrounding powers of attorney and living wills can be quite confusing. Working with a knowledgeable lawyer is a good way to ensure that your wishes are carried out.
You can count on the attorneys at Faupel, Fraser & Fessler to help you draft the documents you need to plan for your future. We will discuss your needs and goals before we begin. Then we will explain your options and help you decide what is right for you. To get started, simply call our Ann Arbor office at 734-418-0958.
Benefits of Powers of Attorney
A durable power of attorney for property grants authority to another person to make decisions about finances and real estate if you are incapacitated. It will remain in effect for as long as you are unable to make decisions.
Medical or health care powers of attorney let you name a guardian or conservator for yourself in the event you are incapacitated. This person, or people, will make heath care decisions for you. A medical power of attorney is also useful for specifying your preferences for health care treatment and end-of-life issues.
Using a living will, you can request that doctors withhold health care under certain circumstances. This document must comply with Michigan statutes to be legal. Because each hospital can interpret a living will differently, you should have an attorney help you draft it.
Additional Considerations
A power of attorney can also be used to give another person legal authority over your children. People sometimes do this if the child is temporarily living elsewhere, such as with grandparents for the summer or while attending school elsewhere. This power of attorney is valid for six months and may be renewed for additional time.
A will is only effective after you die, but a power of attorney may take effect while you are alive, making them a good option for health care planning and guardianships.
To make an appointment, please call 734-418-0958 or send us an e-mail.
