Remember, accidents happen and if severe enough you will not be in a position to assist in your medical and financial decisions. Do your family members know your wishes regarding health care decisions and financial matters? Even if your family does know what your wishes are, they can’t legally act on your behalf until you give them the legal right to take such action.

It is of benefit for you to have legal documents providing directives in the event you become ill or incapacitated. These documents can’t be drafted and signed by you if you are unconscious: they need to be done before the unthinkable happens. The lawyers at Casha and Casha, LLC can draft a power of attorney and a living will, two documents that may become necessary for many families.

A durable power of attorney is a legal document that designates a person who will act on your behalf regarding financial matters. The person who is given the authority to act on behalf of the individual is called an "attorney-in-fact." He or she will make financial decisions in your best interest when you are no longer able to. Without a durable power of attorney, family members are left pursuing lengthy and costly incompetency proceedings to appoint a legal guardian.

A living will is also known as an advance health care directive. This document declares your wishes regarding the use of life-sustaining treatment in the event you become incapacitated. This may occur because of a terminal illness, coma, or other serious medical situation where you are unable to communicate your wishes. The living will authorizes doctors to follow the instructions contained in the document. Through a Health Care Proxy or combined Advanced Health Care Directive, you may also designate a Health Care Representative to make any necessary medical decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated.

Click to view fees and rates for Living Will / Power of Attorney